Mathikettan Shola National Park UPSC

Mathikettan Shola National Park is a national park located in the Kerala, India. It is part of the Western Ghats, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity.

Mathikettan Shola National Park is known for its pristine shola forests, which are unique montane evergreen forests found in the Western Ghats. The park is named after the Mathikettan Shola, which is the largest shola forest in Kerala. Shola forests are characterized by their dense vegetation, high rainfall, and unique species composition.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Hills
River
Flora
What is Shola Forests?
Fauna
UPSC Questions

Mathikettan Shola National Park Location

Mathikettan Shola National Park is located in the Idukki district of Kerala, a state in southern India. Specifically, it is situated in the Poopara village, which is approximately 130 kilometers northeast of Kochi, the major city in Kerala.

The national park is nestled within the Western Ghats mountain range, which is known for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity.

The park is located between other reserve forests like Eravikulam National Park and Pampadam Shola National Park. The park lies on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu interstate border.

Nearest Airport:

Kochi International Airport (142 km)

Nearest Railway Station:

Theni Railway Station (55 km)

Mathikettan Shola National Park History

Mathikettan Shola National Park has a relatively short history compared to some other national parks in India. Here's an overview of its history:

1. Reserve Forest: In 1897, this area was notified as a Reserve Forest by the Travancore Government. Part of the land, prior to becoming a national park, had been leased out for the production of Cardamom.

2. Establishment: Mathikettan Shola National Park was established on November 21, 2003. The park was created with the aim of conserving the unique shola forests and the diverse flora and fauna found in the region.

3. Park Name: The park is named after Mathikettan Shola, which is the largest shola forest in Kerala. Shola forests are unique to the Western Ghats and are characterized by their stunted evergreen trees, dense undergrowth, and high rainfall.

4. UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 2012, the park was included as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Western Ghats." The Western Ghats is a globally recognized hotspot of biodiversity and is known for its high levels of species endemism.

Mathikettan Shola National Park Area

Mathikettan Shola National Park covers an area of approximately 12.82 square kilometers (4.95 square miles). The park's relatively small size is mainly due to its focus on protecting the shola forests and the specific habitats and species found within them.

Mathikettan Shola National Park Hills

Mathikettan Shola National Park is situated in the hilly terrain of the Western Ghats mountain range in Kerala, India. The park is part of Cardamom Hills Reserve. The park is characterized by undulating hills and valleys, which add to its scenic beauty. The hills within the national park are covered with dense shola forests, giving them a lush green appearance.

Mathikettan Shola National Park River

Three streams Uchilikuthipuzha, Mathikettanpuzha and Njandar, which are the tributaries to the Panniyar river originate from Mathikettan Shola National Park hill ranges.

(1) Uchilikuthipuzha:

This stream originates from the Mathikettan Shola hills within the national park. It flows through the park's hilly terrain and joins the Panniyar River.

(2) Mathikettanpuzha:

Also originating from the Mathikettan Shola hills, this stream flows through the national park and eventually merges with the Panniyar River.

(3) Njandar:

The Njandar stream also originates from the Mathikettan Shola hills and joins the Panniyar River after flowing through the park's landscape.

These streams contribute to the water flow and ecological balance of the Panniyar River system. The presence of these streams further enhances the natural beauty and importance of Mathikettan Shola National Park.

Mathikettan Shola National Park Flora

Mathikettan Shola National Park is known for its diverse and unique flora, particularly the shola forests that dominate the landscape. Here are some notable plant species found in the park:

(1) West Coast Tropical Evergreen Forests:

These forests are characterized by dense, evergreen vegetation with a high diversity of tree species. The trees are typically tall, with a closed canopy that allows little sunlight to reach the forest floor. This type of forest is common in the Western Ghats region, including Mathikettan Shola National Park.

Dipterocarpus indicus (Indian Dipterocarp)
Hopea parviflora (Hopea)
Cullenia exarillata (Cullenia)
Calophyllum apetalum (Calophyllum)
Mesua ferrea (Ceylon Ironwood)

(2) West Coast Semi-Evergreen Forests:

These forests have a mix of evergreen and deciduous tree species. They experience a moderate amount of rainfall and retain their green foliage throughout the year, but some trees may shed their leaves during periods of drought. These forests are typically found in areas with a slightly lower rainfall compared to the evergreen forests.

