Periyar Tiger Reserve UPSC

Periyar Tiger Reserve is a well-known national park and tiger reserve located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious tiger reserves in the country. The reserve is named after the Periyar River, which flows through its core area.

The reserve is primarily known for its population of Royal Bengal Tigers, which are the main attraction for visitors.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Hills
River
Lake
Tribe
Flora
Fauna

Mammals
Birds
Reptile

UPSC Questions

Periyar Tiger Reserve Location

Periyar Tiger Reserve is located in the Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts of Kerala in India. It is situated in the Cardamom Hills and is part of the Western Ghats, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The nearest town to Periyar Tiger Reserve is Kumily, which is approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) away. The reserve is about 110 kilometers (68 miles) from the city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Periyar Tiger Reserve is Cochin International Airport, also known as Nedumbassery Airport. It is located approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) away from the reserve.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Periyar Tiger Reserve is Kottayam Railway Station. It is located approximately 114 kilometers (71 miles) away from the reserve.

Periyar Tiger Reserve History

Periyar Tiger Reserve has a rich history that spans several decades. Here is a brief overview of its history:

1. Formation of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: The initial steps towards the establishment of Periyar Tiger Reserve were taken in 1934 when the Maharaja of Travancore declared the area as a wildlife sanctuary. It was founded as Nellikkampatty Reserve and consolidated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1950 after the political integration of India.

2. Recognition as a Tiger Reserve: In 1978, the Government of India declared the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary as a tiger reserve, aiming to protect the Royal Bengal Tigers and their habitat within the sanctuary. It was one of the first tiger reserves in India and played a significant role in tiger conservation efforts. Periyar Tiger Reserve is the 10th Tiger Reserve in India.

3. Project Elephant: In 1991, Periyar Tiger Reserve was included in Project Elephant, a nationwide initiative aimed at conserving the elephant population and their habitats. This recognition highlighted the importance of the reserve as an elephant habitat and prompted further conservation efforts.

4. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Periyar Tiger Reserve is also part of the World Heritage site “Western Ghats” under UNESCO.

5. Management Effectiveness Assessment: In 2018, Periyar Tiger Reserve bagged the title of the Best managed Tiger Reserve among 50 Tiger Reserves in the country in terms of Management Effectiveness Assessment by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

6. Women’s Voluntary Group: Vasnthasena the unique women’s voluntary Group in Periyar Tiger Reserve, participate in the protection works by offering their services in sandalwood patrolling and Plastic Cleaning. They received global recognition for their unique service and commitment.

Periyar Tiger Reserve Area

The Periyar Tiger Reserve area comprises of Periyar Lake Reserve, Mount Plateau Reserve Forest, Rattendon Valley Reserve Forest, Ranni Reserve Forest and Gudrikkal Reserve Forest. It covers an total area of approximately 925 square kilometers (357 square miles).

Core/Critical Tiger Habitat: 881 square kilometers (341 square miles)
Buffer Zone: 44 square kilometers (17 square miles)
Total Area: 925 square kilometers (358 square miles)

The core or critical tiger habitat encompasses the major portion of the reserve, covering 881 square kilometers. This area is specifically designated for the conservation and protection of the Royal Bengal Tigers and their habitat.

The buffer zone, spanning 44 square kilometers, surrounds the core area and acts as a transition zone between the protected reserve and the human settlements nearby. The buffer zone helps in minimizing human-wildlife conflicts and promoting sustainable land use practices.

Combined, the core and buffer zones make up the entire Periyar Tiger Reserve, with a total area of 925 square kilometers. This expansive reserve provides a significant sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including not only tigers but also elephants, gaurs, deer, and various other species.

Periyar Tiger Reserve Hills

Periyar Tiger Reserve is situated in the Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Hills of the Southern Western Ghats. The hilly landscapes of Periyar Tiger Reserve and the Western Ghats offer opportunities for trekking, nature walks, and exploring the wilderness.

Periyar Tiger Reserve River

Pamba, Mullayar and Periyar river flow through the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The major portion of the Reserve forms the catchment of River Periyar and the rest is that of River Pamba.

The Periyar River is the main river that runs through the reserve and gives it its name. It originates in the Sivagiri Hills of Tamil Nadu and flows through Kerala before eventually joining the Arabian Sea. The Periyar River serves as a lifeline for the wildlife in the reserve and plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem.

