Eravikulam National Park UPSC (Rajamalai National Park UPSC)
Eravikulam National Park is a national park located in the Kerala, India. It is part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich biodiversity. The park is situated along the Western Ghats in the Rajamalai hills. The park is also known as Rajamalai National Park.
Eravikulam National Park is particularly famous for being home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, which is a type of mountain goat endemic to the Western Ghats. It is estimated that around half of the world's population of Nilgiri Tahr resides in this park.
The park is characterized by rolling grasslands, shola forests, and numerous streams and waterfalls. Anamudi, the highest peak in South India and the highest point in the park, is a prominent attraction.
Another specialty of Eravikulam National Park is the "Neelakurinji" a flower that blooms once every 12 years. This unique flowering phenomenon adds to the park's charm and attracts a significant number of tourists during the blooming season.
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Eravikulam National Park Location
Eravikulam National Park is located in the Devikulam Taluk of Idukki district of the Indian state of Kerala. Specifically, it is situated in the Rajamalai hills of the Western Ghats at 7000 ft. above sea level.
The Eravikulam National Park is close to the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Pampadum Shola National Park, Anamudi Shola National Park, Kurinjimala Sanctuary, and Anamalai Tiger Reserve, which are all nearby.
Eravikulam National Park Nearest Airport:
The Eravikulam National Park is accessible from Cochin (Kerala) and Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) airports, which are located at about 148 Km and 175 Km respectively.
Eravikulam National Park Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Eravikulam National Park in Kerala is Aluva (120 Km from Munnar) and Coimbatore (165 Km) in Tamil Nadu.
Eravikulam National Park History (Eravikulam National Park Established)
Eravikulam National Park has a rich history that dates back several decades. Here's an overview of its historical background:
Hunting Preserve: Eravikulam National Park was once a former hunting preserve during the British colonial period. The British planters used the area for hunting purposes.
Acquisition of the Land: The Government of Kerala acquired the area from the Kannan Devan Hills Produce Company under the Kannan Devan Hill Produce (Resumption of lands) Act 1971.
Declaration as a Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1975, the region was declared a wildlife sanctuary primarily to protect the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a mountain goat species endemic to the Western Ghats. The sanctuary covered an area of around 97 square kilometers (37 square miles) and was named the Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary.
National Park Status: In 1978, the Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary was upgraded to national park status, becoming Eravikulam National Park. The primary objective was to provide enhanced protection to the Nilgiri Tahr and other wildlife species within the area.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Eravikulam National Park is part of the Western Ghats, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2012. The Western Ghats are recognized for their exceptional biodiversity and ecological significance.
Eravikulam National Park Area
Eravikulam National Park covers an area of approximately 97 square kilometers (37 square miles). This includes various landscapes such as rolling grasslands, shola forests, and rocky cliffs.
The expansive area provides habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a significant conservation area and a popular tourist destination.
Eravikulam National Park Hills
(1) Rajamalai Hills:
Eravikulam National Park is located in the Rajamalai hills of the Western Ghats in the Idukki district of Kerala, India. The park is characterized by its hilly terrain and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
(2) Anamudi Peak:
The highest peak in the park is Anamudi, which stands at an elevation of 2,695 meters (8,842 feet) and is the highest peak south of the Himalayas.
Eravikulam National Park River
The Eravikulam National Park includes catchment areas for east flowing rivers (tributaries of River Pambar) and west flowing rivers (tributaries of River Periyar and Chalakkudy).
Eravikulam National Park Waterfalls
Eravikulam National Park is blessed with several beautiful waterfalls that add to its scenic charm. Some of the notable waterfalls within or in close proximity to the park are:
(1) Lakkom Waterfalls:
Located near the entrance of Eravikulam National Park, Lakkom Waterfalls is a picturesque cascade that flows through the rocky terrains. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery, making it a popular spot for visitors.
(2) Nyayamakad Waterfalls:
Situated around 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the park, Nyayamakad Waterfalls is a stunning waterfall that cascades down from a height of about 1,500 meters (4,921 feet). It offers a captivating view and is a popular attraction for nature lovers and photographers.
