Mukurthi National Park
Encyclopedia
Mukurthi National Park is a 78.46 km² protected area
located in the south-eastern corner of the Nilgiris
Plateau
west of Ootacamund
hill station
in the northwest corner of Tamil Nadu
state in the Western Ghats
mountain range of South India
. The park was created to protect its Keystone species
, the Nilgiri Tahr
.
The park is a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
, India's first International Biosphere Reserve. The Western Ghats, Nilgiri Sub-Cluster (6,000+ km²), including all of Mukurthi National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO
World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site
.
The park is characterized by Montane grasslands and shrublands
interspersed with shola
s in a high altitude area of high rainfall, subfreezing temperatures and high winds. It is home to an array of endangered wildlife, including Royal Bengal Tiger and Asian Elephant
, but its main mammal attraction is the Nilgiri Tahr. The park was previously known as Nilgiri Tahr National Park.
have harvested firewood from the sholas and grazed their animals including the Hill Buffalo
for centuries. Indiscriminate felling of the sholas started with the establishment of British settlements in Ootacamund, Coonoor
and Wellington
in the early 19th century. Beginning in 1841 authorities issued contracts to bidders to fell wood from specific sholas in a 'timber conservancy' program. In 1868 James Breeds, Commissioner of the Hills, wrote: "...unless conservancy is taken in hand and organized under some efficient system under the control of an experienced officer, the destruction of the sholas is but a question of time."
Bangitappal
(Cannabis tableland), at the southwest end of the park at the confluence of two streams at the head of the Sispara Pass
, used to be a halting place on the old Sispara ghat road from Kozhikode
to Ooty, constructed in 1832. This pass provided a short land route for postal runners from Ooty to the West Coast in the 19th century and was used for smuggling of cannabis, tobacco and later salt. A forest rest house and a trekkers shed built there in 1930 are now used by park staff and visiting researchers.
Between 1840 and 1856 plantation
s of several non-native tree species were introduced to the area to satisfy the fuel-wood demand. These included 4 Wattle
species (Black Wattle, Silver Wattle
, Green Wattle
and Blackwood), Eucalyptus
, Cyprus
, Indian Long leaf Pine
and Thorny Gorse
. Eucalyptus became the preferred plantation tree.
Unlike the others, the wattles spread by root suckers to quickly cover large areas of native grasslands, including the Mukurthi Hills, and was declared a pest "useful for covering wastelands.". Some Black Wattle plantations were maintained for the leather industry, as their bark yielded tannin
.
In 1882 Inspector General of Forests, Dietrich Brandis
"recommended bringing the present 1200 acres (4.9 km²) of plantation up to 5000 acres (20.2 km²) to create enormous forest blocks "...which would make any remaining sholas redundant forest resources."
The entire area of MNP, was declared as a Reserve forest
in 1886.
In 1920 it was suggested that 10–15 acre plots in the Kundah Hills including the present park area, "be planted up each year in places where sholas have almost or quite disappeared, the most suitable species probably being Acacia dealbata
(Silver Wattle)", thus replacing highly diverse endemic and stable ecosystems with an exotic monoculture supporting little animal diversity.
The area was declared as a wildlife sanctuary on August 3, 1982 and upgraded as a National Park on October 15, 1990 in order to protect the Nilgiri Tahr.
of Kerala
.
On the Nilgiri Plateau, the Kundah range of the Nilgiri hills is a ridge on the south-western side of Mukurthi National Park bordering Kerala
. The Tamil Nadu/Kerala border here is 39 km long. The park generally slopes towards the east and south receiving water from the Billithadahalla, Pykara and Kundah rivers, and the Upper Bhavani and Mukurthi reservoirs which flow through the park. Also several perennial streams originate in the park, most of which drain into the Bhavani Puzha.
Park elevation varies from 1500 m (4,921.3 ft) to 2629 m (8,625.3 ft), with Kollaribetta 2629 m (8,625.3 ft), Mukurthi 2554 m (8,379.3 ft), and Nilgiri 2476 m (8,123.4 ft) being the highest peaks. With elevations greater than the general level of the plateau, the range possesses some peaks close to the height of Doddabetta
, just east of Ooty.
Avalanche hill of this range has twin-peaks of the Kudikkadu (height: 2590 metres (8,497 ft)) and the Kolaribetta. Derbetta (or Bear Hill) (height: 2531 metres (8,304 ft)) and Kolibetta (height: 2494 metres (8,182 ft)), south of the Ouchterlony valley, are a continuation of the Kundah range.
Pichalbetta (height: 2544 metres (8,346 ft)), Nilgiri Peak and Mukurthi Peak are the important heights of this area. These 3 hills of the Wayanad district
are generally low in relation to other heights of the district; but are distinguished in relation to the generally uniform level of this area.
Important peaks in the southwest Sispara/Bangitipal part of the park are Sispara
(height: 2206 metres (7,238 ft)) Anginda
(height: 2383 metres (7,818 ft)), Nadugani (height: 0 metre (0 ft)) and Gulkal (height: 2468 metres (8,097 ft)).
The park has a harsh environment with annual rainfall varying from 2010 mm to 6330 mm (79–249 inches), night temperature usually below freezing in the winter and wind speeds ranging up to 120 kilometre per hour. page 13
Several threatened mammal species live here including Nilgiri Tahr
, Indian elephant
, Bengal Tiger
, Nilgiri Marten, Nilgiri langur
and Bonhote's Mouse
. Mukurthi is near the northern end of the range of the Nilgiri Tahr. A 3 day census in March 2007 estimated 200 Tahrs in the park including 60 young ones sighted. There are also Leopard
, Bonnet macaque
, Sambar deer
, Barking deer, Mouse Deer, Otter
, Jungle cat
, Small Indian Civet
, Wild dog, Jackal
, Black-naped Hare, Shrew, Malabar Spiny Dormouse and Soft-furred Rat
.
