Hello folks.Hope you all are having a good day.It’s been a few days since I came before you with something to explore.I have been involved in some professional commitments due to which I could update the blog only with some posts shared from other blogs.But,in this gap I had been thinking of offering you something new to explore.And,today I think I’ve got something ready to take you on a journey.We’re going on an adventure to Eravikulam National Park in Kerala which currently has the largest population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.The park is near to the famous hill station town of Munnar and people visiting the hill station often visit the National Park.So,without any further delay let’s go inside and search for the Nilgiri Tahr.
Eravikulam National Park is located in the High Ranges (Kannan Devan Hills) of the Southern Western Ghats in the Devikulam Taluk of Idukki District.Etymologically, Eravikulam denotes streams and pools.The area, which was managed as a Game Preserve by the erstwhile Kannan Devan Hills Produce Company through the High Range Game Association was resumed by the Government of Kerala in 1971 under the Kannan Devan Hill Produce (Resumption of lands) Act 1971.Subsequently, as recommended in the Land Board Award (LB (A) 2-5227/71 dt.29-3-1974), the Government of Kerala declared the area as Eravikulam-Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary in 1975 for the protection of the highly endangered Nilgiri Tahr and its habitat (G.O No. 8907/FM/375/AD dated 31-03-1975).It was elevated to the status of a National Park in 1978 (G.O (MS) 142/78 dated 19-05-1978).Eravikulam National Park is 97 km2 in extent and consists mostly of high altitude Grasslands that are interspersed with Sholas. The main body of the National Park comprises of a high rolling plateau with a base elevation of about 2000 meters from mean sea level.The park is of undulating terrain and the highest peak is Anamudi (2695 m). Three major types of plant communities found in the park are: Grasslands, Shrub Land and Shola Forests. The high plateau and the hills rising above it are primarily covered by Grasslands. Shrub Lands are seen along the base of the cliffs. Shola Forests are located in the valleys and folds. Turner’s valley, which splits the park roughly in half from northwest to southeast is the deepest.Many perennial streams criss-cross the park. They merge to form tributaries of the Periyar river in the west and of the Cauvery River in the east. Lakkom Water falls is in this region.
Eravikulam National Park was managed as a Game Reserve by the Kannan Devan Hill Produce Company till 1971.The responsibility for the management and protection of the area was vested with the High Range Game Preservation Association, a pioneer Non Governmental organization in this area, which was formed in 1928.Due to the unique land features, climate and remoteness, this high land attracted the attention of many hunters, naturalists, and scientists.
One of the early European explorers was Col. Douglas Hamilton who described the beauty and grandeur of this area in 1854. Modern settlements began with the establishment of North Travancore Plantation and Agricultural Society in 1879. J.D. Munro, on a hunting expedition in 1877, recognized the possibilities of raising plantations in these ranges and acquired about 227 sq. miles (581.12 sq. km) of land on concession from Poonjat Raja, chief of the local kingdom.Later, the land was distributed among the members of the society, and cultivation of various plantation crops like coffee and cinchona were tried. It was realized later that, tea was the most suitable crop for this area. The first tea in the High Ranges was planted by Sharp in 1890. Passing through the stress and strain of raising plantations, the members of the society merged and a majority of the estates were transferred to James-Finlay, a European company. Later, extensive cultivation of tea and eucalyptus was carried out by clearing natural vegetation. Apart from cultivation, the English game hunters among the old planters had taken interest in hunting activities and set aside some areas for recreation. The present day Eravikulam National Park was one such area. The game included Nilgiri Tahr, Sambar Deer, Barking Deer, Gaur, Wild Boar, Leopard and Tiger. The area also offered excellent opportunity for angling of ‘Rainbow Trout’ (Salmo gairdnerii) which was introduced from Scotland. The High Range Game Preservation Association was the regulatory body which used to manage such activities with the help of Muthuvan tribals who were employed by them as game watchers. The managers of the nearby estates were appointed as Wardens for managing the various recreational and game areas.
The imperatives of land reforms led to the enactment of the Kannan Devan Hills (Resumption of Lands) Act 1971 by which all lands that were not under cultivation by the company were vested with the Government of Kerala. The Government’s intention was to distribute this land for agricultural purposes. The area under the park was initially earmarked for cattle farming. But because of the timely intervention by an interested group consisting of planters, bureaucrats, naturalists and scientists, the Government of Kerala declared the area as ‘Eravikulam-Rajamalai’ Wildlife Sanctuary in 1975(GO No. 8907/FM/375/AD dated 31-03-1957) for the protection of the Nilgiri Tahr and its habitat. Subsequently, in 1978 it was upgraded to a National Park as per (GO (MS)142/78 dated 19-05-1978). The park was managed as a Range under the Munnar Division and in 1984 it was brought under the Wildlife Warden, Idukki. In the year 1996, a separate Division named Eravikulam National Park Division was formed in the year 1996 with headquarters at Munnar. Now, Eravikulam National Park is one of the six protected areas under the Division, now known as Wildlife Division, Munnar. Over the years, the management of the company changed hands and with the increase in awareness, the game association has redefined its objectives to become High Range Wildlife and Environmental Preservation Association (HRWEPA). The Association now joins hands with the Forest Department in managing the park.
