Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

Context: After 4,000 trekkers climbed the Kumara Parvatha peak in the ecologically fragile Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary on the Republic Day weekend, an alarmed Karnataka government temporarily banned trekking in the State.

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

• This sanctuary is located in Kodagu district of Karnataka and is part of Western ghats.
•  The Kadamakkal reserve forest is a part of the sanctuary. 
• Pushpagiri (Kumara Parvatha) is the highest peak in it (2^nd highest in Karnataka).
• The sanctuary adjoins Bisle reserve forest to the north and Kukke Subramanya forest range to the west.
• Mandalpatti peak, Kote betta and Makkalagudi betta are mountains that fall in the sanctuary. 
• Mallalli falls and Kote abbe waterfalls (also called Mukkodlu falls) are located inside the sanctuary. 

Fauna

• A few of the popular animal species are Spotted Deer, Wild Pig, Giant Squirrel, Gaur, Sambar, Asian Elephant.
• Orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Grey-Breasted Laughing Thrush.
•  King Cobra, rat, and other variants of snakes can also be found here. 
• The Nilgiri Pigeon is the most beautiful attraction here.