Mudumalai National Park UPSC
Mudumalai National Park, also known as Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, is a wildlife sanctuary and national park located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which includes the neighboring Bandipur National Park in Karnataka and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala.
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Mudumalai National Park Location
Mudumalai National Park is located in the Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats range in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is located in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu.
It is situated at the tri-junction of three states, viz, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu and part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Mudumalai National Park has a common boundary with Wyanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) on the West and Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Karnataka) on the North.
Mudumalai National Park Nearest Airport:
The nearest International Airport is Coimbatore Airport, which is 127 Kms away from Mudumalai.
Mudumalai National Park Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest Railway station is located at Coimbatore, which is 120 Kms away from Mudumalai.
Mudumalai National Park History
Mudumalai National Park has a rich history that dates back several centuries. Here's a brief overview:
Ancient Period: The region where Mudumalai National Park is located has a history of human settlement that can be traced back to ancient times. The area was inhabited by various indigenous tribes who lived in harmony with the surrounding forests.
Colonial Era: During the British colonial rule in India, the Nilgiri Hills region, including Mudumalai, came under the administration of the Madras Presidency. The British Government rented the Mudumalai forest in 1857 for logging purposes from the Raja of Neelambur.
Wildlife Sanctuary Establishment: In 1940, an area of Mudumalai forest about 60 km2 was declared a wildlife sanctuary by the Madras Presidency. The objective was to protect the rich biodiversity and provide a safe habitat for the wildlife species in the area.
Biosphere Reserve: In 1986, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary was incorporated into Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (1st Biosphere Reserve in India).
National Park Status: In 1990, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary was upgraded to a national park, becoming Mudumalai National Park. This elevated status brought greater attention and resources to the conservation efforts in the park.
Tiger Reserve: In 2007, Mudumalai was designated as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Mudumalai National Park is part of the Western Ghats, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Western Ghats were inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2012 due to their exceptional biodiversity and unique ecosystems.
Mudumalai National Park Area
Mudumalai National Park covers an area of approximately 321 square kilometers (124 square miles). It is a significant protected area in the southern region of India.
The park is part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is spread across the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala.
Mudumalai National Park Hills
Mudumalai National Park is located in the Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats range. These hills, offering stunning views and a diverse range of flora and fauna in the park. The park's location in the Nilgiri Hills adds to its charm and makes it an ideal habitat for various wildlife species.
Nilgiri Hills:
The Nilgiri Hills, also known as the Blue Mountains, are a mountain range located in the Western Ghats of southern India. They span across the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. The name "Nilgiri" translates to "blue mountains" in the regional language, referring to the bluish haze that often envelops the hills.
Geography: The Nilgiri Hills are part of the larger Western Ghats range. The hills peaks reach heights of around 2,600 meters (8,500 feet) above sea level. The highest peak in the Nilgiri Hills is Doddabetta, which stands at an elevation of 2,637 meters (8,652 feet).
Biodiversity: The Nilgiri Hillsare known for their extensive shola forests, grasslands, and montane evergreen forests.
Tea and Spice Plantations: The Nilgiri Hills are famous for their tea and spice plantations. The region is known for producing high-quality tea, including the renowned Nilgiri tea. The hills are also ideal for growing various spices such as cardamom, pepper, and cloves.
Hill Stations: The Nilgiri Hills are home to popular hill stations, including Ooty (Udhagamandalam), Coonoor, and Kotagiri. These hill stations are popular tourist destinations, known for their cool climate, picturesque landscapes, and colonial-era architecture.
Mudumalai National Park River
Moyar River:
The Moyar River is the main river that flows through Mudumalai National Park. It is a significant watercourse that runs through the park, providing a vital water source for the flora and fauna within the area. The river serves as a lifeline for the ecosystem of Mudumalai National Park.
Moyar River acts as a separation between the forest of Bandipur National Park and the Mudumalai sanctuary to the south, which also separates the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
The Moyar River originates from a small town called Mayar off the Masinagudi–Ooty road and flows through the park before eventually joining the Bhavani River in Tamil Nadu.
Mudumalai National Park Tribe
Who are the tribes in Mudumalai National Park?
Mudumalai National Park is home to various indigenous tribal communities that have been living in the region for centuries. These tribes have a close relationship with the forest and have traditionally relied on it for their livelihoods and cultural practices. While specific details about the tribes of Mudumalai National Park may be limited, here are a few tribal communities that are known to inhabit the surrounding areas:
(1) Todas:
The Toda tribe is one of the prominent indigenous communities in the Nilgiri Hills, including the areas around Mudumalai National Park. They have a distinctive culture and are known for their unique lifestyle, language, and traditional practices. The Todas traditionally engage in pastoralism and are known for their distinctive round huts called "munds."
(2) Kurumbas:
The Kurumbas are an indigenous tribal group found in the Nilgiri region, including parts of Mudumalai National Park. They have a rich cultural heritage and have traditionally practiced hunting, gathering, and shifting cultivation. The Kurumbas have deep knowledge of the forest and its resources.
(3) Irulas:
The Irula tribe is another indigenous community found in the region surrounding Mudumalai National Park. They have traditionally been involved in activities such as agriculture, hunting, and snake catching. The Irula tribe has a distinct language and cultural practices.
Mudumalai National Park Flora
What type of forest is the Mudumalai?
