Gugamal National Park UPSC

Gugamal National Park is a national park located in Maharashtra, India. The park is named after the Gugamal Range, a hill range that runs through its core.

Gugamal National Park forms a part of the larger Melghat Tiger Reserve, which is one of the important tiger reserves in India.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Hills
River
Tribe
Flora
Fauna
UPSC Questions

Gugamal National Park Location

Gugamal National Park is located in the Amravati district of the state of Maharashtra, India. It is located in the Chikhaldara and Dharni tehsils of Amravati district. It is situated in the Satpura Range of hills, specifically in the Melghat region.

The Gugamal National Park is approximately 75 kilometers (47 miles) west of the city of Amravati and about 220 kilometers (137 miles) northeast of the city of Nagpur. The nearest town to the park is Paratwada, which is about 30 kilometers (19 miles) away.

The park is easily accessible by road, and there are various transportation options available to reach Gugamal National Park.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to reach Gugamal National Park is Nagpur which is 225 km from the park.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway stations are at Badnera/Amravati, 110-km away from the park.

Gugamal National Park History

Gugamal National Park has a relatively recent history. Here is a brief overview:

1. Establishment: In 1974, Gugamal National Park was established as a national park.

2. Inclusion in Melghat Tiger Reserve: In 1973-74, Melghat Tiger Reserve was created. Melghat Tiger Reserve consists of Gugamal National Park, Wan, Ambawarba and Narnala sanctuaries. Melghat Tiger Reserve was the first Tiger Reserve to be declared in the State of Maharashtra. The purpose was to provide a safe habitat for tigers and conserve the overall biodiversity of the area.

Gugamal National Park Area

Gugamal National Park covers an area of approximately 361.28 square kilometers (139.58 square miles).

Gugamal National Park Hills

Gugamal National Park is located in the Satpura Range of hills in the Amravati district of Maharashtra, India. The park is named after the Gugamal Range, which runs through its core. These hills contribute to the topography and scenic beauty of the park.

Gugamal National Park River

Gugamal National Park is traversed by several rivers and streams that add to its natural beauty and provide water sources for wildlife. The prominent rivers in and around Gugamal National Park include:

(1) Tapti River:

The Tapti River is one of the major rivers in the region and forms the northern boundary of Gugamal National Park. It flows along the park's northern border, providing water to the flora and fauna within the park.

(2) Melghat River (Khandu River):

The Melghat River, also known as the Khandu River, originates from the hills within the national park. It meanders through the park, offering picturesque views and serving as a crucial water source for the wildlife inhabiting the area.

(3) Dolar River:

The Dolar River is another significant watercourse in the vicinity of Gugamal National Park. It flows through the park, providing water and sustaining the ecosystem.

(4) Sipna River:

The Sipna River is another significant river that passes through Gugamal National Park. It originates in the Satpura Range and flows through the Melghat region, providing water to the surrounding areas.

(5) Gadga River:

The Gadga River is a tributary of the Tapti River and also flows through Gugamal National Park. It adds to the overall water resources of the park and supports the diverse ecosystem.

(6) Khapra River:

The Khapra River, also known as the Khapra Nadi, is another watercourse that flows through the Gugamal National Park. It is a tributary of the Tapti River and contributes to the riverine ecosystem of the region.

(7) Wan River:

The Wan River is a smaller stream that passes through Gugamal National Park. It is a tributary of the Khandu River and helps maintain the water balance within the park.

Gugamal National Park Tribe

Gugamal National Park is located in the Amravati district of Maharashtra, India, and is home to several tribal communities. The indigenous tribes residing in and around the national park are an integral part of the region's cultural heritage. The predominant tribal communities in the area include:

(1) Korku Tribe:

The Korku tribe is one of the major tribal communities found in and around Gugamal National Park. They have traditionally lived in the Melghat region, which encompasses the park. The Korku people have a distinct culture, language, and traditional knowledge of the local ecosystem.

(2) Gond Tribe:

The Gond tribe is another indigenous community that has a presence in the vicinity of Gugamal National Park. They are one of the largest tribal groups in central India and have a rich cultural heritage. The Gond people have a deep connection with the forests and often possess traditional knowledge about the local flora and fauna.

Gugamal National Park Flora

What is the flora of Gugamal National Park?

Gugamal National Park is known for its diverse flora, consisting of various plant species that thrive in the region's tropical dry deciduous forests, bamboo forests, and grasslands.

Here are some of the notable flora found in Gugamal National Park:

(1) Southern Dry Deciduous Forest:

Gugamal National Park is characterized by the presence of southern dry deciduous forests. These forests are predominantly composed of teak (Tectona grandis), ain (Terminalia alata), Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis), lendia (Lagerstroemia parviflora), dhawada (Anogeissus latifolia), and kusum (Schleichera oleosa) trees. These tree species are well adapted to the dry conditions of the region.

(2) Bamboo:

Bamboo is widespread in Gugamal National Park and is an important component of the flora. Various species of bamboo, belonging to the Bambusoideae family, can be found throughout the park. Bamboo plays a crucial role in stabilizing the soil, providing habitat, and serving as a food source for wildlife.

(3) Orchids and Strobilanthes:

In the upper hills of Gugamal National Park, you can find orchids and Strobilanthes plants. Orchids are known for their beautiful and diverse flowers, while Strobilanthes is a genus that includes several species with attractive blooms. Their presence adds to the floral diversity and visual appeal of the park.

(4) Medicinal Plants:

Gugamal National Park is recognized for its rich variety of medicinal plants. The park's diverse flora includes numerous species with medicinal properties, which are used by local communities for traditional healing practices. These medicinal plants contribute to the overall ecological value and importance of the park.

The combination of these plant species, including teak, ain, Indian gooseberry, lendia, dhawada, kusum, bamboo, orchids, Strobilanthes, and medicinal plants, forms the intricate web of flora within Gugamal National Park. They support the park's ecosystem, provide habitat and food for wildlife, and offer a range of valuable resources to both humans and the environment.

Gugamal National Park Fauna (Gugamal National Park Animals)

Gugamal National Park is famous for which animal?

Gugamal National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The park's varied ecosystems, encompassing forests, grasslands, and rivers, provide suitable habitats for a wide array of fauna.

Here are some notable species found in Gugamal National Park:

Mammals:

Bengal Tiger
Indian Leopard
Sloth Bear
Ussuri Dhole
Indian Jackal
Striped Hyena
Four-horned Antelope
Sambar
Gaur
Barking Deer
Honey Badger
Flying Squirrel
Cheetal
Nilgai
Wild Boar
Langur
Rhesus Monkey
Macaques

Birds:

Forest Spotted Owlet
Serpent Eagles
Paradise Flycatcher
Indian Peafowl
Indian Roller
Malabar Pied Hornbill
Greater Racket-tailed Drongo
White-bellied Drongo

Reptiles:

Crocodiles
Indian Python
Indian Cobra
Monitor Lizards
Indian Skink