Anamalai Tiger Reserve UPSC

The Anamalai Tiger Reserve, also known as the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, is a protected area located in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu state in southern India. It is one of the important tiger reserves in the country and is recognized as a Project Tiger Reserve.

The Anamalai Tiger Reserve is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. It provides habitat for several endangered species, including the Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, gaur (Indian bison), lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, and several species of deer.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Hills
River
Tribe
Flora
Fauna

Mammals
Birds
Reptile

Fireflies
UPSC Questions

Anamalai Tiger Reserve Location

Anaimalai Tiger Reserve is located in the Anaimalai Hills of Pollachi and Valparai taluks of Coimbatore District and Udumalaipettai taluk in Tiruppur District, Tamil Nadu, India.

It is surrounded by Parambikulam Tiger Reserve on the East, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Eravikulum National Park on the South Western side. The reserve is also surrounded by Nenmara, Vazhachal, Malayattur and Marayur reserved forests of Kerala.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to the Anamalai Tiger Reserve is Coimbatore International Airport, located in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. It is the closest major airport to the reserve and is approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles) away. Coimbatore International Airport is well-connected to various domestic and international destinations.

Nearest Railway Station:

Regarding the nearest railway station, the Pollachi Railway Station is the closest one to the Anamalai Tiger Reserve. Palani Railway Station is located in Palani, Tamil Nadu, and is approximately 35 kilometers away from the reserve.

Anamalai Tiger Reserve History

The history of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve dates back to the early 19th century. Here are some key historical milestones:

1. Colonial era: The Anamalai region was under the control of the British East India Company during the colonial period. The forests of the Anamalai Hills were known for their rich biodiversity and wildlife, including the presence of tigers.

2. Formation of Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1976, the Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary was established to protect the diverse ecosystems and wildlife of the region. It was named after the former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, to honor her efforts in wildlife conservation.

3. Elephant Reserve: It forms part of the Anamalai Parambikulam Elephant Reserve declared in 2003.

4. Project Tiger Reserve: In 2007, the Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary was upgraded to the status of a tiger reserve under the Project Tiger initiative, a national program aimed at conserving the Bengal tiger population in India.

5. UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Kariyan shola, Grass hills and Manjampatti of Anamalai Tiger Reserve has been identified as a world heritage site by the UNESCO

Anamalai Tiger Reserve Area

The Anamalai Tiger Reserve, also known as the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, covers an area of approximately 958 square kilometers (369 square miles). This area primarily consists of the core or critical tiger habitat, which is the primary focus for tiger conservation within the reserve.

Additionally, the reserve also has a buffer or peripheral area that extends beyond the core habitat.

Core/Critical Tiger Habitat: 958.59 square kilometers (sq km). This refers to the main area within the reserve that is designated as critical for tiger conservation. It is the core habitat where the tiger population is concentrated.

Buffer/Peripheral Area: 521.28 sq km. This is the surrounding area that acts as a buffer zone or peripheral zone to the core habitat. The buffer area helps to provide additional protection to the core habitat and allows for better management and ecological connectivity.

Core/critical tiger Habitat : 958.59 sq km
Buffer/Peripheral Area : 521.28 sq km
Total : 1479.87 sq km

Anamalai Tiger Reserve Hills

The Anamalai Tiger Reserve is located in the Anaimalai Hills, also known as the Anamalai Hills or Elephant Hills. These hills are part of the Western Ghats mountain range, which runs parallel to the western coast of India.

The Anamalai Hills are spread across both Tamil Nadu and Kerala states, with the majority of the hills falling within Tamil Nadu. These hills are known for their scenic beauty, rich biodiversity, and pristine natural habitats. The terrain is characterized by dense forests, waterfalls, grasslands, and shola forests, which are unique montane ecosystems found in the Western Ghats.

The elevation of the hills ranges from about 500 meters (1,640 feet) to over 2,600 meters (8,530 feet) above sea level.