The tourism zone of Eravikulam National Park is known for the close quarter sighting of Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) and massive flowering of Neelakurinji (Strobilanthus kunthianum) an endemic shrub that flowers once in 12 years. It is the massive flowering of Neelakurinji and the heavy flow of visitors to the National Park in 2006 helped in the introduction of the present visitor management system. Before this, the light vehicles of the visitors were allowed up to the tourism zone, causing blockades, pollution, littering etc in the tourism zone and adjoining areas. The introduction of participatory management and the explosion of visitors to the National Park have brought about paradigm shift in the park management. Now all the management activities including the visitor management and protection including fire protection is carried out with the help of seven EDC’s in the park. This has helped a lot in the management as evident from the reduction in the illegal activities in and around the Park over the last 5 years.
The park holds the largest viable population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) and is a famous habitat of Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthianam), which blooms once in 12 years. Apart from Tahr, the park is an abode of other little known fauna such as Nilgiri Marten (endemic), Ruddy Mongoose, Small Clawed Otter, Dusky Striped Squirrel etc.The Anamudi peak area is also habitat of an unique Frog Raorchestes resplendens. The park represents the largest and least disturbed stretch of unique Montane Shola-Grassland vegetation in the Western Ghats. Similar ecosystems like Nilgiris, Anamalais and Palanis were severely manipulated to raise plantations. Even in the High Ranges, the Tertian and Karimkulam plateau were planted up.
The National Park is regionally important as a catchment area for both east (tributaries of River Pambar) and west (tributaries of River Periyar and Chalakkudy) flowing Rivers. Locally, it is important for maintaining the climate and providing drinking water to the surrounding estates and for irrigation in parts of Aanjanad Valley.The highest peak in peninsular India, Anamudi (2695 m), is situated in this park. The sharp escarpments and cliffs on all sides of the park make this area an isolated table land that is responsible for the unique microclimate. The unsuitability of soil for agriculture, inaccessibility and extreme climate has helped the land remain free from human developmental onslaught. Although the area of the park falls latitudinally in the tropics, it exhibit extra tropical climate due to the altitudinal influence.
This change in the bio-climate and geological stability enhances the endemic values of the area. High elevations of the Western Ghats are considered botanically rich areas in India. There are many temperate species like Mahonia leschnaultti, Rhododendron arboreum, Gaultheria fragrantissima, Berberis tinctoria etc., rare orchids like Brachycorythis wightii, Habenarea flabelliformis etc.Presence of medicinal plants like Drosera peltata and wild varieties of cultivated plants like Piper schmidtti and Elateria cardamomum adds to the conservation significance.
The cultural values of the park are significant to the local and indigenous people, especially the Muthuvans. They inhabit the fringes of the park and have traditionally been associated with the high country. The park is an example of institutionalized joint management as the long established links with the High Range Wildlife and Environment Preservation Association (HRWEPA), who were earlier managing the park as a Game Reserve, is still vibrant.
Eravikulam National Park is the prime attraction in Munnar, which has become one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the whole of India. Its aesthetic grandeur and the possibility of seeing the endangered Nilgiri Tahr at close quarters at Rajamala and the waterfall at Lakkom attract more than 5,00,000 visitors annually.
The park in continuity with the neighboring Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Anamudi Shola National Park, Pampadum Shola National Park, Kurinjimala Sanctuary and Anamalai Tiger Reserve forms the largest conservation landscape in the Western Ghats (Map 1C). As the only remaining viable island of Shola–Grassland complex, this park provides ample academic opportunities for studying the biodiversity of montane vegetation and the ecological riddles associated with the ecosystem.It can also serve as a field laboratory for activities like conservation education, research, monitoring and participatory management.
Values of the Park
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An abode of a number of Kurinji species, especially Neelakurinji, that blooms once in 12 years
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Exceptional ecosystem diversity consisting of Shola Forests, Grasslands, Hill Forests, Evergreen Forests, Shrub lands and Moist Deciduous Forests
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Largest stretch of undisturbed Shola-Grassland ecosystem in Western Ghats
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Exceptional species diversity in the Shola Forests and Grasslands
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Significant population of endemic Shola and Grassland species
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Ideal place for “insitu” germ plasm conservation of rare and threatened species
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National Park harbors a number of medicinal plants
Fauna
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Largest viable population of Nilgiri Tahr in the world
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Good population of Mammals, Birds, Butterflies, Amphibians etc with high degree of endemism
Watershed
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The catchment area of three important rivers, Periyar, Chalakudy and Pambar
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Important source of potable water for the local dependent population and population down stream
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Irrigation water for the tea estates nearby and the agricultural land down stream
Education and Research
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Great opportunity for education and research due to rich and diverse ecosystems’, plants and animals
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Ample scope for studying people’s participation in conservation and management
Aesthetic Values
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Value related to eco-tourism
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Major destination due to the scenic beauty, unique ecosystems and life forms
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Ample scope for nature photography
Socio-Economic Values
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Livelihood for hundreds of local dependent population directly and indirectly
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The long standing relationship between the earlier managers of the park, the High Range Wildlife and Environment Preservation Association and the local Muthuvan tribes is an ideal model in conservation initiatives
Cultural values
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The Muthuvans are the local, indigenous people. They inhabit the fringes of the park and have traditionally been associated with the management of thepark. The park plays a significant role in sustaining them and their culture.
