There was very little focussed attention in designating specific wildlife rich areas as sanctuaries or national parks. India had about 80 sanctuaries notified across the country by the early 1960s, of which four were noted for the gigantic congregation of waterfowl during winter months. Tamil Nadu had at that time only three sanctuaries, including the Vedanthangal bird sanctuary.

Sholas, which represent a unique vegetation complex, are very rich in biodiversity and support a high degree of endemism are known for their intrinsic values in terms of providing sustained water supply in the hills. Shola forests faced severe stress from biotic interferences like collection of firewood and fodder, recurrent man made fires in surrounding grasslands and conversion into exotic plantations, which caused their depletion.