Anamudi Shola National Park UPSC

Anamudi Shola National Park is a national park located in the Indian state of Kerala. It is situated in the Western Ghats, which is a mountain range known for its rich biodiversity. Anamudi Shola National Park is named after the Anamudi peak, which is the highest peak in South India, standing at an elevation of 2,695 meters (8,842 feet).

It is known for its unique shola-grassland ecosystem, which is a type of montane evergreen forest found in the Western Ghats. The park is characterized by its rolling hills, valleys, and several streams that flow through it.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Hills
River
Flora
Fauna
UPSC Questions

Anamudi Shola National Park Location

Anamudi Shola National Park is located in the Idukki district of the Indian state of Kerala. It is situated in the Western Ghats mountain range. The park is approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) northeast of the town of Munnar.

Anamudi Shola National Park is surrounded by Mathikettan Shola National Park, Eravikulam National Park, Pambadum Shola National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Kurinjimala Wildlife Sanctuary.

Nearest Airport:

Kochi International Airport (160 Km)
Coimbatore International Airport (150 km)

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station in Kerala is Aluva (170 KM) and in Tamil Nadu, Udumalpet (100 Km)

Anamudi Shola National Park History

Anamudi Shola National Park has a relatively short history as a protected area. Here is a brief overview of its history:

1. Establishment: Anamudi Shola National Park was established in 2003. The park was created to protect the unique shola-grassland ecosystem found in the region and to conserve the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats.

2. Conservation efforts: Since its establishment, the park has been managed by the Kerala Forest Department. Conservation efforts have focused on preserving the pristine shola forests, protecting the wildlife, and promoting sustainable tourism.

3. Biodiversity surveys and research: Scientists and researchers have conducted various surveys and studies in Anamudi Shola National Park to document and understand its unique flora and fauna. These studies contribute to conservation planning and management strategies for the park.

4. Inclusion in the Western Ghats World Heritage Site: In 2012, the Western Ghats, including Anamudi Shola National Park, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Western Ghats is recognized for its exceptional natural beauty and its importance as a global biodiversity hotspot.

Anamudi Shola National Park Area

Anamudi Shola National Park covers an area of approximately 42.68 square kilometers (16.47 square miles). The park's compact size is due to its focus on preserving the specific shola-grassland ecosystem found in the region.

The Anamudi Shola National Park's 42.68 square kilometers area consists of three Shola Reserve Forests they are:

Mannavan Shola
Pullaradi Shola
Idivara Shola

Anamudi Shola National Park Hills

Anamudi Shola National Park is nestled within the Western Ghats mountain range, and as such, it is surrounded by hills and valleys that contribute to its scenic beauty. While Anamudi Shola National Park itself is not primarily known for its hills, it is located in close proximity to the Anamudi peak (2,695 meters), which is the highest peak in South India.

Anamudi Shola National Park River

The area of Anamudi Shola National Park is drained by small streams that eventually join the Pambar River, which flows east and joins the Amaravathi reservoir, it indicates that the park is part of the larger hydrological system in the region.

The Pambar River is a significant watercourse in the area, and its tributaries collect water from the surrounding hills and valleys, including the drainage from Anamudi Shola National Park. As the small streams within the park merge and flow eastward, they eventually join the Pambar River. The Pambar River, in turn, continues its journey eastward and eventually meets the Amaravathi reservoir.

The presence of these streams and the connection to the Pambar River highlight the importance of water resources within and around Anamudi Shola National Park. They provide essential water supply for the park's ecosystem, supporting the flora and fauna, and contribute to the overall biodiversity and ecological balance of the region.

Anamudi Shola National Park Flora

Anamudi Shola National Park is known for its rich and diverse flora, particularly the shola-grassland ecosystem that is characteristic of the Western Ghats. Here are some of the notable flora found within the national park:

(1) Tropical Evergreen Forests:

Anamudi Shola National Park is located in the Western Ghats, which is known for its tropical evergreen forests. These forests are characterized by dense vegetation, with tall and broad-leaved trees that provide a continuous canopy cover. The evergreen forests are lush and green throughout the year due to the high rainfall in the region.

(2) Wet Montane Forests:

As Anamudi Shola National Park is situated at higher elevations, it is home to wet montane forests. These forests occur at higher altitudes and experience cooler temperatures and more mist and fog. They are characterized by a mix of evergreen and semi-evergreen trees adapted to the montane climate.

(3) Moist Deciduous Forests:

In the lower-lying areas surrounding the park, you can find moist deciduous forests. These forests shed their leaves during the dry season and regrow them when rainfall resumes. The moist deciduous forests are characterized by a mix of deciduous trees, such as teak, rosewood, and Indian laurel, along with smaller undergrowth and shrubs.

(4) Shola Forests:

Shola forests are a unique feature of the Western Ghats and are an important component of Anamudi Shola National Park. Shola forests are small, dense, evergreen forests found in the valleys and undulating terrain. They are characterized by stunted trees, thick undergrowth, and a carpet of mosses and ferns. Shola forests have a high biodiversity, including several endemic species. Patches of Ptendium aquilinum, Gaultheria fragrantissima, etc. are found.

(5) Grasslands:

Anamudi Shola National Park and its surrounding areas also feature grasslands. These open areas are characterized by grasses, sedges, and herbaceous plants. Grasslands provide valuable habitats for grazing animals, birds, and insects. Species such as Rhododendron arboreum, Vaccinium laschnaultii, Eurya nitida, Microtropis ramiflora, Pittosporum tetraspermum, Symplocos cochinchinensis, Robus sp etc. are found.

(6) Scrubland:

Scrublands, or thorny scrub forests, can also be found in the vicinity of the park. These regions consist of scattered shrubs and small trees with adaptations to drier conditions. Scrubland are dominated by Strobilanthes kunthianus, Hypericum mysorense, Osbeckia spp., etc., are also noticed.

Anamudi Shola National Park Fauna (Anamudi Shola National Park Animals)

Anamudi Shola National Park is famous for which animal?

Anamudi Shola National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Here are some examples of the fauna found within and around the national park:

Mammals:

Lion-tailed Macaques
Nilgiri Tahr
Nilgiri Marten
Gaur
Muntjac
Giant Grizzled Squirrel
Flying Squirrels
Nilgiri Langur
Elephant
Leopard
Wild Boar
Sambar
Common Langur
Wild Dog
Jungle Cat

Birds:

Nilgiri Wood Pigeon
Malabar Grey Hornbill
Nilgiri Flycatcher
Black-and-orange Flycatcher
Malabar Whistling Thrush
Nilgiri Pipit
Indian Robin

Reptiles:

Malabar Pit Viper
Indian Rock Python
King Cobra
Indian Monitor Lizard