Avifauna consists mostly of hill birds including the threatened Laughingthrush
, Whistling Thrush
, Woodcock
, Wood Pigeon
, Black-and-orange Flycatcher
, Nilgiri Flycatcher
, Grey Headed Flycatcher
Black Bulbul
, White-eye
, Nilgiri Pipit
. The predatory Black-winged Kite
, Kestrel
and Black Eagle
may be seen in the grasslands.
The area is home to many species of reptiles such as the Geckos Dwarf Gecko
spp. and Nilgiri Salea Salea horsfieldii
, the snakes Horseshoe Pit Viper
, Olivaceaous Keelback
, Oligodon taeniolatus
, Oligodon venustus
, Bronze-headed Vine Snake
and several Shieldtails of which Perrotet's Shieldtail
is most common. Some amphibians here are the Common Indian Toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus), Bufo beddomii
, Bufo microtympanum and many species of Tree Frog
s including Micrixalus opisthorhodus and Rana limnocharis.
Butterflies with Himalayan affinity like the Blue Admiral
, Indian Red Admiral
, Indian Fritillary
, Indian Cabbage white and Hedge blue
s are seen here. Some streams had been stocked with exotic Rainbow Trout
in the past.
plants. Alchemilla indica and Hedyotis verticillaris are found only within or on the fringes of this park.
Rhododendron
s, Rhododendron arboreum
the national flower of Nepal or Rhododendron nilagiricum,
are seen throughout the grasslands and very large specimens are conspicuous around many sholas. Other common shola trees and shrubs among the 58 species found here include: Syzygium calophyllifolium, Daphiphyllum neilgherrense, Cinnamomum wightii, Vaccinium leschenaulti, Mahonia leschenaulti, Litsea
sp., Lasianthes sp., Psychotria
sp. and Michelia nilagirica.
The Edges of most sholas are lined with the shrubs: Gaultheria fragrantissima, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa
, Rubus
sp., Bergeris tinctoria, Eurya nitida, Strobilanthes
sp., and Helichrysum sp.
The Orchids Eria abliflora
, Oberonia santapaui
, Aerides ringens
, Aerides crispa and Coelogyne odoratissima
are found on the high west edge of the park. Among the grasslands are a plethora of Brachycorithis iantha, Satyrium nepalense, Habenaria cephalotes
, Seidenfia densiflora
, Spiranthes sinensis
and Liparis atropurpurea.
The natural habitats of the park have been much disturbed by previously easy motor vehicle access through four different entry points and extensive commercial planting and natural spreading of non-native eucalyptus
and wattle
(Acacia dealbata
, Acacia mearnsii and other species). In addition there is one large, and several smaller hydro-electric impoundments in the area.
Only 20% of the park area has more than a 50% chance of being used by Tahr. If old commercial forests are removed and restored to their original grassland habitat, usable Tahr habitat would increase to 60%.
the endangered shola-grassland ecosystem and its endemic flora and fauna. The department operates an effective year round anti-poaching program with gun and radio equipped foot patrols operating from anti-poaching camps at Bangitappal, Nadugani, Western Catchment and Mukurthi Fishing Hut.
Prevention and control of destructive Wildfire is achieved through creation of artificial firebreak
s in the form of hand dug fire lines along ridges and cleared trek paths. Local fire watchers are employed for early detection and control during the dangerous December to April fire season. Invasive imported plant species, especially Wattle
, Scotch broom and Gorse
are being controlled and eliminated from the park through a phased long term program focused on restoration of the original biota.
Tourism is not a management objective, but the Forest Department does periotically conduct nature awareness and conservation programs for the public and some special interest groups through controlled visits to the Western Catchment and Avalanche areas of the park.
The Forest Department also seeks to identify and acquire contiguous undisturbed crucial habitat areas for future inclusion in the park. pages 48 50
king and camping
. There are Forest Rest Houses at Bangitapal, Avalanche, Pykara and some unfurnished trekking sheds.
A mostly down hill 3, 4 or 5 day trek through Mukurthi and Silent Valley National Park
s starts by driving 75 km from Udhagamandalam (Ooty) in 4 hrs and 1 km walk to overnight at Bangitapal. Walk 24 km through Mukurthi Park in 9 hrs to overnight at Walakkad, or overnight half way at the new trekkers bungalow at Sispara peak
then continue 12 km steep downhill the next day to Walakkad. Walk 18 km in 7 hrs to overnight at Poochipara. Walk 8 km in 3 hrs to Sairandhiri in Silent Valley, then take a park van out or overnight at Sairandhri
and trek 23 km to Mukkali village A forest guide-cum-cook accompanies park visitors during all treks.
In some cases the guide may instruct visitors to bend down to drink straight from a stream like a deer and prohibit bathing in a stream so the silt at the bottom is not disturbed and because human body odour might affect the animals.
Beginning in November, 2007 the Forest Department has organised trekking programmes inside forest areas of Mukurthi Park with the objective to familiarise the public with the conservation efforts of the department. The places covered by various treks are Mudimund, Mukurthi Peak, Western Catchment, Bangitapal, Moyar, Anaikatti, Morganbetta, Avalanchi, Kolleribetta, Sispara and Silent Valley. Trek distances vary between 8 km. and 60 km. Each group comprises up to 20 members. Guides, instructors, cooks, porters, tents and food are provided by the department. Trekkers have to bring ruck sacks and sleeping bags.
Application for trekking permits should be made well in advance with: Range officer - Reception, O/O Wildlife Warden, Mount Stuart Hill, Udhagamandalam – 643 001 Tamil Nadu, India; Phone: +91-423-24445971; Fax: +91-423-2450400.
