Mukurthi National Park

Ahead of summer and peak fire season, ‘fire lines’ or ‘fire breaks’, in the Mukurthi National Park (MNP) are being constructed by the Tamil Nadu government.

Background:

Following the arrest of a gang of poachers from North India in the Nilgiris forest division a few months ago, the T.N. Forest Department has initiated a number of steps to bridge the lapses in surveillance in densely forested regions of the district.

About Mukurthi National Park:

Location:

It lies in the western corner of Nilgiris Plateau in the state of Tamil Nadu.
The park is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is sandwiched between the Mudumalai National Park and the Silent Valley National Park.

The area was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1982 and upgraded to a National Park in 1990.
It was established with the prime motive of conserving its keystone species – the Nilgiri Tahr.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was formerly known as Nilgiri Tahr National Park.
It is also home to Mukurthi Peak (2,554m), the fourth highest peak in the Nilgiri Hills.

Rivers:

Pykara and Kundah rivers flow through the park along with several perennial streams that originate in the park and drain into the Bhavani Puzha.

Vegetation:

Shrubs and mountainous grasslands cover the majority of the landscape in the reserve.
Sholas and lush green tropical grasslands cover elevated areas in the National Park that experience high rainfall.

Flora

Mainly Shola grasslands and shrublands at a high altitude.
Rhododendrons, raspberries, Cinnamon and black berries are in the majority.
Endemic plant species like Alchemilla indica and Hedyotis verticillaris.
It has many shrubs such as Gaultheria fragrantissima, Helichrysum, Daphniphyllum neilgherrense etc.
Other plant species are Mahonia, Satyrium, eucalyptus, Hedyotis verticillaris, Impatiens plants etc.

Fauna

Mammals :

The main species of Mukurthi National Park is Nilgiri Tahr.
Apart from Nilgiri Tahr, This park is also home to endangered species like the Royal Bengal Tiger and the Asian Elephant.
Other mammal species are Sambar, Leopard, panthers, Nilgiri Marten, Barking Deer, Nilgiri Langur; jackals etc.

Birds:

Malabar Whistling Thrush, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Black and Orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Parrots, Vultures, Nilgiri Pipit and other migratory birds.

Reptiles:

Horseshoe Pit Viper, Rat Snake, Bronze-headed Vine Snake.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mukurthi National Park

Q1: Why is the construction of “fire lines” or “fire breaks” in Mukurthi National Park in the news?

A1: The construction of “fire lines” or “fire breaks” in Mukurthi National Park is in the news as the Tamil Nadu government is undertaking this initiative ahead of the summer and peak fire season to prevent and manage forest fires.

Q2: Where is Mukurthi National Park located?

A2: Mukurthi National Park is located in the western corner of the Nilgiris Plateau in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.

Q3: What is the significance of Mukurthi National Park?

A3: Mukurthi National Park, integral to the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, safeguards the keystone Nilgiri Tahr. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it boasts rich biodiversity and the fourth-highest Nilgiri Hills peak, Mukurthi.

Q4: Which rivers flow through Mukurthi National Park?

A4: The Pykara and Kundah rivers flow through Mukurthi National Park, along with several perennial streams that originate within the park and drain into the Bhavani Puzha.

Read also:- National Parks in India