Wild animals, depending upon their social and behavioral characteristics, also show wide variations in their spatial distribution across the wild landscape. Individuals may be spread out evenly or at random. Many of the species, however, occur only in groups. Tourists that are interested in witnessing diverse wildlife forms in large groups will have no difficulty in sighting species that tend to aggregate (usually the winter migrants) during feeding time in the open areas. On the other hand, tourists who would rather like to see rare species of exotic wildlife that live solitary lives or in small family groups, will have to plan for a longer trip into the ‘wildernesses’. In
Kerala tourist destinations abound in the central part of the state and very adjacent to the evergreen forests that teem with flora and fauna that can be seen only here.
Knowledge of the ecology, habitat preferences and the distribution of wildlife within its range will improve the chance of spotting wildlife, as well as in enhancing effective management of these resources. For instance, the herbivores of Masai-Mara Reserve in Africa are associated with varying types of natural vegetation. The distribution of the Australian kangaroos also follows the rainfall and vegetation pattern across its range. The use of ecological indicators, such as vegetation cover, can help determine the location and activities of wild species.
Wildlife, like all other forms of living organisms, has specific habitat requirements for feeding, breeding, and resting. While some wildlife species have broad habitat requirements (e.g. wild pigs, magpies), others are more selective and are quite sensitive to any form of spatial displacements (e.g., tigers, peregrine falcons etc). Habitat requirements vary from one species to the other and from one season to the next.
Also parental care especially during nesting and rearing is very intense, and either one or both parents can be extremely aggressive and will attack or chase intruders to defend their young ones. Depending on the species, some animals claim large territories, while others defend a much smaller, but well-defined spot (e.g. a tree perch). In general, carnivores are more territorial than herbivores. Large carnivores require bigger territories than small carnivores. Some wildlife species are opportunistic feeders and prey on a wide range of animals.
Walk into the wilderness to witness exotic diversity
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