The nearest airport is Coimbatore – 140 km. The nearest Railway station is Udhagamandalam – 45 km. The best seasons are February to May and September to November.
Protected areas of India
As of May 2004, the protected areas of India cover , roughly 4.95% of the total surface area.-Classification:India has the following kinds of protected areas, in the sense of the word designated by IUCN:-National Park:...
located in the south-eastern corner of the Nilgiris
Nilgiris (mountains)
The Nilgiri , often referred to as the Nilgiri Hills, are a range of mountains with at least 24 peaks above , in the westernmost part of Tamil Nadu state at the junction of Karnataka and Kerala states in Southern India...
Plateau
Plateau
In geology and earth science, a plateau , also called a high plain or tableland, is an area of highland, usually consisting of relatively flat terrain. A highly eroded plateau is called a dissected plateau...
west of Ootacamund
Ootacamund
Ootacamund , is a town, a municipality and the district capital of the Nilgiris district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Ootacamund is a popular hill station located in the Nilgiri Hills...
hill station
Hill station
A hill station is a town located at a higher elevation than the nearby plain or valley. The term was used mostly in colonial Asia , but also in Africa , for towns founded by European colonial rulers as refuges from the summer heat, up where temperatures are cooler...
in the northwest corner of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
state in the Western Ghats
Western Ghats
The Western Ghats, Western Ghauts or the Sahyādri is a mountain range along the western side of India. It runs north to south along the western edge of the Deccan Plateau, and separates the plateau from a narrow coastal plain along the Arabian Sea. The Western Ghats block rainfall to the Deccan...
mountain range of South India
South India
South India is the area encompassing India's states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu as well as the union territories of Lakshadweep and Pondicherry, occupying 19.31% of India's area...
. The park was created to protect its Keystone species
Keystone species
A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance. Such species play a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community, affecting many other organisms in an ecosystem and helping to determine the types and...
, the Nilgiri Tahr
Nilgiri Tahr
The Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiritragus hylocrius, known locally as the Nilgiri Ibex or simply Ibex, is an ungulate that is endemic to the Nilgiri Hills and the southern portion of the Western Ghats in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in southern India. It is the state animal of Tamil Nadu...
.
The park is a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is an International Biosphere Reserve in the Western Ghats, Nilgiri Hills range of South India. The Western Ghats, Nilgiri Sub-Cluster , conjoining the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World...
, India's first International Biosphere Reserve. The Western Ghats, Nilgiri Sub-Cluster (6,000+ km²), including all of Mukurthi National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations...
World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site
World Heritage Site
A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place that is listed by the UNESCO as of special cultural or physical significance...
.
The park is characterized by Montane grasslands and shrublands
Montane grasslands and shrublands
Montane grasslands and shrublands is a biome defined by the World Wildlife Fund. The biome includes high altitude grasslands and shrublands around the world....
interspersed with shola
Shola
Sholas are patches of stunted evergreen tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forest found in valleys amid rolling grassland in the higher montane regions of South India. These patches of shola forest are found mainly in the valleys and are usually separated from one another by undulating...
s in a high altitude area of high rainfall, subfreezing temperatures and high winds. It is home to an array of endangered wildlife, including Royal Bengal Tiger and Asian Elephant
Asian Elephant
The Asian or Asiatic elephant is the only living species of the genus Elephas and distributed in Southeast Asia from India in the west to Borneo in the east. Three subspecies are recognized — Elephas maximus maximus from Sri Lanka, the Indian elephant or E. m. indicus from mainland Asia, and E. m....
, but its main mammal attraction is the Nilgiri Tahr. The park was previously known as Nilgiri Tahr National Park.
History
Native hill tribe communities including the Toda peopleToda people
The Toda people are a small pastoral community who live on the isolated Nilgiri plateau of Southern India. Before the late 18th century, the Toda coexisted locally with other communities, including the Badaga, Kota, and Kuruba, in a loose caste-like community organization in which the Toda were...
have harvested firewood from the sholas and grazed their animals including the Hill Buffalo
Wild Asian Water Buffalo
The wild water buffalo also called Asian buffalo and Asiatic buffalo is a large bovine native to Southeast Asia...
for centuries. Indiscriminate felling of the sholas started with the establishment of British settlements in Ootacamund, Coonoor
Coonoor
Coonoor is a town and a municipality in the Nilgiris district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is known for its production of Nilgiri tea....
and Wellington
Wellington, Tamil Nadu
Wellington is a town in The Nilgiris District in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.Wellington is home to The Defense Services Staff College , a premier tri-service training establishment that imparts training to middle level officers of the three wings of the Indian Armed Forces, friendly foreign...
in the early 19th century. Beginning in 1841 authorities issued contracts to bidders to fell wood from specific sholas in a 'timber conservancy' program. In 1868 James Breeds, Commissioner of the Hills, wrote: "...unless conservancy is taken in hand and organized under some efficient system under the control of an experienced officer, the destruction of the sholas is but a question of time."
Bangitappal
Bangitappal
Bangitappal , is a valley in the southwest end of Mukurthi National Park located at: , elevation: at the confluence of two streams at the head of the Sispara Pass in the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu South India....
(Cannabis tableland), at the southwest end of the park at the confluence of two streams at the head of the Sispara Pass
Sispara
[Image:Peacocke-Travellers Bungalow, Sispara.jpg|thumb|350px|View to the west, of Sispara bungalow and Sispara peak across the stream in Sispara pass from the Sispara ghat trail...