Boundaries
The boundary commence from the point where the Kannan Devan Hills Produce Village boundary meets the Inter State boundary between Kerala and Tamil Nadu at point 5540’ (1689m). From that point, the boundary runs along the Inter State boundary passing through peaks with altitude of 3984′ (1214 m), 5011′ (1527 m), 5885′ (1794 m) and 7388′ (2252 m) to Perattumala 7033′ (2144 m). Thence turning southeast, the boundary reaches Kumarikkalmala 8275′ (2522 m).
East
The boundary follows the Kannan Devan Hill Produce Village boundary along the ridge through Kattumala 8373’ (2552m) and then to Perumalmala 7736′ (2355 m) till it reaches Tirumudi 5676′ (1830 m).
South
The boundary follows the western boundary of Chattamunnar Estate (Thalayar group), northern boundaries of Vaguvarai and Nayamakkadu estate to meet the Kannan Devan Hill Produce Village boundary about 3 Km south west of Rajamala peak 7209′ (2197 m).
West
The boundary follows the Kannan Devan Hill Produce Village boundary to Rajamala 7209’ (2197 m) and then turning northeast, the boundary reaches Sambamala 7581′ (2311 m) and thence to Bhimamala 4719′ (1438 m) and from there turns in a north east direction to Kolukkumala, 7137′ (2175 m) and thence proceeds in north direction to the starting point at 5540′ (1689 m) passing through Erumamala, 7496′ (2284 m) and Erumapettimala, 6999′ (2133 m). The boundary notification is vague at some points where the distinction between National Park and tea estates is not clear enough.
The southern boundary with the tea estates still remains vague at few points. For the rest of the park, the boundaries are clear and demarcated. On the south boundary between Lakkomkudy and Chattamunnar, a small area (about 5 ha) has been under occupation. There is no reliable record regarding the time of occupation.
Internal Boundaries
The boundary of the Lakkom Muthuvan settlement situated inside the park on the southern periphery is demarcated with ‘kayyala’. The individual right over land is already settled as per Forest Rights Act. The park is under a single Forest Station with headquarters at Lakkom and there is no internal demarcation.
Ecological Boundaries
The notification follows the ridges as the boundary and the ecological boundaries of the park extend into the Anamalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary under Munnar Wildlife Division and Koodakkad proposed reserve under Marayoor Division in the north, Koodakkad proposed reserves under Marayoor Division in the east, the Grasslands of KDHP company, Mankulam Division and Munnar Division in south and Anamudi Reserved Forest under Munnar Division in the west. These areas are vital as fawning and escape cover for a species like the Nilgiri Tahr.
The type of animals found in a given area is the function of its existing plant communities which in turn are governed by geo-morphology of soil, climate and rainfall conditions. 17 Mammals, 11 Birds and 7 Butterflies are Western Ghat endemics. Mammals like Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Marten and Birds like White Bellied Shorting and Kerala Laughing Thrush have closely related species in the Himalayas. Roarchestes resplendens, a Frog has been found only near the Anamudi peak. A total of 85 species of Butterflies, 81 species of Birds (45 confined to Shola forest and 16 migratory) 21 species of Mammals, 22 species of Amphibians and 33 species of Reptiles are reported.There are 48 species of Mammals recorded from the park (Fauna of Eravikulam National Park, Zoological Survey of India, Faunal Conservation Series 13, 2002 and management plan of Eravikulam National Park 2002 to 2011) of which 17 are endemic to the Western Ghats.
A total 133 species of Birds have been identified in the Eravikulam National Park of which 11 are endemic to Western Ghats.A total of 101 species of Butterflies have been identified in the Eravikulam National Park of which 11 are endemic to Western Ghats.13 species of Reptiles which include 5 Lizards and 8 Snakes are reported. 10 out of 13 species are endemic to Western Ghats .A total of 21 species of Amphibians are reported from the Park, of which 17 are endemic to Western Ghats.4 species of Fishes are reported from the park.
Biogeographically, the park falls in the following categories:
- Biogeographic Zone: Paleo Tropical, Indo-Malayan Realm, Western Ghats
- Biotic Province: 5B Western Ghat Mountain
- Bioma: Mountain Forest-Grassland
Around 60% of the area is covered by Grasslands, about 25% by Shola Forests, about 8.45% by Southern Sub Tropical Hill Forest and 7.5% constitute the Shrubs (Menon ARR, 1997).