(3) Attukad Waterfalls:
Located around 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) from Eravikulam National Park, Attukad Waterfalls is a scenic waterfall set amidst dense vegetation and rocky cliffs. Its pristine beauty and serene surroundings make it a favorite spot for tourists.
(4) Chinnar Waterfalls:
While not within the park itself, Chinnar Waterfalls is situated close to Eravikulam National Park. It is a seasonal waterfall that comes to life during the monsoon season. The falls flow through the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, offering a refreshing sight for visitors.
Eravikulam National Park Flora
What is the flora of Eravikulam National Park?
Eravikulam National Park is known for its rich and diverse flora, which includes a wide variety of plant species adapted to the unique montane ecosystem of the Western Ghats. Three major types of plant communities found in the park are: Grasslands, Shrub Land and Shola Forests (mosaic of montane evergreen forests and grasslands).
Here are some of the notable flora found in the park:
(1) Grasslands:
Eravikulam National Park is famous for its rolling grasslands, known as "sholas" and "grass-covered hills." These grasslands are home to several species of grasses and herbs that thrive in the cool and moist climate of the region. The Eravikulam National Park represents the largest and least disturbed stretch of unique Montane Shola-Grassland vegetation in the Western Ghats.
(2) Shola Forests:
Shola forests are unique to the Western Ghats and are characterized by stunted evergreen trees and dense undergrowth. Eravikulam National Park is home to several shola patches, which are an important component of the park's ecosystem. These forests are known for their biodiversity, with species such as Rhododendron arboreum, Eucalyptus, and Vaccinium found in abundance.
(3) Orchids:
Eravikulam National Park is known for its orchid diversity. Several species of orchids, including terrestrial and epiphytic varieties, can be found in the park. These delicate and beautiful flowers add to the floral diversity of the region.
(4) Medicinal Plants:
The Eravikulam National Park is also home to various medicinal plant species. Traditional communities living in the vicinity of the park have long relied on these plants for their healing properties. Some common medicinal plants found in the park include Adhatoda vasica, Andrographis paniculata, and Gymnema sylvestre.
(5) Endemic Species:
The Western Ghats is a hotspot for biodiversity and is home to numerous endemic plant species. Eravikulam National Park is no exception and hosts several endemic plant species, including Impatiens species and Pterocarpus marsupium.
Eravikulam National Park Neelakurinji
What is the flower of Eravikulam National Park?
Eravikulam National Park is renowned for being the natural habitat of the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) flower. Neelakurinji is a unique species of flower that blooms once every 12 years, covering the hillsides of the park with a stunning purplish-blue carpet of flowers.
The blooming of Neelakurinji in Eravikulam National Park is a remarkable natural event and attracts a significant number of tourists and nature enthusiasts from around the world. The last mass blooming of Neelakurinji occurred in 2018, and the next one is expected in 2030.
During the blooming period, the park authorities take special measures to protect and conserve the fragile Neelakurinji ecosystem. Visitors are allowed in designated areas to witness and enjoy the beauty of the flowering Neelakurinji while ensuring minimal impact on the flowers and their habitat.
The blooming of Neelakurinji is a symbol of the park's ecological richness and a testament to the diverse flora found in the Western Ghats region. It is an extraordinary sight that highlights the significance of conservation efforts and the need to protect such unique natural wonders.
Eravikulam National Park Fauna (Eravikulam National Park Animals)
Eravikulam National Park is home to a diverse array of fauna, including several endemic and endangered species. The park's unique montane ecosystem provides a habitat for various mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
Here are some notable fauna species found in Eravikulam National Park:
Mammals:
- Nilgiri Tahr
- Gaur
- Sloth Bear
- Nilgiri Langur
- Tiger
- Leopard
- Giant Squirrel
- Wild Dog
- Panthers
- Civet Cats
- Jungle Cats
Note: Half the world population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr lives here.
Birds:
Eravikulam National Park Birds
- Malabar Whistling Thrush
- Grey-breasted Laughingthrush
- Nilgiri Flycatcher
- Black-and-Orange Flycatcher
- Nilgiri Wood-Pigeon
- Nilgiri Pipit
Note: The Atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the world is seen in this Park.