, used to be a halting place on the old Sispara ghat road from Kozhikode
Kozhikode
Kozhikode During Classical antiquity and the Middle Ages, Kozhikkode was dubbed the "City of Spices" for its role as the major trading point of eastern spices. Kozhikode was once the capital of an independent kingdom of the same name and later of the erstwhile Malabar District...
to Ooty, constructed in 1832. This pass provided a short land route for postal runners from Ooty to the West Coast in the 19th century and was used for smuggling of cannabis, tobacco and later salt. A forest rest house and a trekkers shed built there in 1930 are now used by park staff and visiting researchers.
Between 1840 and 1856 plantation
Plantation
A plantation is a long artificially established forest, farm or estate, where crops are grown for sale, often in distant markets rather than for local on-site consumption...
s of several non-native tree species were introduced to the area to satisfy the fuel-wood demand. These included 4 Wattle
Acacia
Acacia is a genus of shrubs and trees belonging to the subfamily Mimosoideae of the family Fabaceae, first described in Africa by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1773. Many non-Australian species tend to be thorny, whereas the majority of Australian acacias are not...
species (Black Wattle, Silver Wattle
Acacia dealbata
Acacia dealbata is a species of Acacia, native to southeastern Australia in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory.-Description:...
, Green Wattle
Acacia decurrens
Acacia decurrens is a perennial tree or shrub native to eastern New South Wales...
and Blackwood), Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus globulus
The Tasmanian Blue Gum, Southern Blue Gum or Blue Gum, is an evergreen tree, one of the most widely cultivated trees native to Australia. They typically grow from 30 to 55 m tall. The tallest currently known specimen in Tasmania is 90.7 m tall...
, Cyprus
Cyprus
Cyprus , officially the Republic of Cyprus , is a Eurasian island country, member of the European Union, in the Eastern Mediterranean, east of Greece, south of Turkey, west of Syria and north of Egypt. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.The earliest known human activity on the...
, Indian Long leaf Pine
Chir Pine
The Chir Pine, Pinus roxburghii, named after William Roxburgh, is a pine native to the Himalaya.The range extends from northern Pakistan , across northern India and Nepal to Bhutan.It generally occurs at lower altitudes than other pines in the Himalaya, from...
and Thorny Gorse
Common Gorse
Ulex europaeus, gorse, common gorse, furze or whin is an evergreen shrub in the family Fabaceae, native to western Europe from the northerly point of the United Kingdom south to Portugal, and from the westerly point of the Republic of Ireland east to Galicia in Poland and Ukraine.-Description:It...
. Eucalyptus became the preferred plantation tree.
Unlike the others, the wattles spread by root suckers to quickly cover large areas of native grasslands, including the Mukurthi Hills, and was declared a pest "useful for covering wastelands.". Some Black Wattle plantations were maintained for the leather industry, as their bark yielded tannin
Tannin
A tannin is an astringent, bitter plant polyphenolic compound that binds to and precipitates proteins and various other organic compounds including amino acids and alkaloids.The term tannin refers to the use of...
.
In 1882 Inspector General of Forests, Dietrich Brandis
Dietrich Brandis
Sir Dietrich Brandis, KCIE, FRS was a German forester who worked in India. He is considered the father of tropical forestry.-Early life:...
"recommended bringing the present 1200 acres (4.9 km²) of plantation up to 5000 acres (20.2 km²) to create enormous forest blocks "...which would make any remaining sholas redundant forest resources."
The entire area of MNP, was declared as a Reserve forest
Reserve forest
You may be looking for forest reserve, a generic term associated with protected forest areas, which is also used as a specific term for protected forests in some countries...
in 1886.
In 1920 it was suggested that 10–15 acre plots in the Kundah Hills including the present park area, "be planted up each year in places where sholas have almost or quite disappeared, the most suitable species probably being Acacia dealbata
Acacia dealbata
Acacia dealbata is a species of Acacia, native to southeastern Australia in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory.-Description:...
(Silver Wattle)", thus replacing highly diverse endemic and stable ecosystems with an exotic monoculture supporting little animal diversity.
The area was declared as a wildlife sanctuary on August 3, 1982 and upgraded as a National Park on October 15, 1990 in order to protect the Nilgiri Tahr.
Geography
Mukurthi National Park has an elongated crescent shape facing to the west between 11°10' to 11°22' N and 76°26' to 76°34' E. It is bordered on the west by Nilambur South Forest Division in Kerala, to the northwest by Gudalur Forest Division, to the northeast, east and southeast by Nilgiri South Forest Division and to the south by Mannarghat Forest Division, Kerala. At its southwest tip the peaks of this park straddle the northeast corner of Silent Valley National ParkSilent Valley National Park
Silent Valley National Park , is located in the Nilgiri Hills, Palakkad District in Kerala, South India...
of Kerala
Kerala
or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
.
On the Nilgiri Plateau, the Kundah range of the Nilgiri hills is a ridge on the south-western side of Mukurthi National Park bordering Kerala
Kerala
or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
. The Tamil Nadu/Kerala border here is 39 km long. The park generally slopes towards the east and south receiving water from the Billithadahalla, Pykara and Kundah rivers, and the Upper Bhavani and Mukurthi reservoirs which flow through the park. Also several perennial streams originate in the park, most of which drain into the Bhavani Puzha.
Doddabetta
Doddabetta is the highest mountain in the Nilgiri Hills, at 2637 metre . There is a reserved forest area around the peak. It is 9 km from Ooty,on Ooty-Kotagiri Road in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu, South India...
, just east of Ooty.
Avalanche hill of this range has twin-peaks of the Kudikkadu (height: 2590 metres (8,497 ft)) and the Kolaribetta. Derbetta (or Bear Hill) (height: 2531 metres (8,304 ft)) and Kolibetta (height: 2494 metres (8,182 ft)), south of the Ouchterlony valley, are a continuation of the Kundah range.
