Mukurthi National Park

Mukurthi National Park UPSC

Mukurthi National Park is a protected area located in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is situated in the Nilgiri Hills, which is a part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park was named after its highest peak, Mukurthi Peak, which stands at an elevation of around 2,554 meters (8,379 feet). 

The national park was established in 1990 to protect its keystone species, the Nilgiri Tahr. Nilgiri tahr is an endangered mountain ungulate endemic to the Western Ghats.

Mukurthi National Park is characterized by rolling hills, valleys, grasslands, and shola forests. Sholas are unique montane evergreen forests found in the Western Ghats, and they play a crucial role in maintaining the water resources of the region.

Table of Contents Location History Area Hills River Tribe Flora Fauna UPSC Questions

Mukurthi National Park Location

Mukurthi National Park is located in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu state in South India. It is situated in the Nilgiri Hills, which is a part of the Western Ghats mountain range. 

Mukurthi National Park is a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve along with Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and Silent Valley.

The nearest town to Mukurthi National Park is Ooty (Ootacamund), which is a popular tourist destination in the region. Ooty is approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) away from the park. The national park can be accessed by road from Ooty or other nearby towns in the Nilgiris district.

Nearest Airport:

• Coimbatore International Airport (140 km).

Nearest Railway Station:

• Udhagamandalam (Ooty) (40 km).

Mukurthi National Park History

1. Declared as Wildlife Sanctuary: Mukurthi National Park was declared a wildlife sanctuary on 3 August 1982, primarily with the aim of protecting the Nilgiri tahr (an endangered mountain ungulate). The sanctuary was established to safeguard the unique biodiversity of the area, including the habitat of the Nilgiri tahr.

2. Upgraded to National Park: Subsequently, on 15 October 1990, the wildlife sanctuary was upgraded to the status of a national park, further strengthening the protection and conservation efforts in the region. The elevation in the status from wildlife sanctuary to national park indicates the heightened significance of the area and the need for enhanced conservation measures.

Mukurthi National Park Area

Mukurthi National Park spans an area of approximately 78.46 square kilometers (30.29 square miles). This area includes diverse landscapes such as rolling hills, valleys, grasslands, and shola forests. 

Mukurthi National Park Hills

Mukurthi National Park is located in the Nilgiri Hills, which is a mountain range in the Western Ghats of southern India. The park is characterized by its scenic hills and valleys, which contribute to its natural beauty and diverse ecosystems.

The highest peak in the national park is Mukurthi Peak, which stands at an elevation of approximately 2,554 meters (8,379 feet). This peak offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys, and it serves as a prominent landmark within the park.

Mukurthi National Park River

River Pykara originate from Mukurthi Peak in the Nilgiri Hills and flow through Mukurthi National Park. It flows through the region and eventually joins the Moyar River. The River Pykara is a significant watercourse in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, India.

The river is known for its scenic beauty, especially its cascading waterfalls, which attract tourists and nature enthusiasts. The Pykara Falls, located downstream from Mukurthi National Park, is a popular tourist destination in the region. The river and its surrounding area offer opportunities for boating, picnicking, and enjoying the natural landscapes.

Mukurthi National Park Tribe

Mukurthi National Park is located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India, which is known for its rich cultural and tribal heritage. The area surrounding the national park is home to various indigenous tribal communities.

One of the prominent tribal communities in the region is the Toda tribe. The Todas are an indigenous tribe native to the Nilgiri Hills and are known for their unique cultural practices and traditional lifestyle. They have their own language, customs, and distinctive dwellings called "munds" or "todas" that are barrel-shaped huts made of bamboo and thatched roofs.

The Todas traditionally practiced pastoralism, with buffaloes being an important part of their livelihood. They also have a rich tradition of dairy farming and produce dairy products like ghee and curd. The Toda community has played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of the Nilgiri Hills.

Mukurthi National Park Flora

Mukurthi National Park is known for its diverse and unique flora, which includes a variety of plant species adapted to the montane ecosystems of the Nilgiri Hills. The park's vegetation consists of several distinct types of forests, grasslands, and shola ecosystems. 

Here are some notable flora found in Mukurthi National Park:

(1) Shola Forests: 

Shola forests are unique montane evergreen forests found in the Western Ghats region. These forests are characterized by their stunted, dense vegetation composed of various tree species. In Mukurthi National Park, shola forests can be found at higher elevations. Some common tree species found in the shola forests include Rhododendron arboreum, Michelia nilagirica, and Elaeocarpus oblongus.

