Mudumalai National Park
Encyclopedia
The Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary Tamil
:முதுமலை வனவிலங்கு காப்பகம், now also declared a Tiger Reserve, lies on the northwestern side of the Nilgiri Hills
(Blue Mountains), in Nilgiri District, about 160 km (99.4 mi) north-west of Coimbatore
in the westernmost part of Tamil Nadu
, on the interstate boundaries with Karnataka
and Kerala
states in South India
. Mudumalai, which means 'first hills’, is one of the first wildlife sanctuaries established in India. The sanctuary is divided into 5 ranges - Masinagudi, Thepakadu, Mudumalai, Kargudi and Nellakota.
Here one can often spot herds of endangered
Indian elephant
s, vulnerable
Gaur
, and Chital
. The sanctuary
is a haven for Bengal Tiger
s and Indian Leopard
s and other threatened species
. There are at least 266 species of birds in the sanctuary, including critically endangered
species like the Indian White-rumped Vulture
and the long-billed vulture
.
The Western Ghats
, Nilgiri Sub-Cluster (6000 km² (2,316.6 sq mi)), including all of Mudumalai National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO
World Heritage Committee
for selection as a World Heritage Site
.
between several other protected areas that are a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
. To the north is the Bandipur National Park
and Nagarhole National Park
. To the west is the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and in the south are Mukurthi National Park
and Silent Valley National Park
. To the east is the Segur plateau which connects to the Sathyamangalam wildlife sanctuary and Reserve forests and Biligirirangan Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
. These parks, sanctuaries and the adjoining Reserve forests cover over 3300 square kilometres (1,274.1 sq mi) of forest supporting a population of 1800-2300 elephants.
The elevation of the sanctuary varies from a minimum of 960 metres (3,149.6 ft) m to a maximum of 1266 metres (4,153.5 ft). The sanctuary has a tropical savanna climate
or tropical wet and dry climate that corresponding to the categories Aw and As of the Köppen climate classification
. Rainfall ranges from 790 mm (31.1 in) to 2000 mm (78.7 in).
, in an effort to conserve the country's dwindling Tiger populations. Subsequently, about 350 families living in the core area have been evicted from the park and given 1 million rupee ($20,800) compensation. Those in the 5 km buffer area around the park fear they too will be evicted, however, nobody will be dislodged from the buffer zone. In fact, some people in this zone will be involved in the project as trackers and guides to enhance their income through eco-tourism.
Continuance of Project Tiger’ in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve for FY 2010/11, at the cost of Rs. 403.564 Lakh
s, was approved by the National Tiger Conservation Authority
on 16 September 2010.
There are three main types of forest in the sanctuary: tropical moist deciduous
occur in the western Benne Block, where rainfall is higher than in the other blocks. Tropical dry deciduous forest occurs in the middle and southern tropical dry thorn
forests are in the east.
In addition there are patches of tropical semi ever green forest in the Southwest and Western part of Mudumalai. The annual rainfall there exceeds 2000 mm (78.7 in). Tree species in this habitat include: Casseria ovoides, Litsea mysorensis
, Cinnamomum malabatrum
and Olea dioca. Climbers, including: Todalia asiatica, Sneeze Wort (Watakaka volubilis), Gnetum ula
and Entada scandens are also found in these semi evergreen forests.
Moist Bamboo brakes
are found amidst dry deciduous, moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests and along the fringes of riparian forests and swamps. There are two species of bamboo found in Mudumalai, the giant clumping bamboos: Bambusa
(arundinacea) and Dendrocalamus strictus. Elephants and Gaur eat both species of bamboo.
In all types of forest, a green strip of riparian forest
is seen along the shore of dry seasonal and perennial streams. This type of forest remains green in all seasons. The plant species found here includes: Mangifera indica
, Pongamia glabra, Terminalia arjuna
, Syzygium cumini, Indian rosewood
Dalbergia latifolia and the bamboos. Larger mammals such as elephant, gaur, sambar and tiger use riparian forest patches for feeding and resting.
