Latest Topics in News
Chandoli National Park – Jewel of the Western Ghats
Chandoli National Park
Chandoli National Park is a protected area located in the Sahyadri Range of Maharashtra, India. With an impressive size of approximately 317 square kilometers, it offers a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Chandoli National Park: Overview | |
---|---|
Aspect | Details |
Location & Geography |
Situated in Satara, Kolhapur, Ratnagiri districts of Maharashtra Part of Sahyadri Range, Western Ghats Rugged terrain with hills, plateaus Tropical climate, high rainfall |
History |
Used as open jail in 17th century Maratha rule Declared wildlife sanctuary in 1985 Upgraded to national park status in 2004 Included in Sahyadri Tiger Reserve in 2008 |
Biodiversity |
Flora: Deciduous & evergreen forests, grasslands, medicinal plants Fauna: Tiger, leopard, bison, endemic birds, reptiles |
Conservation |
Wildlife Protection Act Anti-poaching, endangered species protection Part of UNESCO World Heritage Site |
Tourism |
Trekking, wildlife safaris, boating Scenic beauty, adventure |
The park’s primary objective is conservation, aiming to protect the region’s unique biodiversity and ecosystem. Chandoli National Park serves as a vital habitat for numerous endangered species, such as tigers, leopards, Indian gaur, sloth bears, and various bird species.
Through its strict protection measures and proactive management strategies, the park plays a crucial role in preserving natural resources and promoting ecological balance in the region.
Chandoli National Park Biodiversity
Habitat | Malabar Coast moist forests and North Western Ghats moist deciduous forests |
Biographic zone: | Western Ghats |
Animals | Tiger, Leopard, Gour, Leopard Cat, Sloth Bear, Giant Squirrel, Barking Deer, Sambor, Mouse Deer, Blackbuck; Jungle Babbler, Common Babbler, Yellow-billed Babbler, Rufous Babbler. Whitecheeked Borbet, Green Bee-eater, Blackbird, Red-vented Bulbul, Crested Bunting, White-eyed Buzzard, Honey Buzzard. Common Stonechat, Laughing Dove, White-bellied Drongo. Ashy-crowned Sparrow Lark, Pale-billed Flowerpecker, White-browed Fantail, Black-shouldered Kite. Block Kite. White-throated Kingfisher. Common Kingfisher, Black-throated Mania, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Rock Pigeon, Indian Peafowl, Crimson-backed Sunbird; Calotes, Bork Gecko, Dwarf Gecko. Rock Gecko. Crocodile. Common Indian Monitor.Common Cot Snake. Indian Python, Indian Cobra |
Plants | Anjani ironwood tree. Jamun, Pisa. Fig. Olea, Spinous kino tree, Nana. Kinjol, Kokum tree, Amla, Devil fig, Horra, Folse kelot, Indian laurel. Gooseberry |
Introduction
Chandoli National Park, located in the Satara, Kolhapur and Sangli districts of Maharashtra, India, has a rich history in conservation efforts. Originally declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1985, it was later upgraded to a National Park status in 2004. This upgradation brought increased resources and attention to the protection of its diverse flora and fauna.
Chandoli National Park in Maharashtra is also included within the larger Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, covering an area of approximately 741.22 square kilometers and further highlighting its significance as a crucial habitat for wildlife conservation.
History
Pre-Park Era
During the pre-park era, the region now known as Chandoli National Park served as an open jail for imprisoned enemies and ‘prisoners of war’ during the 17th century Maratha Empire. This area played a significant role in the strategic operations of the empire, with hill forts such as Prachitgad and Bhairavgad serving as important outposts.
Prachitgad, in particular, was utilized by Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj for observation purposes and recreational activities. The scenic hills and forests of Chandoli were historically valued for their ecological wealth, leading to its formal declaration as a wildlife sanctuary in 1985.
Prior to this designation, however, it was primarily used for confinement purposes during times of conflict.
Declaration as Wildlife Sanctuary
The formal declaration of the area as a wildlife sanctuary in 1985 marked a significant milestone in the conservation efforts of this region. Recognizing the ecological significance of the Chandoli region, authorities took this critical step to protect its rich biodiversity.
The Chandoli Wildlife Sanctuary aimed to safeguard the diverse flora and fauna found in this section of the ecologically vital Western Ghats. By providing resources and implementing regulations, the sanctuary status ensured the preservation of species within its boundaries.
Encompassing approximately 317.67 square kilometers of the Sahyadri Range, Chandoli Wildlife Sanctuary laid the foundation for future conservation efforts in this area. This designation signifies a commitment to protecting and sustaining both plant and animal life, contributing to broader global initiatives focused on preserving natural habitats and biodiversity.
Chandoli National Park Location Map
Upgradation to National Park
The upgradation from sanctuary to national park in 2004 elevated the conservation efforts and recognition of the biodiversity-rich area within the Western Ghats. This move was a significant milestone for Chandoli, as it provided enhanced protection and management for its diverse ecosystems.
The national park status brought greater resources, manpower, and attention to Chandoli, enabling it to better combat threats like poaching, encroachment, and habitat loss. Moreover, this upgradation reflected the ecological importance of the Chandoli region within the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.