The hill forests are locally known as ‘Sholas’, the Tamil term for forest. The Shola Forests in the upper plateau are dense and floristically rich with many endemic and rare species. The trees in the Sholas form a continuous canopy usually not exceeding 10-15m. There is no marked differentiation into canopy layers. The tree bark is covered with lichens, orchids, mosses and climbers. The crowns are generally rounded and dense.Common tree species in the Shola Forests are Pithecellobium subcoriaceum, Ixora notoniana, Syzygium arnottianum, Ilex denticulata, I. wightiana, Michaelia nilagirica, Elaeocarpus recurvatus, Microtropis ramiflora, Actinodaphne bourdellonii, and Symplocos pendula. The edges of the Shola are marked by trees such as Rhododendron arboreumvar. nilagiricum, Ternstroemia japonica, Ligustrum perrottettii, Turpinia cochinchinensis,Mahonia leshenaultii, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, Berberis tinctoria, Vaccinium neilgherrense etc. and herbs and shrubs include Gaultheria fragrantissima, Moonia heterophylla, Jasminum bignoneacium, Smithia blanda, Valeriana hookeriana and a few species of Strobilanthes. The undergrowth in the Shola is represented by Strobilanthes sp., Impatiens phoenicea, I. coelotropis, Psychotria congesta, Viola patrinii, V. serpens, Asplenium sp., and Arundinaria densifolia. Epiphytic orchids in the sholas include Aerides ringens, Coelogyne nervosa, C. mossiae, Eria dalzelli, E. pauciflora, and Schoenorchis filiformis. The common climbers are Piper schmidtii, Rubia cordifolia, and Connarus wightii. Rapanea capillata, Vaccinium leschenaultii, Impatiens tangachee, Sonerila grandiflora, Osmunda regalis and Eurya japonica are usually found along streams.Broad Leaved Forests are found on the slopes descending from the plateau. The dominant tree species found in the Broad Leaved Forests are Pittosporum tetraspermum, Elaeocarpus munroii, Apollonias arnotti, Symplocos spicata, Gomphandra coriacea, Garcinia gummi-gutta, Litsea coreacea, Prunus ceylanica and Photinia notoniana. Major shrubs include Begonia subpeltata, Osbeckia lineolata, Polygala arillata, Strobilanthes homotropus, Maesa perrottetiana etc.
About 80% of the park is occupied by Grasslands. They cover the plateau and descending slopes. 308 species are recorded from the Grasslands out of which 51 are endemic to the Montane Grasslands of the Western Ghats (Karunakaran P V., Rawath G S et al. 1998). The major grass species in the Grasslands are Andropogon lividus, Arundinella vaginata, Digitaria wallichiana and Arundinella mesophylla. Chrysopogon zeylanicus and Sehima nervosum dominate these plateau and slopes, whereas in the cattle grazed areas, unpalatable Cymbopogon flexuosus is frequent. Chrysopogon zeylanicus the dominant grass species is found at Rajamala, down slopes of Anamudi and Poovar. Sehima nervosum community is more prevalent throughout the plateau. Moist valleys are characterized by Garnotia sps. Other dominant grasses are Eulalia phaeothrix, Andropogon lividus, Arundinella purpurea, Agrostis peninsularis, Ischaemum indicum, Heteropogon contortus and Tripogon bromodies.
The common herbs and shrubs in the Grasslands include Anaphalis lawii, A. bourneii, A. meeboldii, Swertia corymbosa, Polygala japonica, Curculigo orchioides, Micromeria biflora, Bupleurum distichophyllum, Crotalaria fysonii, C. ovalifolia, Ranunculus reniformis, Hedyotis swertiodes, Senecio lavandulaefolius, Parnassia mysorense, Pedicularis zeylanica, Wahlenbergia gracilifolia, Impatiens pandata, I. modesta, Phlebophyllum kunthianum, Hypericum mysorense, Pteridium aquilinum, Ageratina adenophora, Gaultheria fragrantissima etc. The water logged areas are dominated by species such as Eriocaulon robustum, E. collinum, and E. geofreyii.The summit of the Anamudi is vegetated with patches of stunted Arundinaria densifolia and Gaultheria fragrantissima (wintergreen), Anaphalis sp., Impatiens and some species of Eniocaulon.
The Shrub Lands in the park form a stable vegetative association occurring on steep slopes below cliffs and interspersed among rock slabs. The dominant Shrub present on the bouldery slopes is Strobilanthus kunthianum, (Neelakurinji). This endemic species blooms once in twelve years. Other species include Ageratina adenophora, Gaultheria fragrantissima, Hypericum mysorense etc. Shrubby species predominate near tea estates and bouldery slopes.
A small portion on the eastern periphery of the park lying close to Talliar estate has Deciduous Forests with trees like Rosewood, Pterocarpus etc. The undergrowth is predominantly Lantana.
