Gugamal National Park, Amravati (Maharashtra)

Gugamal National Park is an Indian national park that is one of seven protected areas in the Melghat Tiger Reserve. Founded on 22 February 1974, this park is located in the Chikhaldara and Dharni tehsils of Amravati, Maharashtra.

History

The park derives its name from the highest peak, Mouling Peak, which signifies ‘red blood’ or ‘red poison’ because of the crimson latex produced by a tree species exclusive to the area. The Mouling park is home to numerous deadly snakes, presumably due to the paucity of excursions in the area.

The area surrounding the national park encompasses various habitats and is home to the state’s most bio-diverse region. Due to the numerous elevations in the region (400 m to around 3000 m), tropical forest dominates the lower elevations, whereas temperate forest dominates the elevations above 2800 m.

Due to its challenging road access and the presence of numerous folklore traditions linked to it, Mouling Park remains relatively unexplored by humans. The southern and northern portions of the park have historically been home to Jhum agriculture.

Geography

Gugamal National Park is located in the Amravati district of the state of Maharashtra. The park is a part of the Melghat Tiger Reserve. The Melghat Tiger Reserve is located in the Chikhaldara and Dharni tehsils of Amaravati district, in the hills of the Satpura series.

The Park area lies within the Satpura hill ranges also known as the Gavilgarh Hills. The rugged and hilly forest provides a suitable habitat for the most important inhabitant of the park. The main ridges rise over 1000 metres.

The Rivers that flow within the Park are the Gadga River and Dolar River. The Tapi River flows on the northern borders of the Park. The forest in rough & hilly region of Melghat is usual Southern arid deciduous jungle. Here, researchers have found a total of 75 classes of plants.

Significant tree species include Tectona grandis. Ain. Tiwas, Aola, Lendia, Dhawada and Kusum. The jungles extensively feature the extension of bamboo and teak.

Temperature – Maximum-430 C

Minimum-60 C

Altitude: 350-1.178 m

Rainfall: 1,850.00 mm

Flora

Surrounded by the rugged hills of the Melghat region, the forest cover comes under the Southern dry deciduous forest category. Some of the trees that you can find here are Ain, Tectona grandis, Lendia, Tiwas, Aola, Dhawada and Kusum. The area around Gugamal National Park is famous for the wide variety of plants of medicinal value that grow around the region. While bamboo covers the forest in abundance, the upper areas on the hills have orchids and strobilanthes growing. There are a total of 90 different kinds of trees, 56 climber trees, over 300 herbs varieties and more than 750 plant species that’s spellbinding for visitors.

Fauna

The Gugamal National Park boasts of an extravagant fauna of which wild mammals such as Bengal tiger, sloth bear, Ussuri dhole, Indian jackal, striped hyena, fishing cat, Indian leopard, chausinga, sambar (known to be the largest Deer on the planet) gaur, barking deer, ratel, macaque, flying squirrel, cheetal (a sub-species of Deer), nilgai, python, rhesus monkey, wild boar and langur are an integral part. If you are interested in aquatic life, then you must know that there are more than 25 different fishes here and a larger number of butterflies, merrily flying around the green surroundings. In March 1990, crocodiles were the newest addition to the Siddu Kund in Gadga river near Dhakna, and several more crocodiles were added to the Hathikund in the Dolar river in February 1991. There are also 260 bird species found at the Gugamal National Park which gives a great opportunity for photographers to capture some rare species of birds.

Conclusion

The Mouling National Park in Arunachal Pradesh is awe-inspiring due to its abundance of wildlife and plants. Mouling National Park has been successful in retaining its attractiveness away from the congested people within its limits. Bengal tiger, barking deer, Indian leopard, and red panda may all be found in this must-see national park.

Due to its unique flora and fauna, Mouling National Park is one of the most fascinating parks. It has been designated as one of the 18 biodiversity hotspots. The park’s elevations range from 750 to 3064 m. Mouling National Park offers the sight of various conserved animals including different types of mammals and birds.

FAQs about Gugamal National Park

Where is Gugamal National Park located?

Gugamal National Park is located in the Amravati district of Maharashtra, India. It is a part of the Melghat Tiger Reserve.

What is the significance of Mouling Peak in Gugamal National Park?

Mouling Peak, located within the park, is the highest peak in the region. It is named after the crimson latex produced by a unique tree species, giving it the meaning of ‘red blood’ or ‘red poison.’ The peak is known for its deadly snakes and is less explored due to its difficult accessibility.

What is the geography of Gugamal National Park?

Gugamal National Park is situated in the Satpura hill ranges, also known as the Gavilgarh Hills. The park is characterized by rugged and hilly terrain, with main ridges rising over 1,000 meters. The Gadga River and Dolar River flow within the park, while the Tapi River forms its northern border.