Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve UPSC

The Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) is a protected area located in the Southern Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India. It is a significant part of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve.

The primary aim of establishing this reserve was to protect the diverse flora and fauna of the region, including the Bengal tiger and several other endangered species.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
River
Flora
Fauna

Mammals
Birds
Reptile

UPSC Questions

Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve Location

Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) is located in Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu. It consists of the Kanyakumari Wildlife sanctuary and the Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary. The reserve forms part of the interstate Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is the Trivandrum International Airport located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. It is approximately 80 kilometers away from the reserve.

Nearest Railway Station:

As for the nearest railway station, the closest one to the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is Tirunelveli Junction Railway Station. It is situated in Tirunelveli city, Tamil Nadu, and is approximately 45 kilometers away from the reserve.

Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve History

The history of the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) can be traced back to the establishment of the Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary and Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary, which were merged to form the present-day reserve.

1. Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1962, the Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary was established and declared as Nation's first Tiger Sanctuary. The sanctuary was created to protect the diverse flora and fauna of the region, including important tiger habitat.

2. Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary: The Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1976, covering an area of approximately 223 square kilometers. It was primarily created to protect the endangered Lion-tailed Macaques (Macaca silenus), which are endemic to the Western Ghats. The sanctuary was named after the nearby town of Kalakad in Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu.

3. Formation of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve: In 1988, both the Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary and Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary were amalgamated to form the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR). This step was taken to enhance conservation efforts and provide a larger protected area for the endangered Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) and other wildlife species.

Note- Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve was declared as the “First Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu” and the 17th Tiger Reserve of the country.

4. Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve: The reserve falls within the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, which is also recognized by UNESCO as a World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve Area

The Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) spans a total area of 1601.542 square kilometers, encompassing both the core/critical tiger habitat and the buffer/peripheral area.

The core/critical tiger habitat of the reserve covers an area of 895.000 square kilometers. This section of the reserve is of utmost importance for the conservation and protection of the endangered Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) population. It provides the ideal habitat conditions necessary for the tigers to thrive, including suitable prey species, vegetation cover, and minimal human disturbance.

In addition to the core/critical tiger habitat, the KMTR also includes a buffer/peripheral area spanning approximately 706.542 square kilometers. This buffer zone surrounds the core habitat and acts as a transition zone between the reserve and the surrounding human-dominated landscapes. The buffer area helps to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts and provides additional protection to the wildlife by minimizing external disturbances.

Together, the core/critical tiger habitat and the buffer/peripheral area of the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve make up the total area of 1601.542 square kilometers. This expansive reserve plays a vital role in conserving the rich biodiversity of the region, protecting the endangered tiger population, and maintaining the ecological balance of the Western Ghats.

Core/Critical tiger habitat : 895.000 sq.km
Buffer/Peripheral area : 706.542 sq.km
Total : 1601.542 sq.km

Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve River

The Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, also known as the "River Sanctuary," is associated with the origin or flow of approximately 14 rivers and streams. These water bodies contribute to the ecological richness and water resources of the reserve.

Among the notable rivers originating from or flowing through the reserve are Thambraparani, Ramanadi, Karayar, Servalar, Manimuthar, Pachayar, Kodaiyar, Gadananathi River, and Kallar.

(1) Thamirabarani River:

The Thamirabarani River is one of the major rivers in the region and plays a significant role in the hydrology of the KMTR. It originates in the Agasthyamalai Hills and flows through the reserve.

(2) Ramanadi:

The Ramanadi is a river that flows through the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. It contributes to the reserve's water resources and sustains the surrounding ecosystems.

(3) Karayar River:

The Karayar River is another river associated with the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. It adds to the biodiversity and hydrological importance of the reserve.

(4) Servalar River:

The Servalar River is a tributary of the Thamirabarani River and flows through the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.

(5) Manimuthar River:

The Manimuthar River is another significant river that flows in the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. It originates in the Agasthyamalai Hills and passes through the foothills, eventually joining the Thamirabarani River.

(6) Pachayar River:

The Pachayar River is a small river that flows through the reserve, adding to its water resources and supporting the local ecology.

