Our Land: The Ryaan Ranch Reserve

Ryaan Ranch

25 Acres of Hope and Harmony

Nestled deep within the Shankarkode region of Karulai, Nilambur, the Ryaan Ranch Reserve spans 25 acres of privately protected forest land. This sacred patch of earth lies at the edge of the Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary and is completely surrounded by untouched rainforest, ancient hills, and meandering rivers. More than just land—it is a living sanctuary, a breathing extension of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, and a symbol of hope for a future where forests are preserved, not plundered.

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Location Highlights

Geography: Located in Shankarkode, within the heart of the Western Ghats, one of the most biologically rich regions in the world

Ecosystem: Forms part of a natural elephant corridor, regularly visited by wild elephants, sambar deer, and other species

Accessibility: Remote yet reachable—far from urban interference, but close enough for researchers, rangers, and conservationists to access

Buffer Zone: Positioned as a transition buffer between human settlements and core forest, serving as a critical safety valve for wildlife movement

The Ryaan Ranch Reserve represents a unique conservation model in India, where private landowners voluntarily protect land for the benefit of wildlife and the wider ecosystem. It stands as a working example of how individual action, guided by science and compassion, can help address global issues like:

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Habitat loss

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Species extinction

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Human-wildlife conflict

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Climate change

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Grazing Zones and Watering Holes

We maintain open grazing zones and natural water points to support wildlife year-round, especially during periods of stress such as summer droughts.

Natural Water Pond

At the heart of the reserve lies a natural rain-fed pond, which serves as a perennial watering hole. This site is frequented by:

Spotted deer, sambar, and wild boars

Elephant herds for hydration and mud bathing

Leopards and nocturnal species at night

Birds, butterflies, and amphibians throughout the day

This pond plays a vital ecological role, reducing the need for wildlife to stray into human settlements in search of water, thus also helping prevent conflict.

Dedicated Water Sources for Summer Months

During peak summer and drought periods, when natural sources may dry up, we ensure continued access to water through:

4 permanent wells across the reserve, maintained and kept clean for emergency animal hydration

A dedicated water tanker vehicle used to supply water to remote parts of the forest within and around the reserve

Temporary portable troughs and mud pits refilled daily to support animals who depend on scattered sources

These proactive measures have proven essential in helping elephants, deer, wild boars, and even birds survive extreme summer conditions without distress or forced migration.

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Forest Regeneration and Rewilding

We are committed to rebuilding native forest habitats using eco-restoration techniques, including:

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Plantation of indigenous species like Nilambur teak, wild fig, gooseberry, and bamboo
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Removal of invasive species such as Lantana and Senna
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Soil regeneration using organic mulching and compost
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Encouragement of natural undergrowth and fungal biodiversity to restore the forest floor

This creates a multi-layered ecosystem, attracting back pollinators, small mammals, and birds essential for a thriving food chain.

Safe Shelters for Fauna (Future Plan)

Creating Natural Refuge Zones for Wildlife in the Years Ahead

At Ryaan Ranch Wildlife Trust, we recognize the importance of providing not just land—but secure, undisturbed microhabitats where wildlife can rest, breed, and thrive. While our reserve already sees regular wildlife movement—including elephants, deer, and leopards—dedicated wildlife shelter zones are part of our long-term habitat restoration plan.

As we gradually develop the land, we aim to enhance and diversify microhabitats, enabling wildlife to use our reserve not just as a corridor—but as a safe resting, nesting, and refuge space throughout the year.

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Future Habitat Features in Development

We plan to enhance:

Native tree canopy (teak, bamboo, fig, jackfruit)

Bamboo clusters and bush thickets for cover and nesting

These will help support birds, primates, and herbivores seeking shade and feeding areas.

We aim to leave select areas untouched to allow for:

Natural decay and burrow creation

Shelters for small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians

Rich forest-floor biodiversity through leaf litter retention

This helps replicate wild forest floor conditions essential for smaller species and soil regeneration.

We will identify and maintain low-disturbance zones where:

Elephants can pause during migration and access shade or water

Leopards or wild boars may find occasional resting sites

These areas will remain off-limits to human activity and act as buffer shelters for shy or sensitive species.

As part of our landscape restoration program, we plan to introduce:

Mud wallows for elephants and boars

Bee boxes and pollinator-friendly zones

Natural perches and nesting supports for ground and tree birds

Rock piles, woody debris, and water-filled logs to attract frogs, reptiles, and insects

These planned shelters will help increase biodiversity density while maintaining natural forest dynamics.