On the western side of the park where the hill forests merge into the Anamudi Reserve, a small segment of the park exhibits characteristics of Tropical Evergreen Forests. The trees are tall and lofty with typical species like Mesua ferrea, Cullenia excelsa and Palaquim ellipticum.
The park is floristically rich due to its characteristic climatic condition. 803 taxa (76 Pteridophytes and 727 Angiosperms) were collected and described from the park. They belong to 332 genera representing 134 families. Dicotyledons dominated with 505 species belonging to 240 genera and 90 families. Monocotyledons were represented by 222 species under 92 genera and 16 families. 10 dominant families with respect to species richness are Poaceae (105 species and 39 genera), Orchidaceae (66 species and 23 genera), Asteraceae (48 species and 24 genera), Rubiaceae (43 species and 17 genera), Balsaminaceae (39 species and 1 genus), Acanthaceae (31 species and 7 genera), Papilionaceae (26 species and 12 genera), Lauraceae (32 species and 6 genera), Melastomataceae (18 species and 4 genera), Lamiceae (17 species and 7 genera). Fern groups here are endemic and comprises of 76 species under 35 genera and 28 families. Nearly 190 species are Western Ghat endemics and 89 among these are placed under various threat categories. During the study, 36 species of Impatiens were collected in and around the park of which 18 are locally endemic and not seen anywhere in the Western Ghats.They harbour 15 species of Arisaema which are confined to this area alone and 2 species of Ophiorrhiza which was recollected after 68 year. Other endemics of this region are Anaphalis barnesii, Begonia aliciae, Didymocarpus mcrostachya, Habenaria flabelliformis etc. (Floristic studies on Eravikulam National Park Biju S.D. TBGRI, Palode 2004).
An area of 200 ha marked as Medicinal Plant Conservation Area (MPCA) between Anamudi and Eravikulam, earmarked for the conservation of medicinal plants is maintained as such.This area has been protected from fire incidents every year for its protection and conservation.
Being the last remnant of the unique Shola-Grassland system and the ecological riddles associated with it, the National Park provides excellent opportunities for research and monitoring. There were many studies in the past conducted by different research institutions. Some of the notable studies were Rice (1984), Karunakaran et al (1998), Madhusudanan (1995), Easa (1996), Menon(1997) etc. In 1984, Union Christian College, Alwaye initiated the first systematic Nilgiri Tahr survey which is being carried out annually ever since. Census of Birds is conducted periodically. All these studies and census emphasize the need for continuous monitoring of vegetation and animal population in the area. The study of bio diversity of the Shola Forests is to be carried out to asses the biodiversity value of this eco system. Apart from this, it was felt that a long term monitoring on the effects of burning should be studied. Every year, the park is conducting nature education camps for school/college students and interested NGOs as part of its extension programmes. There is no institutionalized training programme as such for the park staff. Areas needing emphasis in research and monitoring is included in the relevant paragraphs of the plan.
The National Park holds the largest viable population of Nilgiri Tahr and is the largest stretch of the least disturbed Shola Grassland ecosystem in the Western Ghats. The management is taken up through the eco-development committees of local dependents and involves a number of extension activities including nature awareness programmes. Being an unique ecosystem, increasing number of visitors, the participatory mode of management and constant interaction with people from different strata in the society, the staff and EDC members are in need of training on various aspects of management to deal with different the situations.Eravikulam National Park is the largest and least disturbed Shola-Grassland ecosystem in Western Ghats. This sustains the largest viable population of endemic and endangered Nilgiri Tahr. In order to estimate the population of Tahr in Eravikulam National Park, annual Tahr census is conducted in the National Park every year.
Annual and periodic monitoring of animals through direct sightings and checking droppings shall be carried out with the support of veterinary officers and researchers and effective follow up steps will be pursued on emergencies.The park is surrounded by tea estates in its southern boundary. There is one tribal settlement inside the park namely Lakkomkudy. A total of 96 cattle are there in the immediate boundary and inside the National Park. In addition, there are a number of cattle in the tea estates and also in Koodakkad Proposed Reserve adjoining the park. The monitoring of these cattle and periodic vaccination in association with the local Veterinary Department, tea estate management and EDC/VSS will be done to detect and prevent the spread of diseases from the cattle to wild animals. The fringe cattle shall be monitored and periodically vaccinated for contagious diseases.
Study by Ravindranath N.H et al., 2006 predicts that the forest ecosystem will be badly affected by the process of global warming in the years to come. Hence it is highly necessary that the weather data in Eravikulam National Park is collected and analyzed to know the changes in climatic factors and correlate with the vegetation changes.
