Ranipuram shola NP/ wildlife sanctuary(50 sq.km, proposed)

Although local people of this area reported presence of wild elephants and shola forests, concerened forest officials of this disrtict never tried for setting up of a NP or wildlife sanctuary. The proposed Ranipuram Wildlife sanctuary / National park of Kanhangad forest range, (Panathady RF) along with kottancherri forests consists of various flora and fauna which are endemic to the Western Ghats and a yet to studied biodiversity hotspot. It merges with the Talacauvery wildlife sanctuary. Ranipuram hill station which falls in Panathady reserve forest is an ideal area to notify as a wild life sanctuary/National park. shola forest seen only here in this district. Elephants, leopards, deer, wild dogs, wild boars, macaques, jungle cats, Leopard cats slender loris, porcupines, malabar giant squirrels, malabar civet cat, many species of birds, rare butterflies and medicinal plants are found in these forest. Endangered fresh water fish silurus wynaadensis reported from the streams of this forest. Panathady RF is recently selected for tentative nomination for protection of natural properties of World Heritage Site under UNESCO.