Parambikulam Tiger Reserve UPSC

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is a well-known wildlife sanctuary and tiger reserve located in the state of Kerala, India. It is one of the premier tiger reserves in the country and is part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

One of the unique features of the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is the presence of a large reservoir called Parambikulam Dam. The dam is built on the Parambikulam River. The Parambikulam Dam serves multiple purposes, including irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and water supply.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
River
Lake
Tribe
Flora
Fauna

Mammals
Birds
Reptile

UPSC Questions

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve Location

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is located in Palakkad and Thrissur districts of Kerala, India. It is situated near the border with the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. The reserve is nestled in the Western Ghats, a mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of India.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is Coimbatore International Airport, located in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. It is approximately 100 kilometers away from the reserve.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is Palakkad Junction Railway Station, located in Palakkad, Kerala. It is approximately 100 kilometers away from the reserve as well.

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve History

What is the history of Parambikulam?

The Parambikulam Tiger Reserve has a rich history that dates back several centuries. Here is an overview of its historical significance:

1. Indigenous Communities: The area around Parambikulam has been inhabited by indigenous tribal communities for centuries. The tribes, including the Kadar, Malasar, and Muthuvan, have a deep connection with the forests and have traditionally lived in harmony with nature.

2. Feudal Era: During the feudal era in Kerala, the Parambikulam region was under the rule of local rulers and landlords. They utilized the forests for hunting and timber extraction.

3. Forest Conservation Efforts: In the early 20th century, efforts were initiated to conserve the forests of Parambikulam. The Cochin Maharaja, Rama Varma, played a significant role in establishing forest reserves in the region. The Maharaja was known for his keen interest in wildlife conservation.

4. Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1973, the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary was established to protect the rich biodiversity of the area. It was declared as a sanctuary under the Kerala Forest Act, 1961.

5. Tiger Reserve: In 2009, the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary was upgraded to the status of a Tiger Reserve. The reserve was included in the Project Tiger initiative, a nationwide program aimed at conserving the endangered Bengal Tigers.

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve Area

The Parambikulam Tiger Reserve spans across a significant area of land in the Western Ghats. It covers a total area of approximately 643.66 square kilometers (248.81 square miles). This vast expanse of land is home to diverse ecosystems, including evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, and grasslands.

Core/critical tiger habitat : 390.89 Km2
Buffer/peripheral area : 252.77 Km2
Total : 643.66 Km2

The core/critical tiger habitat within the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve covers approximately 390.89 square kilometers (150.83 square miles). This area is considered crucial for the conservation and protection of tiger populations.

The buffer/peripheral area surrounding the core habitat spans around 252.77 square kilometers (97.59 square miles). The buffer zone typically acts as a transitional area between the core habitat and human settlements, providing additional support for conservation efforts.

Overall, the total area of the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, including both the core and buffer zones, is 643.66 square kilometers (248.81 square miles). This expansive area contributes to the conservation of not only tigers but also various other wildlife species and their habitats within the reserve.

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve River

The Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is blessed with several rivers and water bodies that add to its natural beauty and ecological significance. The reserve is crisscrossed by rivers and streams that provide a vital water source for the diverse flora and fauna in the area. One of the prominent rivers in the reserve is the Parambikulam River itself.

The Parambikulam River originates from the Anamalai Hills in Tamil Nadu and flows through the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, eventually joining the Chalakkudy River in Kerala. The river serves as a lifeline for the reserve, sustaining the rich ecosystems and supporting a wide variety of plant and animal species.

Additionally, there are other smaller streams and water bodies within the reserve, such as the Thunakadavu River and the Peruvaripallam River, which contribute to the overall hydrological network of the area. These water bodies play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance and supporting the wildlife populations within the reserve.

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve Lake

The Parambikulam Tiger Reserve has several man-made reservoirs, which are also referred to as lakes. These reservoirs play a significant role in water conservation and supply within the reserve.

The three major man-made reservoirs in the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve are:

(1) Parambikulam Reservoir:

This reservoir is the largest among the three, giving its name to the reserve itself. It covers a considerable area and provides water for both wildlife and human settlements in the region.