Pichalbetta (height: 2544 metres (8,346 ft)), Nilgiri Peak and Mukurthi Peak are the important heights of this area. These 3 hills of the Wayanad district
Wayanad District
Wayanad District in the north-east of Kerala, India, was formed on November 1, 1980 as the 12th district by carving out areas from Kozhikode and Kannur districts. Kalpetta is the district headquarters as well as the only municipal town in the district. The region was known as Mayakshetra in the...
are generally low in relation to other heights of the district; but are distinguished in relation to the generally uniform level of this area.
Important peaks in the southwest Sispara/Bangitipal part of the park are Sispara
Sispara
[Image:Peacocke-Travellers Bungalow, Sispara.jpg|thumb|350px|View to the west, of Sispara bungalow and Sispara peak across the stream in Sispara pass from the Sispara ghat trail...
(height: 2206 metres (7,238 ft)) Anginda
Anginda peak
Anginda peak is in the Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats in Kerala, South India. Its coordinate location is . It has an altitude is and is the highest peak in Silent Valley National Park.It is just south of Sispara pass, and forms the southernmost boundary of Mukurthi National Park in Tamil Nadu...
(height: 2383 metres (7,818 ft)), Nadugani (height: 0 metre (0 ft)) and Gulkal (height: 2468 metres (8,097 ft)).
The park has a harsh environment with annual rainfall varying from 2010 mm to 6330 mm (79–249 inches), night temperature usually below freezing in the winter and wind speeds ranging up to 120 kilometre per hour. page 13
Fauna
Nilgiri Tahr
The Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiritragus hylocrius, known locally as the Nilgiri Ibex or simply Ibex, is an ungulate that is endemic to the Nilgiri Hills and the southern portion of the Western Ghats in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in southern India. It is the state animal of Tamil Nadu...
, Indian elephant
Indian Elephant
The Indian Elephant is one of three recognized subspecies of the Asian elephant, and native to mainland Asia. Since 1986, Elephas maximus has been listed as endangered by IUCN as the population has declined by at least 50% over the last three generations, estimated to be 60–75 years...
, Bengal Tiger
Bengal Tiger
The Bengal tiger is a tiger subspecies native to the Indian subcontinent that in 2010 has been classified as endangered by IUCN...
, Nilgiri Marten, Nilgiri langur
Nilgiri Langur
The Nilgiri langur is a lutung found in the Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats in South India. Its range also includes Kodagu in Karnataka,Kodayar Hills in Tamil Nadu and many other hilly areas in Kerala and Tamil nadu. This primate has glossy black fur on its body and golden brown fur on its head...
and Bonhote's Mouse
Servant Mouse
The Servant Mouse or Bonhote's mouse, is a species of rodent in the family Muridae.It is found only in India.Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland....
. Mukurthi is near the northern end of the range of the Nilgiri Tahr. A 3 day census in March 2007 estimated 200 Tahrs in the park including 60 young ones sighted. There are also Leopard
Indian leopard
The Indian leopard is a leopard subspecies widely distributed on the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the five big cats found in India, apart from Asiatic lion, Bengal tiger, snow leopard and clouded leopard....
, Bonnet macaque
Bonnet Macaque
The bonnet macaque is a macaque endemic to southern India. Its distribution is limited by the Indian Ocean on three sides and the Godavari and Tapti Rivers along with a related competing species of rhesus macaque in the north....
, Sambar deer
Sambar Deer
The Sambar ' is a large deer native to southern and southeast Asia. Although it primarily refers to R. unicolor, the name "Sambar" is also sometimes used to refer to the Philippine Deer and the Rusa Deer...
, Barking deer, Mouse Deer, Otter
Otter
The Otters are twelve species of semi-aquatic mammals which feed on fish and shellfish, and also other invertebrates, amphibians, birds and small mammals....
, Jungle cat
Jungle Cat
The jungle cat is a medium-sized cat and considered the largest remaining species of the wild cat genus Felis. The species is also called the swamp lynx but is not closely related to the lynxes....
, Small Indian Civet
Small Indian Civet
The Small Indian Civet or Rasse is a species of civet found across south and South-east Asia as well as in the Indonesian archipelago. The Assamese name Johamaal refers to its glandular odour similar to a scented rice variety called Joha...
, Wild dog, Jackal
Jackal
Although the word jackal has been historically used to refer to many small- to medium-sized species of the wolf genus of mammals, Canis, today it most properly and commonly refers to three species: the black-backed jackal and the side-striped jackal of sub-Saharan Africa, and the golden jackal of...
, Black-naped Hare, Shrew, Malabar Spiny Dormouse and Soft-furred Rat
Soft-furred Rat
The Soft-furred Rat is a species of rodent in the family Muridae.It is found in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.-References:* Baillie, J. 1996. . Downloaded on 9 July 2007....
.
Avifauna consists mostly of hill birds including the threatened Laughingthrush
Laughingthrush
The Laughingthrushes are the genus Garrulax of the large Old World babbler family of passerine birds. They occur in tropical Asia, with the greatest number of species occurring in the Himalaya and southern China....
, Whistling Thrush
Malabar Whistling Thrush
The Malabar Whistling Thrush is a whistling thrush in the thrush family Turdidae. They are also known locally by the name of Whistling Schoolboy for the whistling calls that they make at dawn that have a very human quality...
, Woodcock
Woodcock
The woodcocks are a group of seven or eight very similar living species of wading birds in the genus Scolopax. Only two woodcocks are widespread, the others being localized island endemics. Most are found in the Northern Hemisphere but a few range into Wallacea...
, Wood Pigeon
Wood Pigeon
The Wood Pigeon is a species of bird in the Columba genus in the Columbidae family. It is a member of the dove and pigeon family Columbidae.- Distribution :...
, Black-and-orange Flycatcher
Black-and-orange Flycatcher
The Black-and-orange Flycatcher is a species of flycatcher endemic to the central and southern Western Ghats, the Nilgiris and Palni hill ranges in southern India...
