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Mudumalai Tiger Reserve [MAP]
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
The Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, located in the southern part of India, is a significant area for conservation efforts and biodiversity preservation. It encompasses diverse ecosystems that support a wide range of flora and fauna.
This article aims to provide an overview of the reserve’s key features, including its river system and the presence of tribal communities. Furthermore, it will examine ongoing conservation efforts, discuss challenges faced by the reserve, and propose potential solutions for future sustainability.
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve | Details |
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Introduction | Location and significance: Situated in Tamil Nadu at junction of Karnataka and Kerala; part of Nilgiri Hills and Western Ghats; strategic importance for wildlife corridors Brief history and establishment: Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1940; upgraded to national park in 1990; designated a tiger reserve in 2007 Importance as tiger habitat: Supports significant breeding tiger population; critical for maintaining genetic connectivity in the landscape |
Key Features | Terrain and geography: Undulating hills, valleys; elevation 960m to 1266m; location at tri-junction of 3 states Area and zones: 688 sq km total area; 321 sq km core/critical tiger habitat; 367 sq km buffer zone; corridor connectivity to neighboring reserves Diverse habitats and species: Forest types – semi-evergreen, deciduous, scrub, swamps; mammals like tigers, elephants, gaurs; birds, reptiles Major river system: Moyar River provides water source and connectivity Indigenous tribal communities: Todas, Kurumbas, Irulas with strong ecological traditions |
The Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India, holds immense geographical significance due to its strategic position at the tri-junction of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala.
Established in 1940 as a wildlife sanctuary and later declared a tiger reserve in 2007, it has a rich history of conservation efforts aimed at protecting its diverse flora and fauna.
Location and geographical significance
Located in the Nilgiri District of Tamil Nadu, at the tri-junction of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu states, the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve holds geographical significance due to its positioning on the northwestern and northeastern slopes of the Nilgiri Hills. These hills are part of the Western Ghats mountain range, which runs parallel to India’s western coast.
The reserve’s undulating terrain ranges from 960m to 1266m in elevation. Mudumalai derives its name from this ancient hill range, with ‘Mudumalai’ meaning ‘ancient hill range’ in the local language. The reserve’s location on these slopes contributes to its diverse ecosystem and rich biodiversity.
It serves as a critical habitat for various species including tigers, elephants, leopards, and numerous bird species. The unique placement of Mudumalai within this region makes it an important area for conservation efforts and scientific research into wildlife management strategies.
History of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
Dating back to 1940, Mudumalai was declared a wildlife sanctuary, gaining prominence as part of India’s first biosphere reserve in 1986 and subsequently being upgraded to a National Park in 1990. This recognition of its ecological significance reflects the diverse range of habitats found within its boundaries, including tropical moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests, and scrub forests.
The establishment of Mudumalai as a protected area is a testament to the importance placed on preserving the unique biodiversity and wildlife present in this region. It serves as an important habitat for many endangered species such as tigers, elephants, Indian leopards, and gaur.
Key Features : Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
Terrain and Geography
- Part of Nilgiri Hills and Western Ghats
- Undulating terrain and elevation range
- Location at tri-junction of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala
Situated within the larger Nilgiri Hills, the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is characterized by undulating terrain and diverse habitats, making it a significant conservation area.
The reserve spans across the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, strategically positioned at the meeting point of these three states.
The elevation within Mudumalai ranges from 960 meters to 1266 meters above sea level, contributing to its scenic beauty and ecological diversity.
It shares boundaries with Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala to its west, Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka to its north, Nilgiris North Division forests to its south and east, and Gudalur Forest Division to the southwest.
This geographic location allows for greater connectivity between different ecosystems and facilitates wildlife dispersal.
Area and Zones
The Mudumalai Tiger Reserve consists of a core critical tiger habitat area and a buffer/peripheral zone. The reserve’s total notified area is 688.59 sq km, with the core area covering 321 sq km and the buffer zone spanning 367.59 sq km.
The core zone receives maximum protection and is the main focus for tiger conservation efforts within the reserve. Acting as a transition area between the core and human settlements, the buffer zone provides additional protection for wildlife.
In addition to these areas, forest corridors connect Mudumalai to neighboring protected areas such as Bandipur Tiger Reserve and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary on the western side, and Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve, and Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka on the eastern side.
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve: Rivers
The Moyar River passes through the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, acting as a natural boundary between the Bandipur and the Mudumalai National Parks. This river is a lifeline for the flora and fauna of Mudumalai, providing a source of water in an otherwise semi-arid area. Moyar originates in the Nilgiri Hills and flows in a northeasterly direction through the Tiger reserve before joining the River Bhavani.
The river and its associated vegetation offer drinking and bathing sites for wildlife. Additionally, it maintains habitat connectivity and facilitates the movement of animals between Mudumalai and Bandipur across the riverine boundary. The seasonal flooding of Moyar banks creates wetlands that support rich biodiversity.
Habitats and Biodiversity
Floral diversity
The Mudumalai Tiger Reserve boasts a rich floral diversity, encompassing valuable timber species and wild relatives of cultivated plants. Among the commercially important trees found in these forests are Teak, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Ebony, and Mahogany. These towering trees not only provide timber but also offer wildlife with food, shade, and nesting sites.
Additionally, the reserve serves as a sanctuary for wild genetic varieties of numerous plants that are cultivated for their use in food, spices, medicine or aesthetics. Examples include wild rice, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, nightshade, guava mangoes, and pepper. Conserving these wild relatives in their natural habitats is crucial as they possess precious genetic traits such as disease resistance and resilience that can be utilized to breed climate-resistant cultivated varieties in the future.
