Kerala's two tiger reserves: Periyar notified in 2007 with a total area of 925 sq km, Parambikulam in 2009 with 643.66 sq km

Background

The Kerala Forest Department states that Kerala is home to two tiger reserves, Periyar and Parambikulam.
Periyar Tiger Reserve was notified as a tiger reserve in 2007, by G.O(P) No. 75/07/F&WLD dt.31/12/2007, with a core area of 881 sq km and a buffer area of 44 sq km, giving a total area of 925 sq km.
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve was notified in 2009, by G.O(P)No.53/2009/F&WLD dated 16/12/2009, with a core area of 390.89 sq km and a buffer area of 252.77 sq km, giving a total area of 643.66 sq km.
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 was amended in 2006 to establish the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and to empower states to notify areas as tiger reserves.
Under NTCA guidelines, tourism is permitted only in designated areas of the buffer zone, not exceeding 20 per cent of the total area.