Silent Valley National Park

Silent Valley National Park UPSC

Silent Valley National Park is a protected area located in the state of Kerala, India. It is renowned for its rich biodiversity and pristine natural beauty. The park is situated in the Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its exceptional ecological importance.

The national park is home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna. It houses around 1,000 species of flowering plants, including many rare and endemic species. The park is particularly known for its extensive population of orchids. 

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

Silent Valley National Park Location

Silent Valley National Park is located in the Palakkad and Malappuram districts of the state of Kerala, India. It lies in the Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats.

Silent Valley is located in the South-western corner of Nilgiris. The whole Park is a roughly rectangular tableland closed on all sides.

The park is situated near the town of Mannarkkad and is approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of the city of Palakkad. The nearest major city to Silent Valley National Park is Coimbatore, which is located in the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu and is about 75 kilometers (47 miles) away.

Nearest Airport:

• Coimbatore International Airport (100 km)
• Kozhikode Calicut International Airport (140 km)

Nearest Railway Station:

• Palakkad (58 km)
• Coimbatore (90 km)

Silent Valley National Park History

What is the history of Silent Valley?

The history of Silent Valley National Park in Kerala, India, is marked by significant environmental conservation efforts and the preservation of its unique ecosystem. Here are some key points in the park's history:

1. Reserved Forest: In 1914, the forest of the Silent Valley area was notified as reserved forest.

2. Proposal for Hydroelectric Project: In the 1970s, the Kerala State Electricity Board proposed the construction of a hydroelectric dam across the Kunthipuzha River, which flows through the Silent Valley. The project aimed to generate electricity but would have resulted in the submergence of a large part of the national park.

3. Public Opposition: The proposal to build the dam sparked widespread public opposition due to concerns about the potential environmental impact on the pristine ecosystem of Silent Valley. Environmentalists, conservationists, and local communities actively campaigned against the project.

4. Silent Valley Hydroelectric Project Review Committee: In response to the public outcry, the Government of India constituted the Silent Valley Hydroelectric Project Review Committee in 1980. The committee was tasked with assessing the ecological significance of Silent Valley and the potential consequences of the dam construction.

5. Ecological Importance: The committee's report emphasized the unique biodiversity of Silent Valley and highlighted its significance as a crucial habitat for several rare and endemic species. It recognized the importance of preserving the park's ecosystem for future generations.

6. National Park Declaration: In November 1984, Silent Valley was declared a national park, thereby gaining legal protection. The declaration ensured the conservation of the park's flora, fauna, and natural resources. On 7th september 1985, the Silent Valley national park was formally inaugurated by Shri. Rajiv Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India.

7. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve: On 1st september 1986, the Silent Valley National Park was included in the core area of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

8. UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Silent Valley National Park is part of the Western Ghats, a mountain range recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012 for its exceptional biological diversity and ecological significance.

Silent Valley National Park Area

Silent Valley National Park covers an area of approximately 89 square kilometers (34 square miles). On 11th June 2007 a Buffer Zone of 148 Sq. KM added to Silent Valley National Park.

• Core Area- 89.52 km2
• Buffer Zone- 148 km2

Silent Valley National Park Hills

Silent Valley National Park is nestled in the Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats. The Western Ghats is a mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of India and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These hills are known for their rich biodiversity and are considered one of the world's top biodiversity hotspots.

Nilgiri Hills:

The Nilgiri Hills, also known as the Blue Mountains, are a prominent mountain range located in the southern part of India. They are part of the larger Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its exceptional biological diversity. Here are some key points about the Nilgiri Hills:

The Nilgiri Hills span across the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. They are situated at the junction of the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats, creating a distinct landscape of rolling hills, valleys, and plateaus. The highest peak in the Nilgiri Hills is Doddabetta, standing at an elevation of 2,637 meters (8,652 feet).

The Nilgiri Hills are renowned for their rich and diverse ecosystems. They are home to several endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna. The region's evergreen forests, grasslands, sholas (tropical montane forests), and wetlands support a wide range of plant and animal life, including the Nilgiri tahr (an endangered mountain goat), lion-tailed macaque, elephants, gaur (Indian bison), and numerous bird species.

The Nilgiri Hills are renowned for their tea and coffee plantations. The region's cool climate and fertile soil provide ideal conditions for cultivating these crops. The tea estates of Nilgiri produce high-quality tea, known for its distinct flavor and aroma.