, Nilgiri Flycatcher
Nilgiri Flycatcher
The Nilgiri Flycatcher is an Old World flycatcher with a very restricted range in the hills of southern India. It has a colour similar to that of the Verditer Flycatcher which is a winter visitor to the Nilgiris but lacks the dark lores of that species...
, Grey Headed Flycatcher
Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher
The Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher, Culicicapa ceylonensis, is a small passerine bird. Formerly considered part of the Old World flycatcher assemblage and placed in the family Muscicapidae, it is now considered part of the Stenostiridae. These are flycatchers closely related to titmice and...
Black Bulbul
Black Bulbul
The Black Bulbul , also known as the Himalayan Black Bulbul, Asian Black Bulbul or Square-tailed Bulbul, is a member of the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is found in southern Asia from India east to southern China. It is the type species of the genus Hypsipetes, established by Nicholas...
, White-eye
White-eye
White-eye can refer to:*White-eye , a large family of birds.*White-eye , a species of fish.*White-eye mutation, a mutation in Drosophila melanogaster linked to the X chromosome, found by reciprocal cross breeding experiments in 1906.*A lioness member of the Marsh Pride of lions that have featured...
, Nilgiri Pipit
Nilgiri Pipit
The Nilgiri Pipit, Anthus nilghiriensis is a long near threatened bird species endemic to the Western Ghats in South India.It is closely associated with short montane grasslands interspersed with marshy grounds and small streams mostly in hill slopes above of Tamil Nadu and Kerala...
. The predatory Black-winged Kite
Black-winged Kite
The Black-winged Kite is a small diurnal bird of prey in the family Accipitridae best known for its habit of hovering over open grasslands in the manner of the much-smaller kestrels...
, Kestrel
Kestrel
The name kestrel, is given to several different members of the falcon genus, Falco. Kestrels are most easily distinguished by their typical hunting behaviour which is to hover at a height of around over open country and swoop down on prey, usually small mammals, lizards or large insects...
and Black Eagle
Black Eagle
The Black Eagle is a bird of prey. Like all eagles, it is in the family Accipitridae, and is the only member of the genus Ictinaetus. They soar over forests in the hilly regions of tropical Asia and hunt mammals and birds, particularly at their nests...
may be seen in the grasslands.
The area is home to many species of reptiles such as the Geckos Dwarf Gecko
Cnemaspis
Cnemaspis is a genus of diurnal gecko found in Asia. With around 75 species it is one of the most diverse genera of geckos or even lizards.-Description:...
spp. and Nilgiri Salea Salea horsfieldii
Salea horsfieldii
Horsfield's Spiny Lizard is a species of agama found in southern India in the Nilgiri and Palni Hills.-Description:From C. A. L. Gunther The Reptiles of British India....
, the snakes Horseshoe Pit Viper
Trimeresurus strigatus
Trimeresurus strigatus is a venomous pitviper species found in southern India. No subspecies are currently recognized.-Geographic range:Found in the hills of southern India. The type locality listed is "Cape of Good Hope?" and "Madras?"...
, Olivaceaous Keelback
Atretium schistosum
The Split Keelback or Olive keelback snake, Atretium schistosum, is a species of snake found in South Asia. It is a common and harmless watersnake.- Distribution :...
, Oligodon taeniolatus
Oligodon taeniolatus
Streaked Kukri Snake is a species of nonvenomous snake found in Asia. Also known as the Variegated Kukri or the Russell's Kukri.-References:...
, Oligodon venustus
Oligodon venustus
Oligodon venustus, commonly known as Jerdon's Kukri Snake, is a species of snake found in the Western Ghats of India .-References:...
, Bronze-headed Vine Snake
Ahaetulla perroteti
The Bronze-headed Vine Snake Ahaetulla perroteti is a species of snake found in India in the Western Ghats. It is mainly a grassland snake.-Description:Snout obtusely pointed and projecting, without dermal appendage, not quite twice as long as the eye...
and several Shieldtails of which Perrotet's Shieldtail
Plectrurus perrotetii
Perrotet's Shieldtail snake is a harmless snake found mainly in India. It is a small snake, growing to a maximum of 44 cm in length with a pointed head and blunt tail. It has smooth, glossy scales and is brown in colour...
is most common. Some amphibians here are the Common Indian Toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus), Bufo beddomii
Bufo beddomii
Beddome's Toad is a species of toad found in the Western Ghats of India.-Description:Bufo beddomii exhibits a crown that lacks bony ridges; its short, projecting snout has an angular canthus rostralis. Its interorbital space is somewhat broader than the upper eyelid. Its tympanum is very small,...
, Bufo microtympanum and many species of Tree Frog
Tree frog
Hylidae is a wide-ranging family of frogs commonly referred to as "tree frogs and their allies". However, the hylids include a diversity of frog species, many of which do not live in trees, but are terrestrial or semi-aquatic.-Characteristics:...
s including Micrixalus opisthorhodus and Rana limnocharis.
Butterflies with Himalayan affinity like the Blue Admiral
Kaniska canace
The Blue Admiral is the only species of the genus, Kaniska, a nymphalid butterfly found as far north as southeastern Siberia, west to Japan and Korea, east to India and south to Sri Lanka, Burma and parts of Indonesia...
, Indian Red Admiral
Red Admiral
The Red Admiral is a well-known colourful butterfly, found in temperate Europe, Asia and North America. The Red Admiral has a wing span. The species is resident only in warmer areas, but migrates north in spring, and sometimes again in autumn.This large butterfly is identified by its striking...
, Indian Fritillary
Fritillary
Fritillaria is a genus of about 100 species of bulbous plants in the family Liliaceae, native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The name is derived from the Latin term for a dice-box , and probably refers to the checkered pattern, frequently of chocolate-brown and greenish yellow,...