This sanctuary is home to several species of wild relatives of cultivated plants including wild rice, wild ginger, turmeric, Cinnamon, Solanum, Guava, mango and pepper that act as a reserve gene pool for the cultivated plants.
In certain places mixed vegetation types are present. The deciduous trees shed their green leaves during the summer, and adopt a floral garb while the arrival of the monsoons hails fruits and tender greens.
Mammal diversity is higher in the dry deciduous and dry thorn forests than in the other habitats. Thirteen percent of all mammal species in India are present in Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary.
Of 15 cat species in India, 4 live in Mudumalai: Bengal tiger
, Indian leopard
, Jungle cat
and Leopard cat
.
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve has the highest density of tigers in the country. For every 8.67 km2, there is now at least one tiger in Mudumalai. There are 44 to 80 Tiger
s (E
) in the Mudumalai forest. The single largest tiger population in India (Mudumalai - Nagarhole - Wynad) includes the Mudumalai tigers. These tigers are a breeding source for populating the Northern and Eastern parts of the Western Ghats. This population exists at high density due to the high density of prey species thriving in its deciduous forests.
The Indian leopard
(P. pardus fusca) (NT
) is most often seen in the Kargudi area. Other carnivore
s include the Dhole
(Cuon alpinus) (V
), the Striped Hyena
(Hyaena hyaena) (NT
), the Golden Jackal
(Canis aureus) and the Sloth Bear
(Melursus ursinus) (V).
The population of Indian Elephant
s, Elephas maximus indicus (E), totals several hundred animals.
Three Primate
s found here include the Gray langur
(Semnopithecus priam) and the Bonnet Macaque
(Macaca radiata).
Important prey animals for tigers and panthers here are the Ungulate
s including the Gaur
(Bos gaurus) (V), the Sambar Deer
(Cervus unicolor) (VU), the Chital deer (Axis axis), Indian Muntjac
(Muntiacus muntjak), the Indian Spotted Chevrotain
, Moschiola indica, and the Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), all of whom are common here.
Rodent
s include the Indian Giant Squirrel
(Ratufa indica maxima) and the Red Giant Flying Squirrel
(Petaurista petaurista).
Some reptile
s found here are the Python, Flying Lizard
, Spectacled Cobra
, Krait
and Asian Pit Vipers
. Monitor Lizard
is the most regularly observed species.
These include the unique near threatened
Black-and-orange Flycatcher
. Regional endemics include Malabar trogon
and Malabar grey hornbill
. Some rare birds of prey like the Rufous bellied hawk eagle
can occasionally be seen in this sanctuary. Other predatory birds include crested hawk-eagle, crested serpent eagle
, Changeable Hawk Eagle
, Black Eagle
, Oriental Honey-buzzard, Jerdon's Baza
, Bonelli's Eagle
, Crested Goshawk
, Besra
, Mottled Wood Owl
and Brown Hawk Owl
, Minivet
.sp.
There are also Hornbill
s, Golden Oriole
, Chloropsis, Paradise flycatcher, Golden-backed Woodpecker Malabar Great Black Woodpecker
, Blue-winged Parakeet, Fairy bluebird, Jungle fowl Racket-tailed Drongo, Peacock, Red Spurfowl
, Grey Francolin
, Painted Spurfowl
, Painted Bush Quail
, White-bellied Woodpecker
, Lesser Yellownape
, Golden Woodpecker
, Streak-throated Woodpecker
, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater
, Emerald Dove
, Green Imperial Pigeon
, Pompadour Green Pigeon
, Grey-bellied Cuckoo
, Indian Cuckoo
, Alpine Swift
, Black-hooded Oriole
, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo
, Black-headed Cuckooshrike, Grey-headed Bulbul
, Forest Wagtail
, Crimson-backed Sunbird
and Loten's Sunbird
. It also holds the isolated southern population of the Striped Tit-babbler
.
