[Protected Areas in News] Eravikulam National Park Landslides

Context

  • Recently, landslides have been reported at the Nayamakkad tea estate at Pettimudy which is located about 30 km from Munnar, adjacent to the Eravikulam National Park (ENP), Kerala.

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Eravikulam National Park:

  • It is located in the Kannan Devan Hills of the Southern Western Ghats in the Idukki District, Kerala State.
  • It was declared as Eravikulam-Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary in 1975 and in 1978 it was given the status of a National Park.
  • In the local language, Eravikulam means streams and pools.
  • Anamudi (2695 m) the highest peak in peninsular India is situated in Eravikulam National Park.

Flora:

  • Three major types of plant communities found in the park are Grasslands, Shrub Land and Shola Forests.
  • Neelakurunji Plant: It is endemic to the Western Ghats, blooms once every 12 years is found in this national park.

Rivers:

  • The catchment area of three important rivers, Periyar, Chalakudy, and Pambar is located in this area.
  • The Muthuvans are the indigenous people, who have traditionally been associated with the management of the park.

Fauna:

  • It also is home to and the sanctuary of the Nilgiri tahr, an endangered goat species.
  • Nilgiri Marten, Ruddy Mongoose, Small Clawed Otter, Dusky Striped Squirrel, etc. also found here.

Source: The Hindu

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