These hills are not only ecologically significant but also hold cultural and historical importance. They have been inhabited by indigenous communities for centuries and have served as a source of livelihood, traditional knowledge, and cultural heritage.

Anamalai Tiger Reserve River

The Anamalai Tiger Reserve is blessed with several rivers and streams that contribute to its rich biodiversity and provide water sources for the flora and fauna in the region. Here are some of the major rivers that flow through or near the Anamalai Tiger Reserve:

(1) Bhavani River:

The Bhavani River originates in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu and flows through the Anamalai Tiger Reserve. It is a major tributary of the Cauvery River and provides water for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.

(2) Nallar River:

The Nallar River is a small river that flows through the Anamalai Tiger Reserve. It is a tributary of the Aliyar River and adds to the overall water resources in the region.

(3) Attakallar River:

The Attakallar River is another tributary of the Aliyar River. It flows through the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, contributing to the water supply in the area.

(4) Thirumurthy River:

The Thirumurthy River originates in the Anamalai Hills and flows through the Anamalai Tiger Reserve. It is known for its picturesque Thirumurthy Waterfalls, which attract visitors and wildlife alike.

(5) Sholiyar River:

The Sholiyar River is a significant river that passes through the Anamalai Tiger Reserve. It has its origins in the dense forests of the reserve and eventually joins the Chalakkudy River in Kerala.

(6) Aliyar River:

The Aliyar River is a significant river in the region, and it flows near the Anamalai Tiger Reserve. It has its origins in the Anamalai Hills and eventually joins the Bhavani River.

Anamalai Tiger Reserve Tribe

The Anamalai Tiger Reserve is not only known for its rich biodiversity but also for its cultural diversity and the presence of indigenous tribal communities. The reserve is home to several tribes, and they contribute to the cultural heritage and traditional knowledge of the region.

Here are some of the tribes that reside within or near the Anamalai Tiger Reserve:

(1) Kadars:

The Kadars are one of the indigenous tribal communities in the region. They traditionally practiced hunting and gathering but have transitioned to settled agricultural and other livelihood activities.

(2) Malasars:

The Malasars are another tribal group living in the Anamalai Hills. They have traditionally been involved in agriculture, honey collection, and gathering forest resources.

(3) Malaimalasar:

The Malaimalasar tribe is primarily found in the Anamalai Hills and surrounding areas. They have a close association with the forests and engage in various activities like agriculture, gathering forest produce, and small-scale animal husbandry.

(4) Pulaiyars:

The Pulaiyars, also known as Paliyars or Pulayars, are an indigenous community found in the Anamalai region. They traditionally practiced shifting cultivation, but with changing times, many have shifted to settled agriculture and other occupations.

(5) Muduvars:

The Muduvars are one of the indigenous tribal groups residing in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve. They have a rich cultural heritage and have been dependent on the forests for their livelihood, including agriculture, gathering forest produce, and hunting.

(6) Eravallan (Eravalar):

The Eravallan tribe, also known as Eravalar, is an indigenous community found in the Anamalai region. They have a close connection to the forests and have traditionally engaged in agriculture, gathering forest resources, and animal husbandry.

Anamalai Tiger Reserve Flora

The Anamalai Tiger Reserve is renowned for its rich and diverse flora, encompassing a wide range of plant species. Here are some notable flora found within the reserve:

(1) Evergreen Forests:

The reserve is characterized by extensive evergreen forests dominated by tall trees that provide a dense canopy. These forests are home to a variety of tree species, including teak (Tectona grandis), rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia), ebony (Diospyros ebenum), and ironwood (Mesua ferrea).

(2) Moist Deciduous Forests:

Moist deciduous forests are another significant vegetation type in the reserve. They consist of trees like Indian laurel (Terminalia elliptica), Indian kino tree (Pterocarpus marsupium), and Indian rosewood (Dalbergia sissoo).