Silent Valley National Park River

The Silent Valley National Park is traversed by the Kunthipuzha River, which is a significant watercourse in the region. 

The Kunthipuzha River is a perennial river that originates from the Nilgiri Hills and flows through the western side of the Silent Valley National Park. It is a tributary of the Bharathapuzha River, one of the longest rivers in Kerala.This river is also called as Thuthapuzha by the local population. 

Main tributaries of the Kunthipuzha river are Kunthancholapuzha, Karingathodu, Madrimaranthode, Valiaparathodu and Kummathanthode. All major tributaries of Kunthipuzha originate on the upper slopes of the eastern side of the Valley. 

The Kunthipuzha River is often referred to as the lifeline of Silent Valley National Park. It is a vital water source that sustains the diverse ecosystem within the park. The river's flow supports the rich vegetation, provides drinking water to wildlife, and enables the survival of numerous aquatic species.

The Kunthipuzha River plays a crucial role in supporting the park's biodiversity. It provides a habitat for various aquatic species, including fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. The river also attracts a wide array of birds and mammals that rely on its resources.

Silent Valley National Park Tribe

Silent Valley National Park is home to indigenous tribal communities who have inhabited the region for centuries. The most well-known indigenous tribe associated with the park is Kurumba, Muduga, Irula, and Kattu Naiken tribes.

The presence of the Kurumba, Muduga, Irula, and Kattu Naiken tribes in the region adds to the cultural diversity and traditional practices associated with the park. 

Silent Valley National Park Flora

Silent Valley National Park is known for its rich and diverse flora. The park's unique location in the Western Ghats, coupled with its undisturbed ecosystem, has contributed to the preservation of various plant species, including many endemic and rare plants. 

Here are some key features of the flora in Silent Valley National Park:

(1) West-coast Tropical Evergreen Forest (600 to 1100 m):

This forest type dominates the lower elevations of Silent Valley National Park. It consists of dense evergreen forests characterized by a closed canopy, with tall trees forming multiple layers. The forest is typically found in areas with higher rainfall and a warm and humid climate. The trees are often broad-leaved and include species such as Mesua ferrea (ironwood), Cullenia exarillata (cullenia), and Vateria indica (white dammar).

(2) Southern Subtropical Broadleaved Hill Forest (1300 to 1800 m):

This forest type is found at higher elevations within Silent Valley National Park. It is characterized by a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees, with a greater prevalence of deciduous species compared to the lower elevations. The forest may exhibit a more open canopy and a greater presence of shrubs and undergrowth. Species found in this forest type include Magnolia nilagirica (Nilgiri magnolia), Syzygium spp. (rose apple), and Lagerstroemia spp. (crepe myrtle).

(3) Southern Montane Wet Temperate Forest (above 1900 m):

At the highest elevations of Silent Valley National Park, above 1900 meters, the forest transitions to a wet temperate forest. This forest type is characterized by cooler temperatures and a higher incidence of mist and fog. The vegetation consists of a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees, along with mosses, ferns, and epiphytes. Species like Rhododendron arboreum (rhododendron), Elaeocarpus recurvatus (wild olive), and Quercus spp. (oak) can be found in this forest type.

(4) Grassland:

Within Silent Valley National Park, there are also areas of grassland, which are open spaces dominated by grasses and other herbaceous plants. These grasslands are usually found in areas where there is a lower density of trees and shrubs. They provide a contrasting habitat to the dense forests and offer grazing areas for herbivores.

(5) Orchids:

Silent Valley is also famous for its orchid diversity. The park houses numerous species of orchids, including rare and endemic ones. These delicate and colorful flowers can be found growing on trees, rocks, and on the forest floor. Ipsea malabarica, Bulbophyllum silenvalliensis, Eria tiagii are some of the rare orchids in the valley. 

(6) Epiphytes:

The park's moist and humid climate supports the growth of epiphytic plants, which are plants that grow on other plants without being parasitic. Epiphytes like ferns, mosses, and bromeliads can be seen clinging to tree trunks and branches, adding to the park's biodiversity.

Silent Valley National Park Fauna (Silent Valley National Park Animals)

Which animal is protected in Silent Valley National Park?