. Bandipur National Park is one of the protected areas within Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
, which is an International Biosphere Reserve in the Western Ghats.
Wayanad Sanctuary: This sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. It is bestowed with lush green forests and rich wildlife. It houses some of the rare and endangered species of both flora and fauna. The sanctuary comes under Protect Elephant and one can spot herd of elephants roaming in the area.
Masinagudi: There are night safaris in open top jeeps arranged by resorts and guides who are freely accessible in Masinagudi. The night safaris are conducted on the peripheral roads running through the adjoining forest and not into the park. Such night safaris are illegal and create disturbance to the animals of this region. There was a recent incident of a French tourist being killed by a wild elephant when she went on one such safari.
(140 km (87 mi)) and the closest railway station, is at Udhagamandalam (67 km (41.6 mi)). However, in terms of travel practicality, the convenient railway station is at Mysore (90 km (55.9 mi)), which is on the major broad gauge line and is served by trains from across the country.
The park is most conveniently accessible by road from Mysore on NH 212
to Gundlupet
, then NH 67
to Teppakadu. A little past Bandipur
cross the Ari Gouder bridge to a state border check post, passing here one will enter Mudumalai National Park.
Coming from Ooty there are two different routes.
One is via Kallatty, 36 km (22.4 mi) from Ooty on the Masinagudi road that has 36 hairpin bends through natural forests. The other route is by NH 67 via Gudalur which is 67 km (41.6 mi) from Ooty.
There are regular bus services that connect all the major adjoining cities with this sanctuary.
There are various private resorts and guest houses that visitors can stay in.
Greenwoods Nature Camp : An eco friendly wild life nature camp is located at the backdrop of dense Mudumalai/Bandipur wildlife sanctuary.Camp offers affordable accommodation with quality food (www.greenwoodsnaturecamp.com).
Note: The text below seems to be an advertisement.
Inn the wild is one of the most popular resorts within this area.With a sprawling 65-acreage of tropical wilderness near the Mudumalai forest of South India, Inn The Wild is home to a spectacular diversity of wildlife with the highlights being the majestic Asiatic elephant, the powerful Gaur (Indian bison), the elusive Indian leopard, and the endangered royal Bengal tiger. From tree houses to jungle shacks and from safaris to treks Inn the wild provides guests with an unforgettable experience. For more information visit www.innthewild.com
network (BSNL
) is available in the Sanctuary.
Tourism, especially in the Segur/Masinagudi area, is claimed by some to pose a threat to the region, but this is strongly repudiated by persons who live and work in the area. The resorts do not hinder the movement of wild animals during migration, but misinformed amateur "nature lovers" continue to produce unscientific papers (such as this) that are full of untruths and misinformation. .
The extensive growth of Invasive species
, such as lantana
, that hinder the natural regeneration process of the forests has occurred as a result of excessive cattle grazing.
Construction activities of the proposed India-based Neutrino Observatory
at Singara
, Masinagudi, are likely to have significant impacts on the local wildlife. The 5 year work plan, high volume of debris and waste disposal, blasting activities, extensive vehicular activity
and large number of outside workers and their support infrastructure all threaten to disrupt the wildlife corridor
on the Sigeur plateau, including Mudumalai Sanctuary, connecting the Western ghats
and Eastern Ghats
.
Tamil language
Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...
:முதுமலை வனவிலங்கு காப்பகம், now also declared a Tiger Reserve, lies on the northwestern side of the Nilgiri Hills
Nilgiris (mountains)
The Nilgiri , often referred to as the Nilgiri Hills, are a range of mountains with at least 24 peaks above , in the westernmost part of Tamil Nadu state at the junction of Karnataka and Kerala states in Southern India...