(3) Grasslands:

The Anamalai Tiger Reserve features grasslands in certain areas. These grassy patches are essential for herbivores and support species such as elephant grass (Saccharum ravennae) and Indian goosegrass (Eleusine indica).

(4) Medicinal Plants:

The reserve is rich in medicinal plants, which play a crucial role in traditional healthcare practices. Species like neem (Azadirachta indica), Indian sarsaparilla (Hemidesmus indicus), and Indian aloe (Aloe vera) are found within the reserve.

(5) Orchids:

The Anamalai Tiger Reserve is known for its orchid diversity. Various species of orchids, known for their vibrant and intricate flowers, can be found in the region.

(6) Ferns and Mosses:

The reserve supports a variety of ferns and mosses, which thrive in the moist and shaded environments. They contribute to the overall biodiversity and add to the aesthetic beauty of the reserve.

(7) Bamboo:

Bamboo is a prominent plant species in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve. It forms dense thickets and provides important habitat and food sources for several animal species.

(8) Climbers and Creepers:

Numerous climbing and creeping plants are found in the reserve, including species like pepper vines (Piper species), Indian borage (Plectranthus amboinicus), and wild grapevine (Vitis species).

(9) Wildflowers:

The reserve showcases a wide variety of wildflowers that add splashes of color to the landscape. Species such as kurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), balsam (Impatiens species), and flame lily (Gloriosa superba) are among the wildflowers found in the region.

Anamalai Tiger Reserve Fauna (Anamalai Tiger Reserve Animals)

The Anamalai Tiger Reserve is renowned for its diverse and abundant wildlife. The reserve provides a habitat for numerous species, including several endangered and endemic ones. Here are some of the notable fauna found within the Anamalai Tiger Reserve:

Mammals:

Bengal Tiger
Leopard
Asiatic elephant
Sambar
Spotted deer
Barking deer
Mouse deer
Gaur
Nilgiri tahr
Lion Tailed Macaque
Nilgiri langur
Common langur
Wild pig
Sloth bear
Jackal
Wild dog
Indian fox
Jungle cat
Leopard cat
Smooth coated otter
Small clawed otter
Nilgiri marten
Small Indian civet
Common Palm civet
Brown palm civet
Grey mangoose
Ruddy mangoose
Indian Brown mangoose
Stripe-necked mangoose
Indian pangolin
Black naped hare

Birds:

Malabar Woodshrike
Malabar White Headed Starling
Nilgiri Thrush
Nilgiri Blue Robin
Nilgiri Flycatcher
Malabar Barbet
Malabar Grey Hornbill
Malabar Parakeet
Malabar Imperial Pigeon
Nilgiri Woodpigeon
Malabar Lark
Nilgiri Pipit
Crimson- backed Sunbird
Nilgiri Flowerpecker

Reptiles:

Indian rock python
King cobras
Bengal monitors
Malabar pit vipers
Large-scaled green pit vipers
Nilgiri keelbacks
Large-scaled forest lizards
Nilgiri forest lizard
Flying lizards
Ristella skinks

Anamalai Tiger Reserve Fireflies

The Anamalai Tiger Reserve is known for its enchanting displays of fireflies. Fireflies are bioluminescent insects that emit light, creating a mesmerizing natural spectacle. These tiny creatures produce light through a chemical reaction in their bodies, typically in the form of a glowing abdomen. The light serves various purposes, including communication, mating displays, and defense mechanisms.

During certain times of the year, particularly in the monsoon season, the Anamalai Tiger Reserve comes alive with the magical glow of fireflies. The flickering lights create a captivating display, often observed in the forested areas and near bodies of water.

Fireflies are most active at night, and their synchronized flashing patterns create a beautiful symphony of lights in the darkness. Visitors to the Anamalai Tiger Reserve can witness this breathtaking phenomenon by taking guided night walks or participating in nature trails specifically designed to spot fireflies.