The world of conservation gained another treasure with the creation of the Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site. The Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site was designated under the Biological Diversity Act of 2002, including a total of 193.215 hectares of land distributed across the villages of Arittapatti and Meenakshipuram in the district of Madurai in Tamil Nadu. India currently has 19 biodiversity heritage sites thanks to this recent entry.
The chain of seven desolate granite hillocks in Arittapatti village is the most remarkable geographical feature, while there are other attractions as well. Surprisingly, this rugged terrain is home to three check dams, 200 natural springs, and 72 lakes. One of these lakes, Anaikondan Lake, originates from the Pandya dynasty in the sixteenth century.
In addition to these granite hillocks, Arittapatti Village is home to a variety of megalithic buildings, 2,200-year-old rock-cut temples, many Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions, a thriving community, and a diverse array of wildlife. There are about 250 bird species in the area, including the Laggar falcon, Shaheen falcon, and Bonelli's eagle—three prominent raptor species. Slender loris, Indian pangolin, and python are just a few of the endangered animal species found in the area.
Heritage sites for biodiversity are biological areas with distinctive, ecologically vulnerable ecosystems that support rare and endangered species. Important species that are not only endemic or endangered but also keystone species, flagship species, or umbrella species are frequently found in these types of habitats.