The Pamba River and Mullayar River are also significant rivers that flow through the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The Pamba River originates in the Peerumedu plateau of the Western Ghats and flows through the reserve before reaching the Arabian Sea. The Mullayar River, a tributary of the Periyar River, also passes through the reserve, contributing to its rich water resources.

Periyar Tiger Reserve Lake

Periyar Tiger Reserve is known for its iconic Periyar Lake, which is an artificial lake located within the reserve. The lake was created by the construction of the Mullaperiyar Dam on the Periyar River.

Periyar Lake serves as a crucial water source for the wildlife in the reserve, especially during the dry season. The presence of the lake enhances the overall biodiversity and attracts a wide variety of animal and bird species to its shores.

Periyar Tiger Reserve Tribe

The Periyar Tiger Reserve is home to several tribal communities who have been residing in the region for generations. These tribes have a rich cultural heritage and have traditionally lived in harmony with the surrounding forests.

Here are the six major tribal communities found within the Periyar Tiger Reserve:

(1) Mannans Tribe:

The Mannan tribe is one of the prominent indigenous communities in the reserve. They have a deep connection with the forests and are skilled in activities such as hunting, gathering, and farming.

(2) Paliyans Tribe:

The Paliyan tribe is known for their knowledge of medicinal plants and traditional healing practices. They have a close association with the forests and have traditionally been involved in hunting and gathering activities.

(3) Malayarayans Tribe:

The Malayarayan tribe primarily resides in the hilly areas of the reserve. They have a unique cultural identity and are skilled in agriculture, pottery, and basketry.

(4) Mala Pandarams Tribe:

The Mala Pandaram tribe is known for their knowledge of forest resources and traditional practices. They have expertise in collecting forest produce and have a deep understanding of the local ecology.

(5) Uralis Tribe:

The Urali tribe has a distinct culture and lifestyle. They are skilled in agriculture, beekeeping, and handicrafts. They have a close connection with the forests and have traditionally practiced shifting cultivation.

(6) Ulladans Tribe:

The Ulladan tribe is one of the smaller tribal communities in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. They have traditionally been involved in activities such as hunting, fishing, and gathering forest products.

Periyar Tiger Reserve Flora

Periyar Tiger Reserve is renowned for its rich and diverse flora, representing the floral diversity of the South Western Ghats. Here are some key features of the flora in the reserve:

(1) Tropical Evergreen Forests:

These forests are the dominant vegetation type in the reserve, covering an extensive area of approximately 337 square kilometers (38.2% of the reserve). Tropical evergreen forests are characterized by dense tree canopies, a wide variety of plant species, and a high level of biodiversity.

(2) Semi-Evergreen Forests:

These forests are a mix of deciduous and evergreen species. They cover a significant portion of the reserve, accounting for more than 25% of the total area.

(3) Moist Deciduous Forests:

These forests shed their leaves during a particular season, usually in the dry period. They contribute to the overall vegetation composition of the reserve.

(4) Transitional Fringe Evergreen Forests:

These forests are located at the edge or transition zone between different forest types. They exhibit characteristics of both evergreen and deciduous vegetation.

(5) Grasslands:

Periyar Tiger Reserve also features grasslands that are an important part of the ecosystem. These grassy areas provide habitat for several wildlife species and contribute to the overall biodiversity of the reserve.

(6) Eucalyptus Plantations:

Relic eucalyptus plantations, which were previously part of the former Grassland Afforestation Division, can be found in the reserve. These plantations exist alongside grasslands and natural forests, covering an area of over 30 square kilometers.

(7) Endemic Flora:

Periyar Tiger Reserve is home to three endemic plant species that are exclusively found within its boundaries:

Syzygium periyarensis
Mucuna pruriens thekkadiensis
Habenaria periyarensis

Periyar Tiger Reserve Fauna (Periyar Tiger Reserve Animals)

Periyar Tiger Reserve is home to a diverse range of fauna, including numerous species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. The reserve's rich biodiversity attracts wildlife enthusiasts from around the world.

Here are some notable fauna species found in Periyar Tiger Reserve:

Mammals:

Tiger
Elephant
Lion-tailed Macaque
Nilgiri Tahr
Indian Bison
Nilgiri Langur
Malabar Giant Squirrel

Birds:

Darters
Cormorants
Kingfishers
Great Malabar Hornbill
Racket-tailed Drongos
Nilgiri Wood Pigeon
White-bellied Blue Flycatcher

Reptiles:

Monitor Lizards
Python
King Cobra