Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve UPSC (51st Tiger Reserve in India UPSC)
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Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve Location
Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve is located in Megamalai (Theni district), Tamil Nadu in India.
Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve in Megamala is Madurai International Airport. Madurai Airport is located approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) away from Megamalai. It serves both domestic and limited international flights.
Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve in Megamalai is Theni Railway Station. Theni Railway Station is located approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) away from Megamalai.
Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve History
The history of Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve involves the combination of two wildlife sanctuaries, namely Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary and Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary.
Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in the Megamalai region of the Theni district in Tamil Nadu, Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its biodiversity and scenic beauty. It covers an area of approximately 600 square kilometers and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including elephants, leopards, gaur, and numerous bird species.
Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1988, the Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary (GSWS), also known as Srivilliputhur Wildlife Sanctuary, was established to protect the Near threatened grizzled giant squirrel (Ratufa macroura). The sanctuary spans an area of around 485 square kilometers and supports diverse plant and animal life.
Formation of Tiger Reserve: In February 2021, under the Project Tiger initiative, the Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve was declared as a Tiger Reserve. This reserve was formed by combining the Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary and the adjoining Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary. The aim of this declaration is to provide stronger protection and conservation measures for the tiger population and their habitats in the region.
Note- Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve is the 51st tiger reserve in India and 5th Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu state.
Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve Area
Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve has a total area of approximately 1016.57 square kilometers. The core area of the reserve covers around 641.86 square kilometers, while the buffer area spans approximately 374.70 square kilometers.
- Core area: 641. 86 km2
- Buffer area: 374.70 km2
- Total area: 1016.57 km2
This division into core and buffer areas helps in managing and conserving the tiger reserve effectively. The core area is typically the primary habitat for tigers and other wildlife, and it receives stricter protection measures to ensure their well-being. The buffer area surrounds the core and provides additional support for wildlife conservation while allowing for some sustainable human activities.
Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve River
The Vaigai River passes through Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve. The tiger reserve plays a role in protecting the Vaigai River, which originates from Megamalai.
The Vaigai River is a significant river in Tamil Nadu, India. It originates in the Western Ghats, specifically in the Megamalai region, and flows through various districts, including Theni, Madurai, and Dindigul. The river has great cultural and ecological importance in the region, supporting agriculture and providing water for various purposes.
With Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve being located in the Megamalai region, it contributes to the conservation and protection of the Vaigai River, ensuring the health and sustainability of this vital water resource.
Srivilleiputhura MeghmalaiTiger Reserve Flora
Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve is characterized by diverse flora, including various types of forests and grasslands. Here are some of the prominent flora found in the tiger reserve:
(1) Tropical Evergreen Forests:
These are dense forests characterized by a high tree canopy and a wide variety of plant species. They typically receive abundant rainfall and have a rich diversity of plant life, including tall trees, epiphytes, and understory vegetation.
(2) Semi-evergreen Forests:
These forests have a mix of evergreen and deciduous tree species. They retain some green foliage throughout the year but may experience seasonal leaf-shedding. Semi-evergreen forests have a moderate level of biodiversity and are adapted to a slightly drier climate than tropical evergreen forests.
(3) Dry Deciduous Forests:
These forests experience distinct wet and dry seasons, resulting in deciduous tree species that shed their leaves during the dry period. Dry deciduous forests are characterized by a mix of tree species and often have a dense understory of shrubs and grasses.
(4) Moist Mixed Deciduous Forests:
These forests lie between dry deciduous forests and evergreen forests in terms of rainfall and tree composition. They have a combination of both deciduous and evergreen tree species, with a variety of shrubs and herbs in the understory.
(5) Grassland:
Apart from forests, Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve may also have grassland areas. Grasslands are open areas dominated by grass species, and they play an important role in supporting herbivores and providing habitat for various bird species.
Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve Fauna (Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve Animals)
Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve is home to a diverse range of fauna, including various mammals, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife species. Here are some notable examples of fauna found in the tiger reserve:
Mammals:
- Bengal Tiger
- Asian Elephants
- Indian Gaur
- Grizzled Giant Squirrel
- Leopard
- Sloth Bears
- Nilgiri Tahrs
Birds:
- Great Indian Hornbill
- Malabar Pied Hornbill
- Racket-tailed Drongo
Reptiles:
- Indian Rock Python
- King Cobra
- Malabar Pit Viper
- Monitor Lizard
Top Things to do in Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve
When visiting Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve, there are several activities and attractions that you can enjoy. Here are some of the top things to do in the reserve:
- Wildlife Safari
- Tiger Spotting
- Birdwatching
- Nature Walks and Hiking
- Visit Waterfalls
- Photography
- Explore Tea Plantations
- Experience Local Culture
Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve UPSC Questions
Q. What is the name of the 51st tiger reserve of India?
A. Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve is the 51st tiger reserve of India.
Q. Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve in which district?/Which state is Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve?
A. Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve located in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu, India.
Q. When was Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve established?
A. Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve was declared as a Tiger Reserve in February 2021.
Q. Which river passes through Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve?
A. Vaigai river passes through Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve.
Q. How many tigers are there in Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve?
A. There are 14 tigers in Srivilleiputhura Meghmalai Tiger Reserve.
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