The following activities are proposed in this regard
- Installation of additional automated meteorological stations for regular recording of weather data at Rajamala, Eravikulam and Poovar
- Establishment of permanent plots and long term monitoring of the vegetation changes in the Sholas and Grasslands
From less than a thousand during the 1980’s, the number of visitors has risen to around 4.5 lakh during the Neelakurinji flowering in 2006 and the average number of visitors during the last 3 years has been around 4 lakhs annually. In anticipation of the boom of visitors during 2006 in connection with the Neelakurinji flowering, the present visitor management system was introduced with the help of eco-development committees of local dependent population. In addition to the existing 5 EDCs, 2 professional EDCs of local dependent drivers and vendors were formed. All the private vehicles were stopped at 5th mile, 4 km away from the tourism zone of the park and a departmental system for transportation of visitor was introduced with the help of eco-development committees. The members of Drivers EDC are engaged for plying the six buses owned by the EDCs used for the transportation of visitors to the park. The members of Vendors EDC are engaged for managing the vending outlets in the tourism zone and 5th mile, the entrance to the National Park. Additional members of tribal EDCs were trained in visitor management and used for the visitor management in the tourism zone.
Visitors taken to the tourism zone in the departmental system are allowed to walk 1 km along a black topped road in the tourism zone where they may get an opportunity for a close look of Nilgiri Tahr which is very much habituated to human presence. The check post operating at Rajamala regulates the entry and exit of vehicles to and from the tourism zone. An Interpretation Centre “Story of the Park” is provided inside the National Park at Rajamala where a few exhibits are displayed to educate and explain the importance of the protected areas and its biodiversity. The enquiry counter at 5th Mile provides information on the protected areas and ecotourism programmes under Wildlife Division, Munnar in general and on Eravikulam National Park in particular.
The members of drivers EDC who operates the vehicles and the watchers engaged in the tourism zone helps in the interpretation and guidance to the visitors. For the visitors amenity, facilities like cafeteria, amenity centre, eco-shop, toilets etc are maintained at 5th mile, the entrance to the park and in the tourism zone. The activities of the EDC’s are managed by Anamudi Forest Development Agency, under Wildlife Division, Munnar. The revenue collected from the visitors as entry fee goes to the Government and rest of the collections including the bus charges, collection from the outlets and amenity centers operated by the EDC’s goes to the Anamudi Forest Development Agency through the individual EDC’s. The expenditure needed for the maintenance of EDC activities are provided to the individuals EDC from Anamudi Forest Development Agency by the Member Secretary and Chief Executive Officer. The details are attached as table 15, 16, 17 and 18. There is an information gap that exists for the visitors to the National Park. A proper interpretation package is to be framed and implemented to bridge the gap.
The Lakkom water falls at Lakkom is managed by the members of Lakkomkudy EDC. The visitors are allowed to enjoy the beautiful waterfall originating from the National Park. Amenities like toilets, locker room, tea and snacks etc are also provided for the visitors. An eco-shop operated by the EDC sells the various products including the tribal produces to the visitors to generate income to the EDC. The number of visitors to Lakkom falls is on the rise. The visitor management and the waste management have been an issue here, especially during the peak months. A visitor management strategy needs to be developed for the area for future management.
The ‘Gouldsbury’ trail, a two day trekking and camping programme to Parappayarkudy, short trekking programmes at Rajamala, short trekking and camping programme at Lakkom and one day conducted tour programmes by the EDC’s are on the anvil. The whole financial transactions the EDC are managed by the apex body of the EDC’s, the Anamudi Forest Development Agency.
Eco-development programme is implemented in the Lakkomkudy tribal settlement located inside the park and in the Parappayarkudy, Parakudy, Nooradikudy Muthuvan settlements which are on the fringe of the National Park. The association between HRWEPA and the National Park which begin since the inception of the park still continues. With the formation of professional EDC’s, the programme now covers the members of these EDC’s namely Watchers, Vendors and Drivers EDC.The sudden bloom of tourists which started with the massive flowering of Neelakurinji during 1994, increased during the flowering in 2006. Now the average visitation at Rajamala during the last 3 years has been around 4, 00,000. In order to deal with the massive flow of the visitors, in addition to the existing 5 EDC’s namely Watchers EDC, Lakkomkudy EDC, Parappayarkudy EDC, Parakudy EDC and Nooradykudy EDC, two professional EDC’s, namely Vendors EDC and Drivers EDC, were constituted and the present visitor management system was introduced in 2006. Now all the private vehicles are stopped at the entrance of the park and the visitors are carried in mini buses owned by Anamudi Forest Development Agency (AFDA) and operated by the EDC’s. Amenities to the visitors such as cafeteria, amenity centre, enquiry counter, interpretation centre, toilets etc are managed by the EDC members.The system is able to tackle the heavy visitation to the National Park successfully.
With the aim of the creating more job opportunities to the local dependent population, the Lakkom Waterfall which is located outside the park on its southern boundary came into operational in 2006 which is managed by the tribal EDC members from Lakkomkudy. More eco-tourism programmes like short trekking and camping are on the anvil.These eco-development programmes are aimed to positively interfere with the socio economic status of the forest dependent communities, especially tribal people to gain their confidence and thus help in the conservation initiatives.