(Blue Mountains), in Nilgiri District, about 160 km (99.4 mi) north-west of Coimbatore
Coimbatore
Coimbatore , also known as Kovai , is the second largest city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a major commercial centre in Tamil Nadu and is known as the "Manchester of South India"....
in the westernmost part of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
, on the interstate boundaries with Karnataka
Karnataka
Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...
and Kerala
Kerala
or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
states in South India
South India
South India is the area encompassing India's states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu as well as the union territories of Lakshadweep and Pondicherry, occupying 19.31% of India's area...
. Mudumalai, which means 'first hills’, is one of the first wildlife sanctuaries established in India. The sanctuary is divided into 5 ranges - Masinagudi, Thepakadu, Mudumalai, Kargudi and Nellakota.
Here one can often spot herds of endangered
Endangered species
An endangered species is a population of organisms which is at risk of becoming extinct because it is either few in numbers, or threatened by changing environmental or predation parameters...
Indian elephant
Indian Elephant
The Indian Elephant is one of three recognized subspecies of the Asian elephant, and native to mainland Asia. Since 1986, Elephas maximus has been listed as endangered by IUCN as the population has declined by at least 50% over the last three generations, estimated to be 60–75 years...
s, vulnerable
Vulnerable species
On 30 January 2010, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species identified 9694 Vulnerable species, subspecies and varieties, stocks and sub-populations.-References:...
Gaur
Gaur
The gaur , also called Indian bison, is a large bovine native to South Asia and Southeast Asia. The species is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 1986 as the population decline in parts of the species' range is likely to be well over 70% over the last three generations...
, and Chital
Chital
The chital or cheetal , also known as chital deer, spotted deer or axis deer is a deer which commonly inhabits wooded regions of Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and in small numbers in Pakistan...
. The sanctuary
Sanctuary
A sanctuary is any place of safety. They may be categorized into human and non-human .- Religious sanctuary :A religious sanctuary can be a sacred place , or a consecrated area of a church or temple around its tabernacle or altar.- Sanctuary as a sacred place :#Sanctuary as a sacred place:#:In...
is a haven for Bengal Tiger
Bengal Tiger
The Bengal tiger is a tiger subspecies native to the Indian subcontinent that in 2010 has been classified as endangered by IUCN...
s and Indian Leopard
Indian leopard
The Indian leopard is a leopard subspecies widely distributed on the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the five big cats found in India, apart from Asiatic lion, Bengal tiger, snow leopard and clouded leopard....
s and other threatened species
Threatened species
Threatened species are any speciesg animals, plants, fungi, etc.) which are vulnerable to endangerment in the near future.The World Conservation Union is the foremost authority on threatened species, and treats threatened species not as a single category, but as a group of three categories,...
. There are at least 266 species of birds in the sanctuary, including critically endangered
Critically endangered
Version 2010.3 of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species identified 3744 Critically Endangered species, subspecies and varieties, stocks and subpopulations.Critically Endangered by kingdom:*1993 Animalia*2 Fungi*1745 Plantae*4 Protista-References:...
species like the Indian White-rumped Vulture
Indian White-rumped Vulture
The White-rumped Vulture is an Old World vulture closely related to the European Griffon Vulture . At one time it was believed to be closer to the White-backed Vulture of Africa and was known as the Oriental White-backed Vulture...
and the long-billed vulture
Long-billed Vulture
The Indian Vulture is an Old World vulture and is closely related to the Griffon Vulture, G. fulvus. It breeds mainly on hilly crags in central and peninsular India. The birds in the northern part of its range once considered a subspecies are now considered a separate species, the Slender-billed...
.
The Western Ghats
Western Ghats
The Western Ghats, Western Ghauts or the Sahyādri is a mountain range along the western side of India. It runs north to south along the western edge of the Deccan Plateau, and separates the plateau from a narrow coastal plain along the Arabian Sea. The Western Ghats block rainfall to the Deccan...
, Nilgiri Sub-Cluster (6000 km² (2,316.6 sq mi)), including all of Mudumalai National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations...
