In News:

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) recently made significant archaeological findings in the Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh. During an epigraphical survey, ASI discovered three rock shelters, rock paintings, and 30 inscriptions, highlighting the region’s historical and cultural significance.

Key Facts:

• Location: Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh.
• Water bodies:
  • The sanctuary forms the catchment area of the Pennar River.
  • The Telugu Ganga Canal flows through the eastern part and drains into the Pennar.

Biodiversity:

• Vegetation types:
  • Southern tropical dry deciduous forests (hills)
  • Scrub forests (plains)
  • Southern dry mixed deciduous forests
  • Tropical thorn forests
  • Tropical dry evergreen forests
• Flora:
  • Rare and endangered species: Red Sanders, Sandalwood
  • Riparian vegetation: Terminalia spp., Syzygium spp. (Jamun), Wild Mangoes, Anogeissuslatifolia, Phoenix spp., Bamboo, Hardwickiabinata
• Fauna:
  • Notable species: Common toad, Bullfrog, Common Indian skink, Green vine snake
  • Critically endangered species: Jerdon’s Courser — this sanctuary is the only known habitat of this bird.