Mudumalai National Park is known for its rich and diverse flora, encompassing a variety of vegetation types. The park is located in the Western Ghats, which is considered one of the world's biodiversity hotspots.
Here are some of the prominent flora species found in Mudumalai National Park:
(1) Semi-evergreen Forests:
Mudumalai National Park includes patches of semi-evergreen forests. These forests have a mix of both evergreen and deciduous trees, creating a transitional ecosystem. Tree species such as Cullenia excelsa, Lagerstroemia spp., and Palaquium ellipticum can be found in these forests.
(2) Moist Deciduous Forests:
The park consists of moist deciduous forests that are characterized by trees that shed their leaves during a specific season. Some common tree species found in these forests include teak (Tectona grandis), rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia), sandalwood (Santalum album), and Indian laurel (Terminalia tomentosa).
(3) Dry Deciduous Forests:
Dry deciduous forests are also present in Mudumalai National Park. They have a mix of tree species that are adapted to the drier conditions of the region. Trees such as terminalia (Terminalia arjuna), axlewood (Anogeissus latifolia), and Indian kino tree (Pterocarpus marsupium) are commonly found in these forests.
(4) Thorn Forests:
The park also features thorn forests, which are characterized by thorny shrubs and trees. Acacia species like Acacia leucophloea and Acacia arabica are common in these areas.
(5) Grasslands:
Mudumalai National Park is home to extensive grasslands. These grasslands play a crucial role in the ecology of the park and support a variety of herbaceous plants and grass species.
(6) Bamboo Groves:
The park is dotted with bamboo groves, particularly in areas where water is abundant. Bamboo species like Dendrocalamus strictus and Bambusa bambos are found in Mudumalai National Park.
(7) Scrub Forests:
Scrub forests are characterized by low-height trees and shrubs with sparse vegetation. They typically occur in areas with drier conditions and less tree density. Acacia leucocephala, Dodonaea viscosa, and Ziziphus spp. are some examples of plant species found in scrub forests within the park.
(8) Swampy Areas (Vayals):
Mudumalai National Park features swampy areas known as vayals. These wetlands are important habitats for aquatic plants and water-dependent species. Species like water lilies, sedges, and reeds thrive in these swampy areas, providing crucial ecological niches.
Mudumalai National Park Fauna (Mudumalai National Park Animals)
Mudumalai National Park is famous for which animal?/Which animals are protected in Mudumalai Sanctuary?
Mudumalai National Park is renowned for its diverse and abundant wildlife. The park is home to a wide range of fauna, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Here are some of the notable animal species found in Mudumalai National Park:
Mammals:
- Tiger
- Asian Elephant
- Indian Gaur
- Spotted Deer
- Common Langur
- Malabar Giant Squirrel
- Wild Dog
- Jungle Cat
- Leopard Cat
- Golden Jackal
- Nilgiri Marten
- Sloth Bear
- Small Indian Civet
- Asian Palm Civet
- Brown Palm Civet
- Ruddy Mongoose
- Stripe-necked Mongoose
- Indian Grey Mongoose
- Four-horned Antelope
- Blackbuck
- Wild Boar
- Indian Pangolin
- Indian crested porcupine
- Indian giant squirrel
- Bonnet Macaque
Birds:
- Malabar Grey Hornbill
- Indian Grey Hornbill
- Indian Peafowl
- Bonelli's Eagle
- Crested Serpent Eagle
- Black Eagle
- Crested Goshawk
- White-rumped Shama
- Indian Roller
- Greater Flameback
- White-naped Woodpecker
- Black-rumped Flameback
- White-bellied Woodpecker
- Spot-bellied Eagle-owl
Reptiles:
- Indian Star Tortoises
- Ornate Flying Snake
- Mugger Crocodile
- Striped Coral Snake
- Elliot's Forest Lizard
- Jerdon's Day Gecko
- Indian Rock Python
Top Things to do in Mudumalai National Park
When visiting Mudumalai National Park, there are several exciting activities and experiences that you can enjoy. Here are some of the top things to do in Mudumalai National Park:
- Wildlife Safari
- Birdwatching
- Nature Walks and Trekking
- Visit the Elephant Camp
- Visit Moyar River
- Visit Tribal Villages
- Nature Photography
- Explore Nearby Attractions ( Ooty, Coonoor, and Pykara Lake)
Mudumalai National Park UPSC Questions
Q. Mudumalai National Park is located in which state?/Where did Mudumalai National Park located?
A. Mudumalai National Park is located in the Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats range in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is located in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu.
Q. Why is Mudumalai National Park famous for?
A. Mudumalai National Park is famous for several reasons, making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers. Here are some of the key reasons why Mudumalai National Park is renowned:
- Rich Biodiversity
- Tiger Reserve
- Birdwatching Paradise
- Scenic Beauty
- Tribal Communities
- Ecotourism Activities
Q. Which river flows through Mudumalai National Park?
A. Moyar river flows through Mudumalai National Park.
Q. Which is the main animal of Mudumalai National Park?
A. The main and iconic animal species of Mudumalai National Park is the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus). Mudumalai is renowned for its significant population of elephants, and they are considered one of the park's flagship species.
Q. How many tigers are in the Mudumalai?
A. As of 2018, the tiger population in Mudumalai was estimated around 103.
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