Pambadum Shola National Park UPSC
Pambadum Shola National Park is a national park located in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is situated in the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich biodiversity. The park is known for its unique shola-grassland ecosystem.
The name "Pambadum Shola" translates to "the forest where the snake dances" in the local Malayalam language, reflecting the abundance of snake species found in the park. The park is characterized by dense forests, rolling grasslands, and numerous perennial streams that originate from the surrounding hills.
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Pambadum Shola National Park Location
Pambadum Shola National Park is located in the Idukki district of the state of Kerala in southern India. It is situated in the eastern part of Southern Western Ghats mountain range. It is on the border with Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu.
The park is approximately 36 kilometers (22 miles) away from Munnar, a popular hill station in Kerala known for its tea plantations and scenic beauty.
Nearest Airport:
The Park is accessible from Cochin (Kerala) and Coimbatore International Airport (Tamil Nadu) airports, which are located at about 170 Km and 160 Km respectively.
Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Pambadum Shola National Park in Kerala is Aluva (180 Km) and Udumalpet (110 Km) in Tamil Nadu.
Pambadum Shola National Park History
Pambadum Shola National Park has a rich history that is closely tied to the ecological and cultural heritage of the region. Here are some key points regarding its history:
1. Indigenous Communities: The area surrounding Pambadum Shola National Park has been inhabited by indigenous communities for centuries. The park is situated in the traditional lands of the Muthuvan and Hill Pulaya tribes. These communities have a deep connection with the land and have relied on its resources for their livelihoods.
2. Recognition as a Reserve Forest: In 1897, Pambadum Shola was declared as Reserve woodland by the Travancore Government to protect its unique shola-grassland ecosystem and the diverse flora and fauna within. This recognition marked the first step towards the conservation of the area.
3. Upgrade to National Park: In 2003, Pambadum Shola was upgraded to the status of a national park. This elevated its conservation status and brought increased attention to its ecological significance. The declaration as a national park aimed to ensure the long-term protection and preservation of the area's biodiversity.
4. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Pambadum Shola National Park is part of the Western Ghats, which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2012. The Western Ghats are recognized for their outstanding universal value and serve as a hotspot of biodiversity. This recognition further highlights the importance of Pambadum Shola and its conservation efforts.
Pambadum Shola National Park Area
Pambadum Shola National Park covers an area of approximately 11.753 Sq. Km (4.534 square miles). It is the smallest national park in Kerala.
The park area is known for its ecological significance and unique shola-grassland ecosystem. The park's compact size allows for better management and conservation efforts within its boundaries.
The altitudes range between 1600-2400 m. The forest is seen as a continuous patch from 1600 m up to 2000 m, above which grasslands prevails with small forest patches distributed among them.
Pambadum Shola National Park Hills
Pambadum Shola National Park is a part of the Palani Hills, which is a range of hills located in both Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The Palani Hills extend across the border of these two states, and Pambadum Shola National Park lies within this region.
The Palani Hills are an eastward extension of the Western Ghats ranges and are known for their scenic beauty, rich biodiversity, and cultural significance. The hills are characterized by their dense forests, rolling landscapes, and numerous streams that originate from the higher elevations.
Pambadum Shola National Park River
Pambadum Shola National Park is blessed with several perennial streams and rivers that originate from the surrounding hills. These water bodies are vital for the park's ecosystem, supporting the rich biodiversity and providing habitats for various plant and animal species.
Tributaries of Pambar River flows through or near Pambadum Shola National Park. The Pambar River is a tributary of the Amaravati River, which eventually joins the larger Kaveri River. The Pambar River tributaries plays a crucial role in providing water to the park and the surrounding areas, nourishing the vegetation and sustaining the wildlife.
Pambadum Shola National Park Lake
Pambadum Shola National Park does not have a lake within its boundaries. The park is primarily known for its shola forests, grasslands, hills, and streams, but it does not include a natural lake as a prominent feature.
However, there are other lakes and water bodies in the vicinity of Pambadum Shola National Park. The nearby hill station of Munnar, which is around 36 kilometers away, is known for its beautiful lakes, such as Mattupetty Lake and Kundala Lake. These lakes are popular tourist attractions and offer boating and scenic views.
Pambadum Shola National Park Tribe
Pambadum Shola National Park is located in the Idukki district of Kerala, India, which is home to various indigenous communities. The park itself falls within the traditional lands of the Muthuvan and Hill Pulaya tribes.
(1) Muthuvan Tribe:
The Muthuvan tribe is one of the indigenous communities that have lived in the region for generations. They have a deep connection with the land and are known for their traditional knowledge of the forest ecosystem. The Muthuvan people have traditionally relied on forest resources for their livelihood, including collecting non-timber forest products, hunting, and shifting cultivation.