Reptiles:
- Nilgiri Keelback Snake
- Malabar Pit Viper
Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius)
The Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) is a charismatic and endangered mountain goat species that is primarily found in the Western Ghats of India, including Eravikulam National Park. Half of the world’s population of the Nilgiri Tahr lives in Eravikulam National Park. It is also the state animal of Tamil Nadu.
Here are some key details about the Nilgiri Tahr:
Appearance: Nilgiri Tahr has a stocky build with a shaggy coat. The males are larger than females, with a shoulder height of about 100-120 cm (39-47 inches) and a weight of around 80-100 kg (176-220 lbs). They have curved horns, which are larger and more twisted in males than in females.
Habitat: Nilgiri Tahr is adapted to the rugged mountainous terrain of the Western Ghats. They inhabit steep grassy slopes, cliffs, and rocky outcrops at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,600 meters (3,900 to 8,500 feet). Eravikulam National Park provides an ideal habitat for the Nilgiri Tahr with its grasslands and shola forests.
Endemic Species: The Nilgiri Tahr is endemic to the Western Ghats, making it a unique and important species for conservation. It is considered the flagship species of Eravikulam National Park and is closely associated with the montane ecosystem of the region.
Social Behavior: Nilgiri Tahr are gregarious animals, forming small herds that typically consist of females and young ones. Males are mostly solitary, except during the breeding season when they interact with females. These animals are agile climbers and are well adapted to the rocky slopes and cliffs of their habitat.
Diet: Nilgiri Tahr are herbivores and primarily feed on grasses, shrubs, and leaves. They are specially adapted to graze on steep slopes and can access vegetation that is inaccessible to other herbivores.
Conservation Status: The Nilgiri Tahr is listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Habitat loss, fragmentation, and poaching have contributed to its decline. Conservation efforts, including the protection of its habitat in national parks and sanctuaries, have been instrumental in ensuring the survival and recovery of the species.
Eravikulam National Park plays a crucial role in the conservation of the Nilgiri Tahr, providing a protected area for their population to thrive. Visitors to the park have the opportunity to observe and appreciate these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat while supporting their conservation.
Top Things to do in Eravikulam National Park
When visiting Eravikulam National Park, there are several activities and attractions that you can enjoy. Here are some of the top things to do in Eravikulam National Park:
- Spotting Nilgiri Tahr
- Enjoy the Scenic Beauty
- Explore the Nature Interpretation Center
- Trekking and Hiking
- Visit the Tea Plantations
- Photography
- Attend Neelakurinji Blooming
Eravikulam National Park UPSC Questions
Q. What is Eravikulam National Park famous for?
A. Eravikulam National Park is famous for several reasons:
- Nilgiri Tahr
- Neelakurinji Blooms
- Anamudi Peak
- Montane Ecosystem
Q. Which river passes through Eravikulam National Park?
A. The Eravikulam National Park includes catchment areas for east flowing rivers (tributaries of River Pambar) and west flowing rivers (tributaries of River Periyar and Chalakkudy).
Q. What is Eravikulam National Park also known as?
A. The Eravikulam National Park is also known as Rajamalai National Park
Q. Which Biosphere Reserve is Eravikulam National Park under?
A. Eravikulam National Park falls under the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Q. Which peak is in Eravikulam National Park?
A. The highest peak in Eravikulam National Park is Anamudi. Anamudi is also the highest peak in South India, standing at an elevation of 2,695 meters (8,842 feet) above sea level.
Q. What are the rare species in Eravikulam National Park?
A. Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) is the rare species in Eravikulam National Park.
Q. What is the flagship species of Eravikulam National Park?
A. Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) is the flagship species of Eravikulam National Park.
Q. Are there tigers in Eravikulam National Park?
A. Tiger is in Eravikulam National Park.
Q. Eravikulam National Park is famous for which animal?
A. Eravikulam National Park is famous for Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius).
Q. Where is Eravikulam National Park located?/Where is Eravikulam National Park situated?/Where is Eravikulam National Park?/Eravikulam National Park which district?/Eravikulam National Park in which state?
A. Eravikulam National Park is located in the Devikulam Taluk of Idukki district of the Indian state of Kerala.
Q. Which animal is protected in Eravikulam National Park?
A. Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) animal is protected in Eravikulam National Park.
Q. Who declared Eravikulam National Park?
A. Government of Kerala declared Eravikulam National Park.
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