Silent Valley National Park is renowned for its diverse and unique fauna. The park's pristine forests and protected status have allowed a wide range of animal species to thrive. Here are some notable fauna found in Silent Valley National Park:

Mammals:

• Lion-tailed Macaque
• Nilgiri Langur
• Bonnet Macaque
• Elephant
• Tiger
• Leopard 
• Panther
• Leopard Cat
• Jungle Cat
• Fishing Cat
• Common Palm Civet
• Small Indian Civet
• Brown Palm Civet
• Ruddy Mongoose
• Stripe necked Mongoose
• Wild Dog
• Sloth Bear
• Otter
• Flying Squirrel
• Malabar Giant Squirrel
• Indian Pangolin (Scaly anteater)
• Porcupine
• Wild Boar
• Sambar
• Spotted Deer
• Barking Deer
• Mouse Deer
• Gaur

Birds:

• Nilgiri Wood Pigeon
• Blue Winged Parakeet
• Greyheaded Bulbul
• White bellied tree Pie
• Rufous Babbler 
• Wayanad Laughing Thrush
• Nilgiri Laughing Thrush
• Broad Tailed Grass Warbler
• Black and Orange Flycatcher
• White Bellied Blue Flycatcher
• Nilgiri Flycatcher
• Nilgiri Pipit
• Small Sunbird
• Rufousbellied Shortwing

Reptiles:

• King Cobra
• Cobra
• Viper
• Krait
• Rat Snake
• Beddome’s keelback 
• Ceylon Cat Snake
• Kukri Snakes 
• Shield Tail Snake 

Amphibians:

• Tree Frog
• Bronze Frog
• Rufescent Burrowing Frog

Silent Valley National Park UPSC Questions

Q. What is Silent Valley National Park best known for?

A. Silent Valley National Park is best known for its pristine and undisturbed evergreen forests, rich biodiversity, and unique ecosystems.

Q. Who proclaimed Silent Valley as national park?

A. Silent Valley National Park was proclaimed as a national park by the Government of India. 

Q. In which year Silent Valley was declared as national park?

A. Silent Valley was declared as national park in 1984.

Q. What is the old name of Silent Valley National Park?/What is the first name of Silent Valley?

A. The old name of Silent Valley National Park was Sairandhrivanam. The term "Sairandhrivanam" translates to "the forest in the valley" in the Malayalam language, which is the local language spoken in Kerala, the state where the park is located. 

Q. Which animal is protected in Silent Valley?

A. Lion-tailed Macaque is protected in Silent Valley.

Q. Which is the highest peak in Silent Valley National Park?

A. Anginda Peak is the highest peak in Silent Valley National Park. It has an elevation of 2,383 metres (7,818 ft).

Q. Is Silent Valley an evergreen forest?

A. Yes, Silent Valley National Park is primarily known for its evergreen forest. The park is characterized by the presence of dense, lush evergreen forests that are typical of the Western Ghats region. The evergreen forests in Silent Valley are part of the West Coast Tropical Evergreen Forest type, which is one of the dominant forest types found in the area.

Q. Which monkey is found in Silent Valley?

A. Lion-tailed Macaque is found in Silent Valley.

Q. What is the climate in the Silent Valley?

A. The climate in Silent Valley National Park can be described as tropical and humid.

Q. Where is Silent Valley National Park?/Silent Valley National Park is situated in which state?/Silent Valley National Park which district?

A. Silent Valley National Park is located in the Palakkad and Malappuram districts of the state of Kerala, India.

Q. Which river flows/passes through Silent Valley National Park?/Silent Valley National Park on which river?/Which river flows in Silent Valley National Park?/On which river Silent Valley park is located?

A. Kunthipuzha river flows/passes through Silent Valley National Park.

Q. Silent Valley National Park is in which range?

A. Silent Valley National Park is located in the Nilgiri Hills, which is a part of the Western Ghats mountain range in southern India.

Q. Why was the Silent Valley declared a national park?

A. Silent Valley was declared a national park to protect its rich biodiversity, unique ecosystems, and endangered species.

Q. Silent Valley National Park is in which Biosphere Reserve?

A. Silent Valley National Park is located within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. 

Q. Silent Valley National Park is famous for which animal?

A. Silent Valley National Park is famous for Lion-tailed Macaque.