World Heritage Committee
World Heritage Committee
The World Heritage Committee establishes the sites to be listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is responsible for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention, defines the use of the World Heritage Fund and allocates financial assistance upon requests from States Parties...
for selection as a World Heritage Site
World Heritage Site
A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place that is listed by the UNESCO as of special cultural or physical significance...
.
Location
The Mudumalai Sanctuary is as an important wildlife habitat due to its strategic position as a Wildlife corridorWildlife corridor
A wildlife corridor or green corridor is an area of habitat connecting wildlife populations separated by human activities . This allows an exchange of individuals between populations, which may help prevent the negative effects of inbreeding and reduced genetic diversity that often occur within...
between several other protected areas that are a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is an International Biosphere Reserve in the Western Ghats, Nilgiri Hills range of South India. The Western Ghats, Nilgiri Sub-Cluster , conjoining the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World...
. To the north is the Bandipur National Park
Bandipur National Park
Bandipur National Park is one of India's best known protected areas and is an important Project Tiger reserve. It is located in the Chamarajanagar district of southern Karnataka in South India,...
and Nagarhole National Park
Nagarhole National Park
Nagarhole National Park , also known as "Rajiv Gandhi National Park", is located from Mysore in Karnataka in South India. It is spread between Kodagu district and Mysore district. Located to the north-west of Bandipur National Park, Kabini reservoir separates the two. The park has rich forest...
. To the west is the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and in the south are Mukurthi National Park
Mukurthi National Park
Mukurthi National Park is a 78.46 km² protected area located in the south-eastern corner of the Nilgiris Plateau west of Ootacamund hill station in the northwest corner of Tamil Nadu state in the Western Ghats mountain range of South India...
and Silent Valley National Park
Silent Valley National Park
Silent Valley National Park , is located in the Nilgiri Hills, Palakkad District in Kerala, South India...
. To the east is the Segur plateau which connects to the Sathyamangalam wildlife sanctuary and Reserve forests and Biligirirangan Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
Biligirirangan Hills
The Biligiriranga Hills, commonly called B R Hills, is a hill range situated in south-eastern Karnataka, at its border with Tamil Nadu in South India. The area is called Biligiriranga Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary or simply BRT Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a protected reserve under the Wildlife...
. These parks, sanctuaries and the adjoining Reserve forests cover over 3300 square kilometres (1,274.1 sq mi) of forest supporting a population of 1800-2300 elephants.
The elevation of the sanctuary varies from a minimum of 960 metres (3,149.6 ft) m to a maximum of 1266 metres (4,153.5 ft). The sanctuary has a tropical savanna climate
Tropical savanna climate
Tropical savanna climate or tropical wet and dry climate is a type of climate that corresponds to the Köppen climate classification categories "Aw" and '"As."...
or tropical wet and dry climate that corresponding to the categories Aw and As of the Köppen climate classification
Köppen climate classification
The Köppen climate classification is one of the most widely used climate classification systems. It was first published by Crimea German climatologist Wladimir Köppen in 1884, with several later modifications by Köppen himself, notably in 1918 and 1936...
. Rainfall ranges from 790 mm (31.1 in) to 2000 mm (78.7 in).
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
There are 48 tigers in the Nilgiri Reserve across which tigers are free to roam. In April, 2007, the Tamil Nadu state government declared Mudumalai as a Tiger Reserve, under section 38V of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972Wildlife Protection Act of 1972
The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 refers to a sweeping package of legislation enacted in 1972 by the Government of India. Before 1972, India only had five designated national parks...
, in an effort to conserve the country's dwindling Tiger populations. Subsequently, about 350 families living in the core area have been evicted from the park and given 1 million rupee ($20,800) compensation. Those in the 5 km buffer area around the park fear they too will be evicted, however, nobody will be dislodged from the buffer zone. In fact, some people in this zone will be involved in the project as trackers and guides to enhance their income through eco-tourism.
