Why in NEWS
A road project through Anamudi Shola National Park in Kerala’s Idukki district has been stalled, raising concerns over restricted access for local tribal communities and the ecological sensitivity of the protected area.
Key Terms and Concepts
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Shola Forests | High-altitude tropical montane forests in the Western Ghats, rich in endemic flora and fauna |
| Anamalai Sub-cluster | A group of protected areas in the southern Western Ghats recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| Endemism | Species found only in a particular geographic location |
Key Facts About Anamudi Shola National Park
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Idukki district, Kerala; part of the Western Ghats |
| Declared | National Park in 2003 |
| Ecological Significance | Forms the catchment of rivers like Pambar and Chinnar; vital for watershed protection |
| Altitude | Home to Anamudi Peak (2,695 m), highest in South India |
| Nearby Protected Areas | Eravikulam NP, Mathikettan Shola, Pampadum Shola, Chinnar WLS, Kurinjimala Sanctuary |
Biodiversity and Forest Types
| Forest Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Southern Subtropical Hill Forest | Found at mid-elevations; mix of evergreen and deciduous trees |
| Montane Wet Temperate Forest | Found at higher altitudes; dense, moist with mosses and lichens |
| Moist Deciduous Forest | Dominant in lower areas; shed leaves seasonally |
| Notable Fauna | Includes |
|---|---|
| Mammals | Leopard, Tiger, Indian Bison (Gaur), Nilgiri Tahr, Sloth Bear |
| Endemic Species | Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Marten, Giant Grizzled Squirrel |
Other National Parks in Kerala
| National Park | Location |
|---|---|
| Eravikulam | Idukki |
| Mathikettan Shola | Idukki |
| Pambadum Shola | Idukki |
| Periyar | Thekkady |
| Silent Valley | Palakkad |
In a Nutshell
Code: “SHOLA LINK”
Sensitive ecosystem
Halted road project
Overlapping protected areas
Lion-tailed macaque habitat
Anamudi peak
Local tribes affected
Indigenous rights vs ecology
National park status
Kerala Western Ghats
Prelims Practice Questions
- Which of the following rivers originates in or around the Anamudi Shola region?
A. Godavari
B. Chinnar
C. Kaveri
D. Tapti - Which peak lies within Anamudi Shola National Park?
A. Agasthyamalai
B. Mullayanagiri
C. Anamudi
D. Doddabetta - Which of the following is an endemic mammal found in Anamudi Shola NP?
A. Bengal Tiger
B. Nilgiri Tahr
C. Indian Elephant
D. Indian Fox
Answers and Explanations (Prelims)
| Qn | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | B | The Chinnar River flows through the region and originates near Anamudi |
| 2 | C | Anamudi is the highest peak in South India and lies within the national park |
| 3 | B | Nilgiri Tahr is endemic to the Western Ghats and found in the Anamudi region |
