Abstract

A study was conducted during 1990-92 in the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (10 degree 15' to 10 degree 22'N latitude and 77 degree 05' to 77 degree 17'E longitude) of Kerala State to characterise the natural salt lick sites and gather information on their usage by wild animals. Four sites were selected, three in natural salt lick area and one outside the salt lick which remained as control. For comparison purpose, two sites viz Anakkatty and Munnar were also selected. From each site, ten soil surface samples (0-20 cm) were taken at random. The soils were characterised and the total sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium contents were estimated. The animal visits were recorded through regular field observations and the degree of their use by monitoring the laid out impression pad. The soils in the natural salt lick sites had higher sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium contents as compared to control and comparision sites. Sodium content was dominant in the natural salt lick sites. Herbivores likeelephant (Elephas maximus), spotted deer (Axis axis), and sambar deer (Cervus unicolor) use the salt licks. There was very little evidence of gaur (Bos gaurus) using the salt licks. Animals use the salt licks irrespective of the season and age