Continuance of Project Tiger’ in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve for FY 2010/11, at the cost of Rs. 403.564 Lakh
Lakh
A lakh is a unit in the Indian numbering system equal to one hundred thousand . It is widely used both in official and other contexts in Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and is often used in Indian English.-Usage:...
s, was approved by the National Tiger Conservation Authority
National Tiger Conservation Authority
The National Tiger Conservation Authority was established in December 2005 following a recommendation of the Tiger Task Force, constituted by the Prime Minister of India for reorganized management of Project Tiger...
on 16 September 2010.
Flora
Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests
Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests , also known as tropical moist forests, are a tropical and subtropical forest biome....
occur in the western Benne Block, where rainfall is higher than in the other blocks. Tropical dry deciduous forest occurs in the middle and southern tropical dry thorn
Deccan thorn scrub forests
The Deccan thorn scrub forests is a xeric shrubland ecoregion of India and northernmost Sri Lanka, a large area that was once forest and home to large numbers of elephants and tigers.-Location and description:...
forests are in the east.
In addition there are patches of tropical semi ever green forest in the Southwest and Western part of Mudumalai. The annual rainfall there exceeds 2000 mm (78.7 in). Tree species in this habitat include: Casseria ovoides, Litsea mysorensis
Litsea nigrescens
Litsea nigrescens is a species of plant in the Lauraceae family. It is endemic to India.-Source:* World Conservation Monitoring Centre 1998. . Downloaded on 22 August 2007....
, Cinnamomum malabatrum
Malabathrum
Malabathrum, also known as Malobathrum or Malabar leaf, is the name used in classical and medieval texts for the leaf of the plant Cinnamomum tamala . In ancient Greece and Rome, the leaves were used to prepare a fragrant oil, called Oleum Malabathri, and were therefore valuable...
and Olea dioca. Climbers, including: Todalia asiatica, Sneeze Wort (Watakaka volubilis), Gnetum ula
Gnetum
Gnetum is a genus of about 30-35 species of gymnosperms, the sole genus in the family Gnetaceae and order Gnetales. They are tropical evergreen trees, shrubs and lianas. Unlike other gymnosperms they possess vessel elements in the xylem...
and Entada scandens are also found in these semi evergreen forests.
Moist Bamboo brakes
Thicket
A thicket is a very dense stand of trees or tall shrubs, often dominated by only one or a few species, to the exclusion of all others. They may be formed by species that shed large amounts of highly viable seeds that are able to germinate in the shelter of the maternal plants.In some conditions the...
are found amidst dry deciduous, moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests and along the fringes of riparian forests and swamps. There are two species of bamboo found in Mudumalai, the giant clumping bamboos: Bambusa
Bambusa
Bambusa is a large genus of clumping bamboos. These species are usually giant ones, with numerous branches at a node and one or two much larger than the rest...
(arundinacea) and Dendrocalamus strictus. Elephants and Gaur eat both species of bamboo.
In all types of forest, a green strip of riparian forest
Riparian forest
A riparian forest is a forested area of land adjacent to a body of water such as a river, stream, pond, lake, marshland, estuary, canal, sink or reservoir. -Etymology:...
is seen along the shore of dry seasonal and perennial streams. This type of forest remains green in all seasons. The plant species found here includes: Mangifera indica
Mangifera indica
Mangifera indica is a species of mango in the Anacardiaceae family. It is found in the wild in India and cultivated varieties have been introduced to other warm regions of the world...
, Pongamia glabra, Terminalia arjuna
Terminalia arjuna
Terminalia arjuna is a tree of the genus Terminalia.-Description:...
, Syzygium cumini, Indian rosewood
Dalbergia
Dalbergia is a large genus of small to medium-size trees, shrubs and lianas in the pea family, Fabaceae, subfamily Faboideae. The genus has a wide distribution, native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, Africa, Madagascar and southern Asia...
Dalbergia latifolia and the bamboos. Larger mammals such as elephant, gaur, sambar and tiger use riparian forest patches for feeding and resting.