, Indian Cabbage white and Hedge blue
Oreolyce quadriplaga
The Naga Hedge Blue is a small butterfly found in India that belongs to the Lycaenids or Blues family.-References:...
s are seen here. Some streams had been stocked with exotic Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout
The rainbow trout is a species of salmonid native to tributaries of the Pacific Ocean in Asia and North America. The steelhead is a sea run rainbow trout usually returning to freshwater to spawn after 2 to 3 years at sea. In other words, rainbow trout and steelhead trout are the same species....
in the past.
Flora
The area is home to numerous endemic plants particularly of the scapigerous annual ImpatiensImpatiens
Impatiens is a genus of about 850–1,000 species of flowering plants, widely distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere and tropics. Together with the puzzling Hydrocera triflora, this genus makes up the family Balsaminaceae...
plants. Alchemilla indica and Hedyotis verticillaris are found only within or on the fringes of this park.
Rhododendron
Rhododendron is a genus of over 1 000 species of woody plants in the heath family, most with showy flowers...
s, Rhododendron arboreum
Rhododendron arboreum
Rhododendron arboreum is an evergreen shrub or small tree with a showy display of bright red flowers. It is found in Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Rhododendron arboreum is also the national flower of Nepal.-Description:Its name means "tending to be woody or growing in a...
the national flower of Nepal or Rhododendron nilagiricum,
are seen throughout the grasslands and very large specimens are conspicuous around many sholas. Other common shola trees and shrubs among the 58 species found here include: Syzygium calophyllifolium, Daphiphyllum neilgherrense, Cinnamomum wightii, Vaccinium leschenaulti, Mahonia leschenaulti, Litsea
Litsea
Litsea is a genus of evergreen or deciduous trees or shrubs belonging to the Laurel family, Lauraceae. The genus includes 200 to 400 species in tropical and subtropical areas of both hemispheres.-Overview:Trees or shrubs, dioecious...
sp., Lasianthes sp., Psychotria
Psychotria
Psychotria is a plant genus of 1900 species in the family Rubiaceae. Members of the genus are low trees in tropical forests. The distinction between Psychotria and the genus Cephaelis are not well known and many species were formerly placed there....
sp. and Michelia nilagirica.
The Edges of most sholas are lined with the shrubs: Gaultheria fragrantissima, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa
Rhodomyrtus tomentosa
Rhodomyrtus tomentosa is a flowering plant in the family Myrtaceae, native to southern and southeastern Asia, from India, east to southern China, Taiwan and the Philippines, and south to Malaysia and Sulawesi...
, Rubus
Rubus
Rubus is a large genus of flowering plants in the rose family, Rosaceae, subfamily Rosoideae. Raspberries, blackberries, and dewberries are common, widely distributed members of the genus. Most of these plants have woody stems with prickles like roses; spines, bristles, and gland-tipped hairs are...
sp., Bergeris tinctoria, Eurya nitida, Strobilanthes
Strobilanthes
Strobilanthes is a genus of about 250 species of flowering plants in the family Acanthaceae, mostly native to tropical Asia, but with a few species extending north into temperate regions of Asia.Selected species...
sp., and Helichrysum sp.
The Orchids Eria abliflora
Eria
Eria is a large genus of orchids with more than 500 species distributed in tropical Asia, Malaysia, Australia, Polynesia and other Pacific islands....
, Oberonia santapaui
Oberonia
Oberonia or Fairy Orchids form a genus of flowering plants from the orchid family, Orchidaceae.- References :* Jones, David L. . A Complete Guide to Native Orchids of Australia, Including the Island Territories. New Holland Publishers, Frenchs Forest, N.S.W. 2086 Australia. ISBN...
, Aerides ringens
Aerides
Aerides also known as the Cat's-tail Orchid or the Fox Brush Orchid, is a genus belonging to the Orchid family . It is a group of tropical epiphyte orchids that grow mainly in the warm low-lands of the tropics of Asia...
, Aerides crispa and Coelogyne odoratissima
Coelogyne
Coelogyne Lindl. 1821, is a genus of over 200 sympodial epiphytes from the family Orchidaceae, distributed across India, China, Indonesia and the Fiji islands, with the main centers in Borneo, Sumatra and the Himalayas. They can be found from tropical lowland forests to montane rainforests. A few...
are found on the high west edge of the park. Among the grasslands are a plethora of Brachycorithis iantha, Satyrium nepalense, Habenaria cephalotes
Habenaria
Habenaria, commonly called bog orchids, are a far ranging genus of orchid, one of approximately 800 described Orchidaceae genera within that large and diverse family. There are species in both tropical and temperate zones.-Description:...
, Seidenfia densiflora
Seidenfia
Seidenfia is a genus of flowering plants from the orchid family, Orchidaceae.- References :*Pridgeon, A.M., Cribb, P.J., Chase, M.A. & Rasmussen, F. eds. . Genera Orchidacearum 1. Oxford Univ. Press....
, Spiranthes sinensis
Spiranthes
Spiranthes, commonly called Ladies'-tresses, is a genus of orchids Spiranthes, commonly called Ladies'-tresses, is a genus of orchids Spiranthes, commonly called Ladies'-tresses, is a genus of orchids (family (Orchidaceae) belonging to the subfamily Orchidoideae.It has a very wide, almost...
and Liparis atropurpurea.
The natural habitats of the park have been much disturbed by previously easy motor vehicle access through four different entry points and extensive commercial planting and natural spreading of non-native eucalyptus
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a diverse genus of flowering trees in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. Members of the genus dominate the tree flora of Australia...
and wattle
Acacia
Acacia is a genus of shrubs and trees belonging to the subfamily Mimosoideae of the family Fabaceae, first described in Africa by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1773. Many non-Australian species tend to be thorny, whereas the majority of Australian acacias are not...