As a national park, Chandoli gained prominence for its scenic natural landscapes and diverse wildlife. The notification of Chandoli as a National Park in 2004 marked an important step towards consolidating conservation aims in this part of the Sahyadri Range.
Inclusion in Sahyadri Tiger Reserve
Inclusion of Chandoli in the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve strengthened conservation efforts and expanded the protected area for wildlife movement.
By combining Chandoli National Park with Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, a larger and more comprehensive habitat for tigers and other wildlife species was created. This integration has reinforced conservation aims by providing an expansive zone for wildlife movement within the reserve.
The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is now considered one of the premier tiger habitats in the Western Ghats complex, further highlighting its importance in terms of global biodiversity conservation efforts. The inclusion of Chandoli National Park in this reserve has not only enhanced protection for tigers but also contributed to overall ecosystem resilience and sustainability.
Geography
Location
Located in the Western Ghats mountain range in Maharashtra, India, Chandoli National Park spans across parts of three districts – Satara, Kolhapur, and Ratnagiri. Situated at the junction of these districts, the national park covers approximately 318.67 sq km of the Sahyadri Range’s forests and hills. It lies between 17°03′ to 17°20′ N latitude and 73°46′ to 73°53′ E longitude.
As part of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, Chandoli is an integral component of a protected area covering a total area of 741.22 sq km across these districts. Due to its location in the biodiversity-rich Western Ghats region, Chandoli National Park holds significant ecological importance within Maharashtra and Western India. The park’s diverse natural habitats make it an area of interest for researchers and conservationists alike.
Terrain
Featuring peaks, cliffs, and forests dotted with streams and waterfalls, the undulating terrain of Chandoli National Park adds to its natural scenic beauty and ecological significance.
The park is characterized by a rugged, hilly landscape typical of the Sahyadri Range. It encompasses flat-topped mountains, rocky lateritic plateaus, and large boulders scattered throughout its expanse.
Notably, the park showcases elevated flat rocky plateaus known as ‘Saddas’, which are mostly devoid of vegetation. With an elevation ranging from 589 meters to 1044 meters above sea level, Chandoli National Park offers diverse topography within the Western Ghats mountain range.
The hills and valleys present in this region exhibit great variation in their features. This undulating terrain not only enhances the visual appeal of the national park but also contributes to its ecological importance.
Climate
The tropical climate of Chandoli National Park is characterized by high temperatures throughout the year and a distinct rainy season. The park experiences a hot semi-arid climate, with temperatures reaching up to 42°C during the summer months of April and May. Winter temperatures are cooler, dropping to around 10°C at night, while daytime temperatures remain warm at around 26°C.
Rainfall in the region amounts to approximately 763 mm annually, with most precipitation occurring during the southwest monsoon season from June to September. The forests within Chandoli National Park support moisture-loving vegetation that has adapted to these wet and dry tropical conditions.
The climate also sustains various wildlife species, although extreme temperatures are avoided due to the park’s higher altitude location in the Western Ghats. Overall, the area exhibits typical climate patterns observed in the northern Western Ghats region.
Biodiversity
Flora
The diverse flora of Chandoli National Park showcases the richness of the Western Ghats. The park is primarily covered by deciduous forests, with dominant tree species including teak, ain, hirda, and javan. Additionally, some areas within the park harbor evergreen forests featuring tree species such as blackwood, mathi, and katak. These forests not only consist of timber trees but also host medicinal plants that hold significant traditional health benefits.
Grassland patches provide open meadow habitats for various species. The Chandoli reservoir within the park boundaries supports aquatic plant species like water hyacinth and water lilies.
With its mixed deciduous and semi-evergreen stretches, Chandoli National Park stands out as one of the ecologically important protected areas in the Western Ghats complex due to its thriving and unique flora.
Fauna
Prominent mammalian species found in Chandoli National Park include tiger, leopard, Indian bison, sloth bear, leopard cat, and giant squirrel. These species play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the park.
The presence of tigers indicates a healthy ecosystem as they are apex predators that regulate prey populations.
The Indian bison, also known as gaur, is one of the largest wild cattle species and is an important species in this biodiversity.
Sloth bears found here, contribute to seed dispersal by consuming fruits and later defecating them elsewhere, aiding in forest regeneration.
The leopard cat is a small wildcat species that helps control rodent populations, is also found here.
The giant squirrel found here, serves as an indicator of forest health with its specific habitat requirements.
Protecting these prominent mammalian species ensures the preservation of Chandoli National Park’s rich fauna diversity for future generations to appreciate and study.
Conservation
Conservation efforts in Chandoli National Park include anti-poaching patrols, wildlife censuses, and the management of grasslands. These initiatives aim to protect the biodiversity and natural heritage of the park, which is home to several endangered species such as tigers and giant squirrels.
The forest department conducts regular anti-poaching patrols to prevent illegal hunting and poaching activities within the park boundaries. In addition, wildlife censuses are carried out to monitor the populations of various species and assess their conservation status.
The management of grasslands is also crucial for maintaining suitable habitats for a diverse range of flora and fauna. These conservation efforts play a vital role in preserving Chandoli National Park’s ecological integrity amidst increasing anthropogenic pressures.