Papikonda National Park UPSC

Papikonda National Park is a protected area located in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Hills
River
Flora
Fauna
UPSC Questions

Papikonda National Park Location

Papikonda National Park is located in the in the Papi Hills of the Alluri Sitharama Raju and Eluru districts of Andhra Pradesh, India. It lies in the Eastern Ghats mountain range.

The park lies on the left and right banks of the river Godavari.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport is Visakhapatnam, about 100 km away from Papikondalu National Park

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest station is Rajahmundry, 4.5 km away from Papikondalu National Park.

Papikonda National Park History

1. Ramayana Era: The Papikonda National Park has mythological significance as it was once the kingdom of the apes during the holy Ramayana era. The area was known as Kishkinda, and its inhabitants helped Lord Rama bring back Sita from Lanka.

2. Reserved Forest: In 1882, the area was declared a reserved forest.

3. Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1978, the Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuary was declared. This designation aimed to protect the diverse flora and fauna found in the region.

4. Upgradation to National Park: In 2008, after years of conservation efforts and recognition of its ecological value, Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuary was upgraded to a national park.

Papikonda National Park Area

Papikonda National Park covers an approximate area of 1,012 square kilometers (391 square miles). The park area encompasses diverse landscapes, including hilly terrains, valleys, and several streams and rivers that flow through the region.

Papikonda National Park Hills

Papikonda National Park is located in the Papi Hills of Eastern Ghats.

Papi Hills, also known as Papi Kondalu or Papi Koondalu, is a scenic hill range located in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, India. These hills are part of the Papikonda Hill Range and are situated along the Godavari River.

Papikonda National Park River

The Godavari River flows through the Papikonda National Park. The park lies on the left and right banks of the river Godavari.

The Godavari River is one of the longest rivers in India and plays a vital role in the region's ecology and livelihoods. It originates in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra and flows through several states before draining into the Bay of Bengal in Andhra Pradesh.

The Godavari River is also an essential water source for nearby communities and sustains the agricultural activities in the surrounding areas. Additionally, the river offers opportunities for boating and river cruises, allowing visitors to experience the natural beauty of Papikonda National Park from a different perspective.

Papikonda National Park Flora

Papikonda National Park is known for its rich and diverse flora. The park encompasses various forest types, each with its own unique vegetation.

Here are some of the prominent flora found in Papikonda National Park:

(1) Moist Deciduous Forests:

These forests are dominated by trees that shed their leaves during the dry season. They typically include species such as teak, rosewood, terminalia, and bamboo. These forests thrive in areas with moderate rainfall.

(2) Dry Deciduous Forests:

These forests occur in areas with relatively lower rainfall. They are characterized by species like sal, mahua, tendu, axlewood, and bhirra. The vegetation in these forests is adapted to withstand seasonal variations in precipitation.

(3) Bamboo Forests:

Bamboo is a prominent plant species in the Papikonda National Park. It forms dense stands and contributes to the unique beauty of the landscape. Bamboo is an important resource for local communities and plays a crucial role in providing habitat for various wildlife species.

(4) Riparian Vegetation:

The Papikonda National Park is blessed with the presence of the Godavari River and its tributaries, which support a range of riparian vegetation. Along the riverbanks, you can find species such as figs, eucalyptus, casuarina, and various types of grasses and shrubs.

(5) Medicinal Plants:

Papikonda National Park is also home to numerous medicinal plants. Traditional knowledge of these plants and their healing properties is often shared and preserved by the local tribal communities. Some examples include neem, amla, tulsi, and turmeric.

Papikonda National Park Fauna (Papikonda National Park Animals)

Papikonda National Park is famous for which animal?

Papikonda National Park is home to a diverse range of fauna, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The park's varied habitats, such as forests, hills, and rivers, support a rich ecosystem and provide shelter for numerous species.

Here are some of the notable fauna found in Papikonda National Park:

Mammals:

Bengal Tigers
Indian leopards
Rusty-spotted Cats
Sloth Bears
Spotted Deer
Sambar Deer
Indian Muntjac
Four-horned Antelope
Rhesus Macaques
Bonnet Macaques
Gray Langurs
Small Indian Civet
Asian Palm Civet
Wild boar
Honey Badger
Indian Spotted Chevrotain
Gaur
Nilgai

Birds:

Black-bellied Tern
Pale-capped Pigeon
Oriental Darter
Red Jungle Fowl
Yellow-throated Bulbul
Pallid Harrier
Great Thick-knee
River Lapwing
River Tern
Malabar Pied Hornbill
Alexandrine Parakeet

Reptiles:

Indian Golden Gecko
King Cobras
Indian Python
Indian Cobra
Monitor Lizard
Chamaelon
Fresh Water Crocodile