(7) Kodayar River:

The Kodayar River is a tributary of the Thamirabarani River and flows near the western boundary of the KMTR. It originates in the Agasthyamalai Hills and traverses through dense forests, adding to the overall biodiversity of the reserve.

(8) Gadananathi River:

The Gadananathi River associated with the reserve contribute to the water resources and ecological significance of the area.

(9) Kallar River:

The Kallar River, flowing through the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, further adds to the network of rivers and streams in the region.

Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve Flora

The Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) boasts a remarkable variety of flora, with diverse forest types and habitats supporting a wide range of plant species. Here are the different forest categories found within the reserve:

(1) West Coast Tropical Evergreen Forests:

These forests are characterized by a dense canopy and an abundance of tall trees, including species such as rosewood, teak, ebony, and bamboo. Epiphytic plants like orchids, ferns, and mosses also thrive in this habitat.

(2) Southern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forests:

These forests consist of a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees. Tree species like teak, jackfruit, neem, and Indian laurel are common in this forest type.

(3) Ochlandra Reed Brakes:

This habitat is dominated by the Ochlandra reed species, which forms dense thickets. These reeds are adapted to marshy areas and play a crucial role in soil conservation and water regulation.

(4) Tropical Riparian Fringing Forests:

Found along the banks of rivers and streams, these forests contain a diverse range of tree species, including ficus, Indian beech, and fig trees. The presence of water supports the growth of various aquatic plants as well.

(5) Dry Teak Forests:

Teak trees (Tectona grandis) dominate these forests, along with other dry-adapted tree species like banyan, Indian kino tree, and palmyra palm.

(6) Southern Moist Mixed Deciduous Forests:

These forests exhibit a mix of deciduous and evergreen tree species, creating a transitional ecosystem. Trees such as white cedar, Indian gooseberry, and flame of the forest are found in this forest type.

(7) Southern Montane Wet Grassland:

This habitat is characterized by wet grasslands, which harbor a variety of grass species along with associated herbs, sedges, and ferns. It provides a unique ecosystem in the higher elevation areas of the reserve.

(8) Southern Hilltop Evergreen Forests:

Found at higher elevations, these forests consist of evergreen tree species adapted to cooler and moister conditions. Trees like silver oak, wild cinnamon, and Indian mahogany are typical in this forest type.

(9) Carnatic Umbrella Thorn Forests:

This forest type is characterized by the umbrella thorn tree (Acacia nilotica), which forms a prominent component of the vegetation in certain regions of the KMTR.

(10) Tirunelveli Semi-evergreen Forests:

These forests exhibit a blend of evergreen and deciduous tree species, representing a transitional forest type. Trees such as ironwood, Indian tulip, and Indian coral tree are found in this habitat.

Apart from these forests, the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve also includes savannah woodlands, grasslands, tea and coffee plantations, and aquatic habitats such as reservoirs and rivers. These diverse habitats support a range of plant species, water birds, amphibians, and fishes.

Additionally, areas like the Mundanthurai plateau and Nambi Kovil forest have been identified as Medicinal Plant Conservation Areas, highlighting their importance in preserving valuable medicinal plant species.

Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve Fauna (Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve Animals)

The Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) is renowned for its rich and diverse fauna, harboring a wide array of animal species. The diverse forest types and varied habitats within the reserve support a thriving ecosystem.

Here are some of the notable fauna found within the KMTR:

Mammals:

Bengal Tiger
Asian Elephant
Leopard
Lion Tailed Macaque
Nilgiri Tahr
Sambar
Spotted Deer
Sloth Bear
Indian Gaur
Malabar Giant Squirrel

Birds:

Nilgiri Pipit
Grey Headed Bulbul
Blue Winged Parakeet
Great Hornbill
Malabar Pied Hornbill
Asian Paradise Flycatcher
Grey Francolin
Rain Quail
Jungle Bush Quail
Small Buttonquail
Yellow-legged Button Quail
Barred Button Quail
Red Spurfowl

Reptiles:

Indian Rock Python
King Cobra
Russell's Viper
Indian Chameleon
Monitor Lizards