This sanctuary is home to several species of wild relatives of cultivated plants including wild rice, wild ginger, turmeric, Cinnamon, Solanum, Guava, mango and pepper that act as a reserve gene pool for the cultivated plants.
In certain places mixed vegetation types are present. The deciduous trees shed their green leaves during the summer, and adopt a floral garb while the arrival of the monsoons hails fruits and tender greens.
Fauna
There is a high diversity of animal life in the sanctuary with about 50 species of fishes, 21 species of amphibians, 34 species of reptiles, 227 species of birds and 55 species of mammal.Mammal diversity is higher in the dry deciduous and dry thorn forests than in the other habitats. Thirteen percent of all mammal species in India are present in Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary.
| Mammal species | found in India | in Mudumalai | and their percentage in MWS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Order Order (biology) In scientific classification used in biology, the order is# a taxonomic rank used in the classification of organisms. Other well-known ranks are life, domain, kingdom, phylum, class, family, genus, and species, with order fitting in between class and family... |
# species in India | # species in MWS | % in MWS |
| Primates | 15 | 3 | 20.00 |
| Even-toed ungulates (deer, gaur, pig) | 34 | 7 | 20.50 |
| Proboscidea Proboscidea Proboscidea is a taxonomic order containing one living family, Elephantidae, and several extinct families. This order was first described by J. Illiger in 1881 and encompasses the trunked mammals... (elephant) |
1 | 1 | 100 |
| Carnivora Carnivora The diverse order Carnivora |Latin]] carō "flesh", + vorāre "to devour") includes over 260 species of placental mammals. Its members are formally referred to as carnivorans, while the word "carnivore" can refer to any meat-eating animal... (tiger, leopard, sloth bear) |
58 | 19 | 32.70 |
| Pholidota (ant eater) | 1 | 1 | 100 |
| Lagomorpha Lagomorpha The lagomorphs are the members of the taxonomic order Lagomorpha, of which there are two living families, the Leporidae , and the Ochotonidae... (black-napped hare) |
11 | 1 | 9.09 |
| Insectivora Insectivora The order Insectivora is a now-abandoned biological grouping within the class of mammals... (shrew) |
3 | 2 | 66.66 |
| Rodentia (rats, squirrel) | 102 | 14 | 13.73 |
| Chiroptera (bats) | 113 | 7 | 6.19 |
Of 15 cat species in India, 4 live in Mudumalai: Bengal tiger
Bengal Tiger
The Bengal tiger is a tiger subspecies native to the Indian subcontinent that in 2010 has been classified as endangered by IUCN...
, Indian leopard
Indian leopard
The Indian leopard is a leopard subspecies widely distributed on the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the five big cats found in India, apart from Asiatic lion, Bengal tiger, snow leopard and clouded leopard....
, Jungle cat
Jungle Cat
The jungle cat is a medium-sized cat and considered the largest remaining species of the wild cat genus Felis. The species is also called the swamp lynx but is not closely related to the lynxes....
and Leopard cat
Leopard Cat
The leopard cat is a small wild cat of South and East Asia. Since 2002 it has been listed as Least Concern by IUCN as it is widely distributed but threatened by habitat loss and hunting in parts of its range...
.
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve has the highest density of tigers in the country. For every 8.67 km2, there is now at least one tiger in Mudumalai. There are 44 to 80 Tiger
Tiger
The tiger is the largest cat species, reaching a total body length of up to and weighing up to . Their most recognizable feature is a pattern of dark vertical stripes on reddish-orange fur with lighter underparts...
s (E
Endangered species
An endangered species is a population of organisms which is at risk of becoming extinct because it is either few in numbers, or threatened by changing environmental or predation parameters...
) in the Mudumalai forest. The single largest tiger population in India (Mudumalai - Nagarhole - Wynad) includes the Mudumalai tigers. These tigers are a breeding source for populating the Northern and Eastern parts of the Western Ghats. This population exists at high density due to the high density of prey species thriving in its deciduous forests.
