Rare endangered species on display

Tirumala: The lush green cover of Seshachala forest is a home to wide range of species of flora and fauna which enhanced the spiritual and devotional quotient of Tirumala, the abode of Lord Venkateswara.

To give devotees and pilgrims, who visit in huge numbers every day to Tirumala, the TTD Forest department has got up a unique display of its rarest endemic, endangered species of avian and animals at the natural rocky arch-Silathoranam area in Tirumala.

The display of cement models of various wild beasts which are unique to Tirumala ranges viz. peacock, pythons, rare serpents, star turtles, civet cats (Punugu pilli), slender loris (Devanga pilli), forest squirrel, Brahmanic Kites (a type of eagle), chameleons, golden gecko (gold colour lizard visible only in Tirumala) hill lizards, birds like parrots etc. mirroring the bio-diversity resplendent in Seshachala forest.

According to the DFO Phani Kumar Naidu, this attractive 'Jungle Affair' at Silathoranam comprised of six cement models, 11 rocks cut figurines three carvings on Kadapa black stones have already been a massive hit with pilgrims visiting Tirumala during the summer season.

He said these rich stony, rocky models were put up by experts of Universal Eco Foundation of Puducherry at a cost of 10 lakh.

"We are contemplating similar Jungle Amusement Park in Tirupati also," he added.