Rajamala is the tourism zone of Eravikulam National Park and is a place where one can see Nilgiri Tahr at close quarter.The tourism zone will be closed in calving season during Feb – March every year. Visitors can get assured sighting of Nilgiri Tahr, feel the kurinji and experience the shola grassland eco system. Visitors will be picked from 5th Mile on safari buses and dropped back. The park have restaurants, eco shops and an amenity centre. Entry time 7.30 am – 4.00 pm Fee: Indian – Rs. 95/- Children – Rs. 70/- Foreigne National – Rs. 380/- Reservation fee Rs 50/- (Reservation counter 9 am – 3 pm at Information centre, Munnar).A soft trekking in the morning and evening through the misty tracks of the Nilgiri Thar and Kurinji filled grass lands. Trek duration: 3 hours Time: 8am-11am and 3pm- 4.30pm. at Eravikulam National Park Fee: Indian- Rs. 200 /person Foreign National – Rs.300/- person (minimum two persons)The crystal clear water originating from the core zone of Eravikulam National Park flows to river Pambar, one of the east flowing rivers in Kerala, which ultimately joins river Cauvery in Tamil nadu. Lakkom waterfalls is a natural fall which cascades down the hill side, lending an enchanting view. This is on the road side from Munnar to Marayoor. There is eco shop cafeteria and refreshing centre to provide services to visitors. Fee: Rs. 20/- per person.Trekking through the beautiful forest paths meandering along the Lakkom Water falls. Refreshments and complimentary snacks will be provided. Trek duration: 1 hour. Time: 8am-11am and 3pm- 4.30pm. at Lakkom water Falls Fee: Rs. 100 per person.Like a hidden bird nest under the forest cover, close to the falls, the log house offfers a high end comfortable accommodation to visitors. One can cherish the solitude and wilderness, the sweet music of falls and forest birds as well as caring services and complimentary food. Reporting time 3 pm at Lakkom Water falls. Tariff: Rs. 3000/- for two Indians Rs. 4000/- for Foreigner. Extra person – Rs. 1000/-
Well,that’s quite a lot of information I got about the Park.Now,I just want to add a few information about the main attraction of the Park-the Nilgiri Tahr.The Nilgiri Tahr, (Nilgiritragus hylocrius Ropiquet and Hassanin, 2005) is an endangered caprid listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 and categorized as ‘endangered’ by the IUCN. It is endemic to the hill ranges of the Western Ghats of Southern peninsular India in pockets where a suitable mosaic of Montane Grasslands and rugged terrain exist. Nilgiri Tahr is closely related to the Himalayan Tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus C.H Smith, 1826) which occurs along the southern flanks of the Himalayas and the Arabian Tahr (Arabitragus jayakari Ropiquet and Hassanin, 2005), which inhibits the arid mountains of Sultanate of Oman.An estimated 700-800 Nilgiri Tahr inhabit Eravikulam National Park, making it the largest wild population in the world. The Nilgiri Tahr generally inhabits the fringes of the grassy plateau and move on to the steep slabs and cliffs bordering it. They occasionally visit the Shrub Lands along the base of the cliffs. Tahr avoid Sholas, but sometime forage along their periphery. Nilgiri Tahr in Eravikulam National Park occurs in two types of groups; (The mixed groups and All male groups). The mixed group consists primarily of adult females and their sub adult off springs. Adult males join these groups during the rut and keep away at other times of the year. The male group consists of adult males of various classes. The maximum size of the mixed group is 150 animals and that of all male groups is 20 individuals. The usual number of young one produced is one although twins may occasionally occur. The rutting season occurs during monsoon (July and August) and the main birth season is January to mid February. Estimated gestation period is nearly 179 days. The predators of Nilgiri Tahr in Eravikulam National Park include Tiger, Leopard, Wild Dog and Jackal (C G Rice, 1984). However Easa (1995), through scat analyses, recorded only one incident of Tahr predation by leopard indicating almost nil predation by other animals.Nilgiri Tahr commences feeding at the break of day and feed until late in the evening. They feed and rest intermittently; the rest intervals becoming longer as the day advances, until they become active again towards the evening. The Tahr was observed to feed primarily on 19 species of grasses, 12 species of shrubs along with a lichen and fresh shoots of dwarf bamboo. Chrysopogan zeylanicus form the major food species followed by Eulalia phaeothrix, Aruwdinella ciliat, Sehima nervosum and Ischaemum indicum iridicum ( Easa P.S, Sivaram M, KFRD research report No 242). Nights are spent on the cliffs or as close to them as possible. In undisturbed areas however, they often bed down in the open away from the cliffs.