Flora of Mudumalai | Features |
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Semi-evergreen Forests | Mix of evergreen and deciduous trees. |
Moist Deciduous Forests | Dominated by trees that shed leaves during the dry season. |
Dry Deciduous Forests | Adapted to semi-arid conditions. |
Scrub Forests | Characterized by shorter trees and shrubs. |
Wild Relatives of Cultivated Plants | Wild rice, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, solanum, guava, mango, pepper etc. |
Swampy Areas (Vayals) | Waterlogged areas with aquatic plants, reeds, and grasses. |
Grasslands | Open areas essential for herbivores. Known to have ‘Elephant Grass’. |
Faunal diversity
Faunal diversity within the protected area of Mudumalai is characterized by a wide range of mammal, bird, reptile, and insect species. The reserve boasts high mammal diversity, with notable species such as tigers, Asian elephants, gaurs, sambars, and chital.
A rich variety of birds can also be found in the area, including hornbills, peafowl, drongos, and owls. Reptiles play an important role in the ecosystem as well, with king cobras, pythons, and monitor lizards being among the prominent species.
In addition to this diverse array of animals, Mudumalai is also home to numerous butterflies, insects, amphibians, and aquatic life forms. Conservation efforts primarily focus on flagship species like tigers and elephants while also ensuring habitat protection for threatened species such as Indian rock pythons and king cobras.
Fauna of Mudumalai | Species List |
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Mammals | Tiger, Asian Elephant, Indian Gaur, Spotted Deer, Common Langur, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat |
Birds | Indian Peafowl, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Trogon, Indian Roller, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, White-bellied Woodpecker, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Great Indian Hornbill |
Reptiles | King Cobra, Indian Rock Python, Common Krait, Russell’s Viper, Indian Chameleon, Monitor Lizard |
Tribal Communities
Indigenous Tribes in Mudumalai | Notable Characteristics |
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Toda | Oldest tribes in Nilgiri Hills, cattle herders, known for unique “dogles” huts. |
Kurumba | Engage in agriculture, honey collection, and forest produce gathering. Known for traditional knowledge of forests. |
Irulas | Expertise in snake and rat catching, have extensive knowledge of the local ecosystem. |
Indigenous tribal communities living in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve have deep-rooted connections to the local ecosystem and possess traditional knowledge of forest resources. The Todas, Kurumbas, and Irulas tribes residing in this region have distinct cultural practices and livelihoods that are closely intertwined with the surrounding forests, rivers, and wildlife.
The Todas engage in buffalo rearing and reside in unique cone-shaped huts called ‘dogles’. They have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their intricate embroidery work and dairy products. The Todas have a symbiotic relationship with the forests, as their buffalos graze on the grasslands, helping to maintain the ecological balance.
The Kurumbas, on the other hand, practice subsistence agriculture and gather minor forest produce. They have a deep understanding of the local flora and fauna and have developed sustainable harvesting techniques over generations. The Kurumbas rely on the forest for food, medicine, and materials for their handicrafts.
The Irulas specialize in snake handling and were traditionally involved in catching rats and venomous snakes. They have an intimate knowledge of the behavior and habitats of different snake species. The Irulas’ expertise in snake handling is not only a part of their cultural identity but also contributes to the conservation of the reserve by preventing human-snake conflicts.
Conservation Efforts
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve has recently achieved CA|TS (Conservation Assured | Tiger Standards) accreditation, a globally recognized benchmark in effective tiger site management. This accreditation is a testament to the reserve’s successful efforts in wildlife monitoring, protection, management planning, and community involvement. It reflects the commitment of Mudumalai to maintaining high standards based on the latest conservation science and technologies, ensuring the long-term preservation of its vital habitat for tigers, elephants, and biodiversity.
Achieving CA|TS status
This recognition signifies that Mudumalai Tiger Reserve has met global standards in effectively managing its tiger population. The reserve’s efforts in wildlife monitoring involve the use of advanced technologies and scientific techniques to track and study tigers and their prey species. Protection measures include anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, and reducing human-wildlife conflict through initiatives like constructing boundary walls and providing compensation for livestock losses.
Challenges
Habitats in Mudumalai tiger reserve are vulnerable to fragmentation from infrastructure expansion and development projects, leading to habitat degradation and loss of connectivity between critical habitats. The reserve faces several conservation challenges arising from human activities. Expansion of agricultural land, plantations, and development projects in the buffer zone contribute to habitat degradation, soil erosion, and water scarcity. Livestock grazing and resource extraction by local communities within the reserve also add pressures.
These activities disturb wildlife through noise, light, and solid waste pollution, causing animals to lose their natural space and food resources. Consequently, conflicts arise when animals damage crops or property on forest fringes. Retaliatory killings further escalate these issues.
Way Forward
To address the challenges of habitat fragmentation and human-wildlife conflicts in Mudumalai tiger reserve, a comprehensive approach involving several strategies is necessary.
Firstly, land-use planning should be implemented to ensure that the reserve is managed in a way that minimizes habitat fragmentation and maximizes connectivity. This could involve identifying and protecting key corridors that allow for wildlife migration between Mudumalai and neighboring reserves.
Secondly, voluntary relocation of forest-fringe villages should be encouraged to reduce human-wildlife conflicts. By moving villages away from the reserve boundaries, the risk of encounters between humans and wildlife can be minimized.
Thirdly, restoration of degraded habitats should be a priority. This could involve reforestation efforts and the rehabilitation of areas that have been impacted by human activities.