Sunday, June 11, 2023

Saddle Peak National Park

Saddle Peak National Park UPSC

Saddle Peak National Park is located on the northern part of the Andaman Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India. It is known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. 


Saddle Peak National Park was established in 1979. The park covers an area of approximately 85 square kilometers and is named after Saddle Peak, which is the highest point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.


The Saddle Peak National Park is known for its rich biodiversity, including a variety of flora and fauna. It is home to several endangered species, such as the Andaman wild pig, Andaman horseshoe crab, Andaman imperial pigeon, and Andaman hill myna. The dense tropical rainforests within the park are also habitat to numerous endemic plant species.


Table of Contents

  • Saddle Peak National Park Location
  • Saddle Peak National Park History
  • Saddle Peak National Park Area
  • Saddle Peak National Park Hills
    • Saddle Peak or Saddle Hill
  • Saddle Peak National Park River
  • Saddle Peak National Park Flora
    • Moist Tropical Vegetation
    • Deciduous Evergreen Forests
    • Endemic Species
    • Orchids
    • Ferns and Mosses
  • Saddle Peak National Park Fauna
    • Mammals
    • Birds
    • Reptiles
  • Top Things to do in Saddle Peak National Park
  • Saddle Peak National Park UPSC Questions


Saddle Peak National Park Location

Saddle Peak National Park is located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory of India. It is situated on surrounding areas of Saddle Peak.


Saddle Peak National Park Nearest Airport:

Veer Savarkar International Airport is located in the capital town of Port Blair, the gateway to Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 


Saddle Peak National Park Nearest Railway Station:

  • No Train facilities available




Saddle Peak National Park History

Saddle Peak National Park, located on the northern part of the Andaman Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India, has an interesting history. Here's an overview:


Establishment: Saddle Peak National Park was established in 1979. It was created to protect and preserve the unique biodiversity found in the region.


Named after Saddle Peak: The park is named after Saddle Peak, which is the highest point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, standing at an elevation of approximately 732 meters (2,402 feet). The peak is a prominent geographical feature in the region.


Significance: The Saddle Peak National Park holds significant ecological value due to its diverse range of flora and fauna. It serves as a habitat for various endangered species and endemic plants, making it an important area for conservation efforts.




Saddle Peak National Park Area

Saddle Peak National Park covers an area of approximately 85 square kilometers (33 square miles). The park is located on the northern part of the Andaman Island and encompasses the surrounding areas of Saddle Peak, which is the highest point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, reaching an elevation of approximately 732 meters (2,402 feet).


The Saddle Peak National Park's relatively compact size allows for concentrated conservation efforts and easier exploration of its diverse ecosystems. Within this area, visitors can experience the beauty of dense tropical rainforests, hilly terrains, and scenic valleys.




Saddle Peak National Park Hills

Saddle Peak National Park is located on the northern part of the Andaman Island and features a hilly terrain as part of its landscape. The hills within Saddle Peak National Park offer scenic beauty and opportunities for exploration. 


Saddle Peak:

The prominent feature of the Saddle Peak National Park is Saddle Peak or Saddle Hill, which is the highest point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, reaching an elevation of approximately 732 meters (2,402 feet). 


Saddle Peak is surrounded by Saddle Peak National Park and located to the south of Diglipur. The trek to Saddle Peak is a popular activity for visitors, providing stunning views of the surrounding area.




Saddle Peak National Park River

Saddle Peak National Park does not have a river within its boundaries. The park primarily encompasses the surrounding areas of Saddle Peak, which is the highest point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.




Saddle Peak National Park Flora

What is the flora of Saddle Peak National Park?

Saddle Peak National Park is known for its rich and diverse flora. The park's dense tropical rainforests are home to a wide variety of plant species, including many endemic and rare plants. 


Here are some examples of the flora you might find in Saddle Peak National Park:


(1) Moist Tropical Vegetation:

The moist tropical vegetation typically consists of dense and lush rainforests. These forests are characterized by high levels of rainfall and humidity, supporting the growth of a wide range of plant species. Moist tropical forests are known for their towering trees, dense undergrowth, and a rich variety of plant and animal life.


(2) Deciduous Evergreen Forests:

Deciduous evergreen forests are a unique forest type that combines characteristics of both deciduous and evergreen forests. In these forests, some trees shed their leaves during specific seasons, while others retain their leaves year-round. This creates a dynamic forest landscape with trees in various stages of leaf growth.


(3) Endemic Species:

The Andaman Islands are known for their high levels of endemism, meaning they have plant species found nowhere else in the world. Saddle Peak National Park may harbor several endemic plant species that have adapted to the unique island environment. The species Scolopia pusilla and Cleistanthus robustus are found in these Islands that are not found in the mainland India.


(4) Orchids: 

The Andaman Islands are famous for their orchid diversity, and Saddle Peak National Park is no exception. Orchids in various colors, shapes, and sizes can be found throughout the park.


(5) Ferns and Mosses: 

The humid and shaded environment of the rainforest provides a favorable habitat for ferns and mosses. These primitive plants add to the lush greenery and create a serene atmosphere.




Saddle Peak National Park Fauna (Saddle Peak National Park Animals)

Saddle Peak National Park is famous for which animal?

Saddle Peak National Park is known for its diverse fauna. The park's rich biodiversity supports a wide range of animal species, including both terrestrial and avian fauna.

Here are some examples of the fauna you might find in Saddle Peak National Park:


Mammals:

  • Andaman Wild Pig
  • Andaman Horseshoe Bat


Birds:

  • Andaman Teal
  • Brown Coucal 
  • White-headed Starling 
  • Andaman Wood-Pigeon 
  • Andaman Cuckoo-Dove
  • Andaman Hill Myna
  • Andaman Imperial Pigeon


Reptiles:

  • Saltwater Crocodile
  • Andaman Water Monitor Lizard




Top Things to do in Saddle Peak National Park

When visiting Saddle Peak National Park in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, there are several activities and experiences that you can enjoy. Here are some of the top things to do in Saddle Peak National Park:


  • Trekking
  • Wildlife Spotting
  • Birdwatching
  • Nature Photography
  • Picnicking and Relaxation
  • Nature Interpretation
  • Cultural Immersion




Saddle Peak National Park UPSC Questions

Q. Where is Saddle Peak National Park?/Where is Saddle Peak National Park situated?

A. Saddle Peak National Park is located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory of India.


Q. What is Saddle Peak National Park best known for?

A. Saddle Peak National Park is best known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse flora and fauna, and its significance as the highest point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 


Q. What is Saddle Peak also known as?

A. Saddle Peak, the highest point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is also known by its indigenous name "Diglipur."


Q. What is the flora and fauna of Saddle Peak National Park?

A. Saddle Peak National Park is known for its variety of flora and fauna. The park is home to several endangered species, such as the Andaman wild pig, Andaman horseshoe crab, Andaman imperial pigeon, and Andaman hill myna. The dense tropical rainforests within the park are also habitat to numerous endemic plant species.



Q. Which Andaman is Saddle Peak situated?

A. Saddle Peak is situated on the North Andaman Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India. The North Andaman Island is the northernmost major island in the archipelago and is where Saddle Peak National Park is located. The peak itself is the highest point in the entire Andaman and Nicobar Islands, reaching an elevation of approximately 732 meters (2,402 feet).

Saddle Peak National Park

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