A fully grown male Nilgiri Tahr, known as ‘Saddle Back’, stands about 100 cm at the shoulder and weighs about 100 Kg. The overall coloring is deep chocolate brown. This is particularly dark; almost black on the front of the fore and hind legs, the shoulder, the side of the abdomen, side of the face and the front of the muzzle. These contrast sharply with white facial stripe which drops from the forehead towards the corners of the mouth just anterior to the eyes, the white carpal patches on the front and outside of the forelegs and the silvery saddle. The side of the neck where it meets the shoulder is also sometimes lightened, as is the flank posterior to the saddle and an area around the eye. Long black hairs form a mane and mid dorsal stripe.The horns (in both sexes) curve uniformally back and have no twist. The tips diverge slightly due to the plane of the horn being divergent from the body axis posteriorly and tilted slightly so as to converge dorsally. The inside surface is nearly flat and the back and outside are rounded. There is a distinct rib where the inside and front of the horns meet and the horn surface is covered with numerous fine crenulations amidst the slightly more evident annual rings. The horns of males are heavier and longer than those of the females reaching a maximum length of about 40 cm. The rutting season occurs during monsoon (July & August) and the main birth season was during January to mid February. Estimated gestation period is nearby 179 days (Rice 1984).Female Nilgiri Tahr is shorter and slighter than their male counterparts. In contrast to the striking pelage of the male, the female is almost uniformly grey. The carpal patch is black against the light background. The facial markings are present but only faintly and the area around the eye and the cheek below it are brown. The mane and mid- dorsal stripe are much less conspicuous. The horns are slimmer and shorter, reaching a maximum length of about 26 cm.
As few as 100 Nilgiri tahrs were left in the wild by the early 20th century. Since that time their numbers have inceased somewhat; in a comprehensive study of the Nilgiri tahr population in Western Ghats, the WWF-India has put the population at 3,122. Their range extends over 400 kilometres (250 mi) from north to south, and Eravikulam National Park is home to the largest population. As per the Wildlife census conducted by Kerala forest department in association with volunteers from College of Forestry & Veterinary Science under Kerala Agricultural University, from April 24–28, 2014, number of animals in Eravikulam National Park has increased to 894 individuals. This is the highest ever count recorded in the national park, with the first census in 1996 finding only 640 tahrs. The other significant concentration is in the Nilgiri Hills, with smaller populations in the Anamalai Hills, Periyar National Park, Palani Hills and other pockets in the Western Ghats south of Eravikulam, almost to India’s southern tip. A small populations of tahr numbering around 200 are known to inhabit the Boothapandi, Azhakiyapandipuram, Velimalai, Kulasekaram and Kaliyal Ranges in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu and another small herd of less than 30 animals is known to inhibit Ponmudi hills in Trivandrum district of Kerala.
It’s quite an interesting species to watch out for.The main feature of the Nilgiri Tahr is its legs which gives them a grip to stand on the rocks.The Eravikulam National Park is a part of the Western Ghats.I have talked about Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary in one of my previous posts.The Western Ghats have been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage in 2012 and both Eravikulam and Talakaveri are among the properties in the list.There are around 40 Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in the Western Ghats World Heritage Site.If I’m writing an article on the entire Western Ghats,it may require about 40-50 posts.So,I thought it would be better to post about each Sanctuary or National Park seperately.I have visited the town of Munnar 3 times.I heard my grandmother telling that on my first visit to Munnar,that was when I was around 4-5 years old,we visited the Eravikulam National Park and even spotted the Nilgiri Tahr.I don’t remember that occasion anyway.When I last visited Munnar in 2011,we tried to make a visit to the Eravikulam National Park as well.However,it was vacation and there was a huge line of visitors waiting to go on a safari inside the Park due to which we couldn’t make the trip.Safari as of what I understood is by jeepes and buses of the Forest Department.The Safari covers the National Park,Rajamala,Anaimudi,Lakkom Waterfalls and the Kurinji mountains.I missed out another chance to visit the Park in 2016 with my friends due to some personal reasons.I’m waiting for my next turn to visit the Park.
The main message I want to convey through this post is regarding Animal Conservation.There are many endangered species in our country.The main reason is that we,humans poach into their habitats and hunt them down or destroy their habitats and construct mega cities.What I would like to say is “Let the forests remain how they are.We don’t understand their value now,but maybe a few hundreds of years from now,when Global Warming occurs.There are enough and more areas to construct smart-cities.”Something we can do is provide better facilities to connect these Wildlife Sanctuaries with main cities through better transport systems and also promoting tourism and conservation activities in these Parks.I have collected the core of the information from the official site of the Eravikulam National Park.Those who are planning to make a visit can refer to the site for more information regarding online safari booking and the sanctuary.And,not to forget,I have to appreciate the professional photographers who took the photographs of the flora and fauna and shared it on the official page.I have got more posts coming up on the topic of National Parks and Animal Conservation.Before I wind up,I want to thank you all once again for all the support you have given me till now.Just one quote which I want to repeat at this instance “Leave footprints,take memories.”I was supposed to make a visit to London and Scotland in the coming week.However,due to some reasons my visa got rejected.I think I have to wait a bit longer for the first stamp in my passport.The later it becomes,the better it will be.I believe in that ideology.For the time being,you guys can enjoy reading the article while I plan on my next post.Hope you all had a wonderful time going through the National Park(atleast in paper) and wishing you all a happy week ahead.Plan more and trip harder.
jetsetterweb 