Artocarpus hirsutus (Hairy Artocarpus)
Lagerstroemia microcarpa (Crape Myrtle)
Palaquium ellipticum (Palaquium)
Syzygium cumini (Java Plum)
Garcinia gummi-gutta (Malabar Tamarind)

(3) South Indian Moist Deciduous Forests:

These forests have a mix of deciduous tree species that shed their leaves during the dry season. They occur in areas with a distinct wet and dry season and receive a moderate amount of rainfall. The trees in these forests adapt to the seasonal changes in moisture availability.

Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna)
Lagerstroemia lanceolata (Lanceleaf Crape Myrtle)
Shorea robusta (Sal Tree)
Tectona grandis (Teak)
Anogeissus latifolia (Broadleaf Axlewood)

(4) Grasslands:

The high-altitude grasslands are located along the northern and eastern boundaries of Mathikettan Shola National Park. These grasslands are characterized by open areas with a variety of grass species. They occur in the higher elevations of the park and provide habitat for unique plant and animal species adapted to these montane grassland ecosystems.

(5) Shola Trees:

The park is characterized by the presence of shola trees, which are stunted evergreen trees that thrive in the high-altitude montane regions of the Western Ghats. These trees have a twisted and gnarled appearance and include species such as Rhododendron nilgiricum, Eurya nitida, and Syzygium gardneri.

(6) Orchids:

Mathikettan Shola National Park is home to a variety of orchid species. Orchids are known for their vibrant and diverse flowers. Some notable orchids found in the park include the endemic Vanda tessellata and Eria pergracilis.

(7) Ferns:

Ferns are abundant in the shola forests of the park, adding to its lush greenery. Species like Hymenophyllum polyanthos, Adiantum edgeworthii, and Pteris cretica can be found in the park.

What is Shola Forests?

Shola forests are unique ecosystems found in the montane regions of the Western Ghats mountain range in South India. These forests are characterized by their stunted trees, dense vegetation, and high biodiversity. Shola forests are typically located at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 meters (4,900 to 8,200 feet) above sea level.

Here are some key features of Shola forests:

1. Vegetation: Shola forests are composed of stunted evergreen trees and shrubs that are adapted to the cool and moist conditions of the montane environment. The trees in Shola forests often have twisted trunks, and the canopy is typically dense, allowing limited light to penetrate.

2. Grasslands: In between the patches of Shola forest, there are often grassy meadows known as "sholas" or "shola grasslands." These grasslands are interspersed with the forest patches and contribute to the unique landscape of the Western Ghats.

3. Biodiversity: Shola forests are considered biodiversity hotspots and are home to numerous endemic plant and animal species. The dense vegetation provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, deer, and several species of birds.

4. Water Catchment: Shola forests play a crucial role in regulating water flow in the region. They act as natural catchment areas for streams and rivers, helping in water retention and maintaining a steady water supply downstream.

5. Fragile Ecosystem: Shola forests are delicate ecosystems that are highly sensitive to changes in temperature and rainfall patterns. Human activities, such as deforestation and encroachment, pose a significant threat to the survival of these forests and the species that depend on them.

Mathikettan Shola National Park Fauna (Mathikettan Shola National Park Animals)

Which animal is protected in Mathikettan Shola National Park?/Mathikettan Shola National Park is famous for which animal?

Mathikettan Shola National Park is home to a diverse range of fauna, including several species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Here are some notable examples of fauna found in the park:

Mammals:

Nilgiri Langur
Leopard
Indian Giant Squirrel
Nilgiri Tahr
Indian Muntjac (Barking Deer)
Sambar
Gaur
Asian Elephant
Wild Boar
Civets
Jungle Cat
Asiatic Wild Dog
Indian Porcupine
Stripe-necked Mongoose
Malabar Spiny Dormouse

Birds:

Malabar Whistling Thrush
Nilgiri Wood Pigeon
White-bellied Blue Flycatcher
Nilgiri Flycatcher
Oriental White-eye
Indian Robin
Great Hornbill
Malabar Banded Peacock
White Cheeked Barbet
Malabar Parakeet
Black Eagle
Crested Serpent Eagle
Scarlet Minivet
Malabar Whistling Thrush

Reptiles and Amphibians:

Malabar Pit Viper
Indian Rock Python
Malabar Gliding Frog
Travancore Tortoise
Cochin Cane Turtle

Insects and Butterflies:

Malabar Tree Nymph
Malabar Raven
Tamil Lacewing
Malabar Rose Butterfly