(2) Hill Pulaya Tribe:
The Hill Pulaya tribe is another indigenous community present in the region. They have a similar connection with the forests and have historically engaged in various forest-based livelihood activities. These activities include collecting medicinal plants, gathering forest produce, and practicing traditional agriculture.
While Pambadum Shola National Park itself does not have a resident tribal population, the presence of these indigenous communities in the surrounding areas highlights the cultural diversity and significance of the region. Efforts are made to involve and engage these communities in the conservation and management of the park, respecting their traditional knowledge and promoting their sustainable livelihoods.
Pambadum Shola National Park Flora
What is the flora of Pampadum Shola National Park?
Pambadum Shola National Park is renowned for its rich and diverse flora, particularly its shola-grassland ecosystem. The park's vegetation consists of different types of forests, grasslands, and other plant communities.
Here are some key features of the flora found in Pambadum Shola National Park:
(1) Shola Forests:
The Pambadum Shola National Park is known for its shola forests, which are unique to the Western Ghats. Shola forests are high-altitude evergreen forests characterized by stunted trees, dense undergrowth, and a thick carpet of moss and ferns. These forests are adapted to the misty and cool conditions prevalent in the region.
(2) Grasslands:
The shola forests are interspersed with rolling grasslands, creating a mosaic of habitats within the Pambadum Shola National Park. These grasslands support a variety of grass species, as well as herbaceous plants and wildflowers. They provide grazing grounds for herbivores and contribute to the park's overall biodiversity.
(3) Endemic Species:
Pambadum Shola National Park is home to several endemic plant species, which means they are found only in this region and nowhere else in the world. Some examples of endemic species in the park include the Pambadum Shola Orchid (Cymbidium wightii) and the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), a flowering plant that blooms once every 12 years.
(4) Medicinal Plants:
The park is rich in medicinal plants that have been used by indigenous communities for traditional healthcare practices. These plants have significant cultural and medicinal value and contribute to the overall biodiversity and ecological importance of the park.
(5) Canopy Species:
Various tree species form the canopy layer of the forests in Pambadum Shola National Park. Some of the prominent tree species include Cullenia exarillata, Mesua ferrea, Calophyllum walkeri, and Eugenia spp.
(6) Ferns and Mosses:
The shola forests of the park support a wide array of ferns and mosses. These lower plants thrive in the moist and shaded environment of the forests, adding to the overall lushness and beauty of the area.
Pambadum Shola National Park's flora is a testament to the unique and fragile ecosystem found in the Western Ghats. Efforts are ongoing to conserve and protect the park's diverse plant life and maintain the delicate balance of this natural habitat.
Pambadum Shola National Park Fauna (Pambadum Shola National Park Animals)
Pambadum Shola National Park is home to a diverse range of fauna, including various mammal, bird, reptile, and amphibian species. The park's unique shola-grassland ecosystem provides habitats for many endemic and endangered species.
Here are some notable examples of fauna found in Pambadum Shola National Park:
Mammals:
- Nilgiri Marten
- Lion tailed Macaque
- Nilgiri Langur
- Leopards
- Indian Wild Dogs
- Elephants
- Gaur
- Wild Boar
- Sambar
- Common Langur
Birds:
- Nilgiri Wood-pigeon
- White-bellied Shortwing
- Vernal Hanging Parrot
- Blue Rock-thrush
- Blue-capped Rock-thrush
- Nilgiri Flycatcher
- Black-and-orange Flycatchers
Reptiles:
- Malabar Pit Viper
- Nilgiri Keelback
- Indian Rock Python
Butterflies:
- Parantica nilgiriensis (Nymphalidae)
- Libythea lepita
- Pantoporia ranga
- Rohana pariasatis
- Zipoetis saintis
- Jamides dalecto
Pambadum Shola National Park UPSC Questions
Q. What is Pambadum Shola National Park famous for?
A. Pambadum Shola National Park is famous for Shola-Grassland Ecosystem. Shola forests are high-altitude evergreen forests interspersed with grasslands, which are characteristic of the Western Ghats. This ecosystem supports a wide range of biodiversity and is considered ecologically important.
Q. When did the Pampadum Shola became a national park?
A. Pambadum Shola National Park was established as a national park in 2003. It was declared a national park under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 by the Government of Kerala in India.
Q. Which district is Pampadum Shola National Park in?
A. Pambadum Shola National Park is located in the Idukki district of the state of Kerala, India.
Q. Pampadum Shola National Park is famous for which animal?
A. The important animals found in the Pampadum Shola National Park are elephant, gaur, leopard, wild boar, sambar and common langur.
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