(Acacia dealbata
Acacia dealbata
Acacia dealbata is a species of Acacia, native to southeastern Australia in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory.-Description:...
, Acacia mearnsii and other species). In addition there is one large, and several smaller hydro-electric impoundments in the area.
Only 20% of the park area has more than a 50% chance of being used by Tahr. If old commercial forests are removed and restored to their original grassland habitat, usable Tahr habitat would increase to 60%.
Management
Mukurthi National Park is Managed by the Tamil Nadu Department of Forestry with the main objective to conserveHabitat conservation
Habitat conservation is a land management practice that seeks to conserve, protect and restore, habitat areas for wild plants and animals, especially conservation reliant species, and prevent their extinction, fragmentation or reduction in range...
the endangered shola-grassland ecosystem and its endemic flora and fauna. The department operates an effective year round anti-poaching program with gun and radio equipped foot patrols operating from anti-poaching camps at Bangitappal, Nadugani, Western Catchment and Mukurthi Fishing Hut.
Prevention and control of destructive Wildfire is achieved through creation of artificial firebreak
Firebreak
A firebreak is a gap in vegetation or other combustible material that acts as a barrier to slow or stop the progress of a bushfire or wildfire. A firebreak may occur naturally where there is a lack of vegetation or "fuel", such as a river, lake or canyon...
s in the form of hand dug fire lines along ridges and cleared trek paths. Local fire watchers are employed for early detection and control during the dangerous December to April fire season. Invasive imported plant species, especially Wattle
Acacia
Acacia is a genus of shrubs and trees belonging to the subfamily Mimosoideae of the family Fabaceae, first described in Africa by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1773. Many non-Australian species tend to be thorny, whereas the majority of Australian acacias are not...
, Scotch broom and Gorse
Gorse
Gorse, furze, furse or whin is a genus of about 20 plant species of thorny evergreen shrubs in the subfamily Faboideae of the pea family Fabaceae, native to western Europe and northwest Africa, with the majority of species in Iberia.Gorse is closely related to the brooms, and like them, has green...
are being controlled and eliminated from the park through a phased long term program focused on restoration of the original biota.
Tourism is not a management objective, but the Forest Department does periotically conduct nature awareness and conservation programs for the public and some special interest groups through controlled visits to the Western Catchment and Avalanche areas of the park.
The Forest Department also seeks to identify and acquire contiguous undisturbed crucial habitat areas for future inclusion in the park. pages 48 50
Visitor information
Casual tourism and commercial tour operation is not permitted and tourist facilities are not available in the park. Special interest groups are sometimes permitted for supervised educational programs, trekHiking
Hiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often in mountainous or other scenic terrain. People often hike on hiking trails. It is such a popular activity that there are numerous hiking organizations worldwide. The health benefits of different types of hiking...
king and camping
Camping
Camping is an outdoor recreational activity. The participants leave urban areas, their home region, or civilization and enjoy nature while spending one or several nights outdoors, usually at a campsite. Camping may involve the use of a tent, caravan, motorhome, cabin, a primitive structure, or no...
. There are Forest Rest Houses at Bangitapal, Avalanche, Pykara and some unfurnished trekking sheds.
A mostly down hill 3, 4 or 5 day trek through Mukurthi and Silent Valley National Park
Silent Valley National Park
Silent Valley National Park , is located in the Nilgiri Hills, Palakkad District in Kerala, South India...
s starts by driving 75 km from Udhagamandalam (Ooty) in 4 hrs and 1 km walk to overnight at Bangitapal. Walk 24 km through Mukurthi Park in 9 hrs to overnight at Walakkad, or overnight half way at the new trekkers bungalow at Sispara peak
Sispara
[Image:Peacocke-Travellers Bungalow, Sispara.jpg|thumb|350px|View to the west, of Sispara bungalow and Sispara peak across the stream in Sispara pass from the Sispara ghat trail...
then continue 12 km steep downhill the next day to Walakkad. Walk 18 km in 7 hrs to overnight at Poochipara. Walk 8 km in 3 hrs to Sairandhiri in Silent Valley, then take a park van out or overnight at Sairandhri
Sairandhri
Sairandhri is a place in Kerala, South India at about . It is the entrance point and visitors center for Silent Valley National Park. Sairandhri is the site of a controversial hydroelectric dam that was proposed in 1958 and finally rejected in 1984....
and trek 23 km to Mukkali village A forest guide-cum-cook accompanies park visitors during all treks.
In some cases the guide may instruct visitors to bend down to drink straight from a stream like a deer and prohibit bathing in a stream so the silt at the bottom is not disturbed and because human body odour might affect the animals.
Beginning in November, 2007 the Forest Department has organised trekking programmes inside forest areas of Mukurthi Park with the objective to familiarise the public with the conservation efforts of the department. The places covered by various treks are Mudimund, Mukurthi Peak, Western Catchment, Bangitapal, Moyar, Anaikatti, Morganbetta, Avalanchi, Kolleribetta, Sispara and Silent Valley. Trek distances vary between 8 km. and 60 km. Each group comprises up to 20 members. Guides, instructors, cooks, porters, tents and food are provided by the department. Trekkers have to bring ruck sacks and sleeping bags.
Application for trekking permits should be made well in advance with: Range officer - Reception, O/O Wildlife Warden, Mount Stuart Hill, Udhagamandalam – 643 001 Tamil Nadu, India; Phone: +91-423-24445971; Fax: +91-423-2450400.
The nearest airport is Coimbatore – 140 km. The nearest Railway station is Udhagamandalam – 45 km. The best seasons are February to May and September to November.