(2) Thunacadavu Reservoir (Thunakkadavu):

The Thunacadavu Reservoir is another important water body within the reserve. It contributes to water storage and supply, supporting the local ecosystem and human needs.

(3) Peruvaripallam Reservoir:

The Peruvaripallam Reservoir is the third man-made reservoir in the reserve. It also plays a role in water management and conservation efforts.

The combined area of these reservoirs is approximately 20.66 square kilometers (8 square miles), providing a significant water source within the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve.

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve Tribe

Which tribes are in Parambikulam Tiger Reserve?

The Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is home to several indigenous tribes who have a long history of living in harmony with the forested environment. Among the tribes residing in the reserve are:

(1) Kadar Tribe:

The Kadar tribe is one of the major indigenous communities in the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. They have a deep connection with the forest and traditionally relied on hunting and gathering for sustenance.

(2) Malasar Tribe:

The Malasar tribe is another indigenous community found in the reserve. They have their own distinct cultural practices and have traditionally lived in close association with the forest resources.

(3) Muduvar Tribe:

The Muduvar tribe is also part of the indigenous population in the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. They have a rich cultural heritage and have traditionally engaged in various forest-based livelihood activities.

(4) Mala Malasar Tribe:

The Mala Malasar tribe is another tribal community found in the reserve. They have a unique identity and have historically relied on forest resources for their livelihood.

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve Flora

The Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is known for its rich and diverse flora, with a wide range of plant species thriving within its boundaries. The reserve is located in the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot, which further enhances its botanical significance.

Here are some notable flora found in the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve:

(1) Evergreen Forests:

The reserve is characterized by evergreen forests that are dominated by species such as Cullenia excelsa (Indian cinnamon), Mesua ferrea (Ceylon ironwood), Vateria indica (white dammar), and Dipterocarpus indicus (gurjan).

(2) Moist Deciduous Forests:

Moist deciduous forests are also prevalent in the reserve. They feature trees like Teak (Tectona grandis), Terminalia spp. (Indian laurel), Lagerstroemia spp. (crepe myrtle), and Hardwickia binata (anjan).

(3) Shola Forests:

Shola forests are a unique type of high-altitude montane evergreen forests found in the Western Ghats. They are characterized by stunted trees, dense undergrowth, and grassy clearings. Shola forests in the reserve host species such as Rhododendron nilgiricum (Nilgiri rhododendron), Syzygium spp. (rose apple), and Ilex spp. (holly).

(4) Grasslands:

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve also encompasses grassland areas that provide habitat for several herbaceous plants, including species like Cymbopogon spp. (lemongrass), Eulalia spp., and Themeda spp.

(5) Medicinal Plants:

The reserve is home to various medicinal plants used by indigenous communities for traditional healing practices. Some examples include Aegle marmelos (bael), Dioscorea spp. (yam), and Justicia adhatoda (Malabar nut).

(6) Endemic Species:

The endemic genera are represented by Anaphyllum, Blepharistemma, Decalepis, Haplothismia, Indobanalia, Indotristicha, Kanjarum, Moullava, Nilgirianthus, Ochreinauclea, Otonephelium, Poeciloneuron, Utleria and Willisia.

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve Fauna (Parambikulam Tiger Reserve Animals)

What animals are in Parambikulam?

The Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is renowned for its rich and diverse fauna, making it a significant wildlife habitat within the Western Ghats. The reserve provides a home to numerous species, including many endangered and threatened animals.

Here are some of the notable fauna found in the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve:

Mammals:

Bengal Tigers
Lion-tailed Macaques
Nilgiri Tahr
Elephants
Indian leopards
Wild Boar
Dhole
Sambar
Bonnet Macaque
Nilgiri Langurs
Sloth Bears
Nilgiri Marten
Small Travancore Flying Squirrel
Gaur

Birds:

Lesser Adjutant Stork
Grey-headed Fish-eagle
Peninsular Bay Owl
Broad-billed Roller
Great Pied Hornbill

Reptiles:

King Cobra
Kerala Shieldtail
Travancore Kukri Snake
Travancore Wolf Snake
Indian Day Gecko
Western Ghats Flying Lizard
Indian Rock Python
Malabar Pit Viper