(2) Grasslands: 

Mukurthi National Park has extensive grasslands, which are interspersed with patches of shola forests. The grasslands are home to various grass species, including Themeda, Chrysopogon, and Arundinella. These grasslands provide important grazing grounds for herbivores such as the Nilgiri tahr and Indian gaurs.

(3) Rhododendrons:

Mukurthi National Park is known for its Rhododendron species, which bloom during specific seasons, adding vibrant colors to the landscape. Rhododendron arboreum, known as the Nilgiri Rhododendron, is one of the notable species found in the park.

(4) Orchids:

The Mukurthi National Park is also home to a variety of orchid species, with their beautiful and intricate blooms. Some common orchids found in Mukurthi National Park include Habenaria, Dendrobium, and Eria species.

(5) Medicinal Plants:

The Nilgiri Hills, including Mukurthi National Park, are known for their rich medicinal plant diversity. Several plant species with medicinal properties, such as Acorus calamus, Gymnema sylvestre, and Rauvolfia serpentina, can be found in the park.

(6) Endemic Plants:

The Mukurthi National Park area is home to numerous endemic plants particularly of the scapigerous annual Impatiens plants. Alchemilla indica and Hedyotis verticillaris are found only within or on the fringes of this park.

(7) Shrubs:

The edges of most sholas in Mukurthi National Park are lined with the shrubs: Gaultheria fragrantissima, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, Rubus sp., Bergeris tinctoria, Eurya nitida, Strobilanthes sp., and Helichrysum sp.

Mukurthi National Park Fauna (Mukurthi National Park Animals)

Mukurthi National Park is home to a diverse array of fauna, including several rare and endemic species. The park's rich biodiversity is supported by its varied habitats, including shola forests, grasslands, and montane ecosystems. 

Here are some notable fauna found in Mukurthi National Park:

Mammals:

• Nilgiri Tahr
• Indian Elephant
• Bengal Tiger
• Nilgiri Marten
• Nilgiri Langur
• Bonhote's Mouse
• Leopard
• Bonnet Macaque
• Sambar Deer
• Barking Deer
• Mouse Deer
• Otter
• Jungle Cat
• Small Indian Civet
• Wild Dog
• Jackal
• Black-naped Hare
• Shrew
• Malabar Spiny Dormouse
• Soft-furred Rat

Birds:

• Nilgiri Laughingthrush
• Malabar Whistling Thrush
• Eurasian Woodcock
• Nilgiri Wood Pigeon
• Black-and-orange Flycatcher
• Nilgiri Flycatcher
• Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher 
• Black Bulbul
• Nilgiri Pipit
• Black-winged Kite
• Common Kestrel
• Black Eagle 

Reptiles:

• Nilgiri Salea
• Horseshoe Pit Viper
• Checkered Keelback
• Rat Snake
• Bronze-headed Vine Snake 

Butterflies:

• Blue Admiral
• Indian Red Admiral
• Indian Fritillary

Mukurthi National Park UPSC Questions

Q. What is Mukurthi National Park also known as?

A. Mukurthi National Park is also known as Mukurthi National Park and Nilgiri Tahr National Park. Both names are used interchangeably to refer to the same protected area.

Q. Why is Mukurthi National Park famous?

A. Mukurthi National Park is famous for several reasons:

• Conservation of Nilgiri Tahr
• Biodiversity Hotspot
• Scenic Beauty
• Trekking and Adventure
• Birdwatching
• Cultural Significance

Q. Is mukurthi national park part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve?/Which Biosphere Reserve is Mukurthi National Park in?

A. Yes, Mukurthi National Park is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It encompasses a vast area of the Western Ghats in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.

Q. Where is Mukurthi National Park?/Mukurthi National Park is located in which state/district?

A. Mukurthi National Park is located in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu state in South India. 

Q. Mukurthi National Park is famous for which animal?

A. Mukurthi National Park is famous for the conservation of the Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius). The park plays a crucial role in protecting this endangered species, which is a type of mountain ungulate endemic to the Western Ghats of India. The Nilgiri tahr is known for its unique appearance, with a stocky build, curved horns, and a shaggy coat. The park provides a safe and protected habitat for the Nilgiri tahr population, making it a significant location for their conservation.