Chandoli National Park UPSC

Chandoli National Park is a protected area located in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is situated in the Sahyadri Range of the Western Ghats.

Chandoli National Park is part of the larger Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, which includes the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary and Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary.

The park derives its name from the Chandoli Dam, which was constructed on the river Warna within its boundaries.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Hills
River
Lake
Flora
Fauna
UPSC Questions

Chandoli National Park Location

Chandoli National Park is located in the Satara, Kolhapur and Sangli Districts of Maharashtra, India. It is situated in the Western Ghats. It is situated in the western part of Maharashtra and located near the Chandoli Dam.

Chandoli National Park lies between the Radhanagiri and Koyna Wildlife Sanctuaries and forms the southern part of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve.

The park is approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) northwest of Kolhapur city and around 320 kilometers (200 miles) southeast of Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra.

Nearest Airport:

Urun Islampur airport at Kolhapur (30 KM)
Pune airport (210 KM)
Mumbai airport (380 KM)

Nearest Railway Station:

Sangli Railway Station (75 KM)

Chandoli National Park History

Chandoli National Park has a rich history that dates back several decades. Here is an overview of the park's history:

1. Pre-Park Era: The Chandoli National Park includes historical places of note including 17th century forts of the Maratha Empire, Prachitgad and Bhairavgad. Most of the protected area was used an open jail for the "prisoners of war" of the early battles during Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's rule. Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj used Prachitgad as an observation point and recreational place.

2. Declaration as a Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1985, Chandoli Wildlife Sanctuary was established to protect the region's biodiversity. The sanctuary aimed to safeguard the diverse flora and fauna found in the Western Ghats.

3. Upgradation to National Park: With the goal of providing enhanced protection and conservation, Chandoli Wildlife Sanctuary was upgraded to Chandoli National Park in 2004. This change in status brought more attention and resources to the area.

4. Inclusion in Sahyadri Tiger Reserve: Chandoli National Park became part of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, which was established in 2008. The reserve is one of the largest tiger conservation areas in India, covering a significant portion of the Western Ghats. Chandoli Park is notable as the southern portion of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, with Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary forming the northern part of the reserve.

Chandoli National Park Area

Chandoli National Park covers an area of approximately 317.67 square kilometers (122.62 square miles). This includes the forested regions, hilly terrain, and water bodies within its boundaries.

Chandoli National Park is located in the Sahyadri Range of the Western Ghats and constitutes the southern part of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve.

Chandoli National Park Hills

Chandoli National Park is characterized by its hilly terrain, as it is located in the Sahyadri Range (Western Ghats). The park is situated amidst the picturesque hills of the Western Ghats, offering scenic beauty and diverse landscapes.

The hills in Chandoli National Park are part of the Western Ghats, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for their ecological significance. The terrain features rolling hills, steep slopes, and deep valleys, creating a dramatic and breathtaking landscape.

These hills provide a natural habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna. The forested slopes are covered with dense vegetation, including deciduous forests and evergreen forests. Various species of trees, shrubs, and grasses thrive in these hills, contributing to the park's rich biodiversity.

Chandoli National Park River

Chandoli National Park is home to several rivers and streams that flow through its boundaries, enhancing the natural beauty and ecological significance of the park. The most prominent river that runs through Chandoli National Park is the Warna River.

Warana River is a river that flows through the Sangli and Kolhapur districts in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. It is an important tributary of the Krishna river. The river originates at a height of 914 m above sea level on Prachitgad near Patharpunj plateau in the Sahyadri mountain range.

The Warna River is a significant watercourse in the region and flows through the park, enriching the surrounding ecosystem. It originates in the Western Ghats and meanders through the hilly terrain of the park, creating a diverse range of habitats and supporting various plant and animal species.

Chandoli National Park Lake

Chandoli Dam is a significant structure located within the Chandoli National Park in Maharashtra, India. It is built across the river Warna, a prominent watercourse in the region. The dam serves multiple purposes, including irrigation, water supply, and hydroelectric power generation.

The construction of Chandoli Dam was completed in 1986 as part of a water conservation project. It is a gravity dam, made of concrete, and has a height of about 102 meters (335 feet). The dam creates a reservoir known as the Chandoli Reservoir or Chandoli Lake, which spans across a vast area and extends within the boundaries of Chandoli National Park.

The Chandoli Dam and reservoir have significant importance in the region. They contribute to the agricultural irrigation needs of nearby areas, provide drinking water to local communities, and support hydroelectric power generation.

Chandoli National Park Flora

Which plant is found in Chandoli National Park?

Chandoli National Park is renowned for its diverse and lush flora, representing the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats. The park's vegetation includes a wide range of plant species, including both evergreen and deciduous forests.

Here are some notable flora found in Chandoli National Park:

(1) Deciduous Forests:

The park is predominantly covered by deciduous forests, characterized by trees that shed their leaves during certain seasons. Trees such as teak (Tectona grandis), ain (Terminalia elliptica), hirda (Terminalia chebula), and javan (Lagerstroemia microcarpa) are common in these forests.

(2) Evergreen Forests:

Some areas within the park are characterized by evergreen forests, which retain their foliage throughout the year. These forests are home to a variety of tree species, including blackwood (Dalbergia latifolia), mathi (Terminalla tomentosa), and katak (Flacourtia indica).

(3) Grasslands:

Chandoli National Park also features patches of grasslands, providing open habitats for various species. These grasslands support a diverse array of grasses and herbaceous plants that play a crucial role in the park's ecosystem.

Grasses commonly seen here include bangala or bluestem grass sp., dongari or golden beard grass (fulvus), black spear grass, kalikusli or tangle grass, anjan grass or buffel grass, grader grass or karad or kangaroo grass (quadrivalvis) and grasses belonging to family Poaceae, like saphet-kusli or Aristida funiculata].

(4) Insectivorous Plant Species:

Insectivorous plant species like sundews and bladderworts sp. are also found in this protected area.

(5) Medicinal Plants:

The park is known to harbor a range of medicinal plants that have traditional and cultural importance. These include species like aloe vera, Indian sarsaparilla (Hemidesmus indicus), and devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens).

(6) Aquatic Plants:

The water bodies within the park, such as the Warna River and the Chandoli Reservoir, support a variety of aquatic plants like water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and water lilies (Nymphaea spp.).

Chandoli National Park Fauna (Chandoli National Park Animals)

Which animal is protected in Chandoli National Park?

Chandoli National Park is home to a diverse range of fauna, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. The park's rich biodiversity is supported by its varied ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, and water bodies.

Here are some notable examples of the fauna found in Chandoli National Park:

Mammals:

Bengal Tiger
Leopard
Indian Bison
Leopard Cat
Sloth Bear
Indian Giant Squirrel
Barking Deer
Sambar Deer
Mouse Deer
Blackbuck

Birds:

Malabar Pied Hornbill
Malabar Grey Hornbill
Indian Grey Hornbill
Crested Serpent Eagle
Malabar Trogon
Indian Pitta
Rufous-bellied Eagle

Reptiles:

Indian Rock Python
King Cobra
Common Krait
Indian Rat Snake
Malabar Pit Viper