The Indian leopard
Indian leopard
The Indian leopard is a leopard subspecies widely distributed on the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the five big cats found in India, apart from Asiatic lion, Bengal tiger, snow leopard and clouded leopard....
(P. pardus fusca) (NT
Near Threatened
Near Threatened is a conservation status assigned to species or lower taxa that may be considered threatened with extinction in the near future, although it does not currently qualify for the threatened status...
) is most often seen in the Kargudi area. Other carnivore
Carnivore
A carnivore meaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of animal tissue, whether through predation or scavenging...
s include the Dhole
Dhole
The dhole is a species of canid native to South and Southeast Asia. It is the only extant member of the genus Cuon, which differs from Canis by the reduced number of molars and greater number of teats...
(Cuon alpinus) (V
Vulnerable species
On 30 January 2010, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species identified 9694 Vulnerable species, subspecies and varieties, stocks and sub-populations.-References:...
), the Striped Hyena
Striped Hyena
The Striped Hyena is a species of true hyena native to North and East Africa, the Caucasus, the Middle East, Middle and Central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent...
(Hyaena hyaena) (NT
Near Threatened
Near Threatened is a conservation status assigned to species or lower taxa that may be considered threatened with extinction in the near future, although it does not currently qualify for the threatened status...
), the Golden Jackal
Golden Jackal
The golden jackal , also known as the common jackal, Asiatic jackal, thos or gold-wolf is a Canid of the genus Canis indigenous to north and northeastern Africa, southeastern and central Europe , Asia Minor, the Middle East and southeast Asia...
(Canis aureus) and the Sloth Bear
Sloth Bear
The sloth bear , also known as the labiated bear, is a nocturnal insectivorous species of bear found wild within the Indian subcontinent. The sloth bear evolved from ancestral brown bears during the Pleistocene and shares features found in insect-eating mammals through convergent evolution...
(Melursus ursinus) (V).
The population of Indian Elephant
Indian Elephant
The Indian Elephant is one of three recognized subspecies of the Asian elephant, and native to mainland Asia. Since 1986, Elephas maximus has been listed as endangered by IUCN as the population has declined by at least 50% over the last three generations, estimated to be 60–75 years...
s, Elephas maximus indicus (E), totals several hundred animals.
Three Primate
Primate
A primate is a mammal of the order Primates , which contains prosimians and simians. Primates arose from ancestors that lived in the trees of tropical forests; many primate characteristics represent adaptations to life in this challenging three-dimensional environment...
s found here include the Gray langur
Gray langur
Gray langurs or Hanuman langurs, the most widespread langurs of South Asia, are a group of Old World monkeys constituting the entirety of the genus Semnopithecus. All taxa have traditionally been placed in the single species Semnopithecus entellus...
(Semnopithecus priam) and the Bonnet Macaque
Bonnet Macaque
The bonnet macaque is a macaque endemic to southern India. Its distribution is limited by the Indian Ocean on three sides and the Godavari and Tapti Rivers along with a related competing species of rhesus macaque in the north....
(Macaca radiata).
Important prey animals for tigers and panthers here are the Ungulate
Ungulate
Ungulates are several groups of mammals, most of which use the tips of their toes, usually hoofed, to sustain their whole body weight while moving. They make up several orders of mammals, of which six to eight survive...
s including the Gaur
Gaur
The gaur , also called Indian bison, is a large bovine native to South Asia and Southeast Asia. The species is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 1986 as the population decline in parts of the species' range is likely to be well over 70% over the last three generations...
(Bos gaurus) (V), the Sambar Deer
Sambar Deer
The Sambar ' is a large deer native to southern and southeast Asia. Although it primarily refers to R. unicolor, the name "Sambar" is also sometimes used to refer to the Philippine Deer and the Rusa Deer...
(Cervus unicolor) (VU), the Chital deer (Axis axis), Indian Muntjac
Indian Muntjac
The Common Muntjac , also called the Red Muntjac, Indian Muntjac or Barking deer is the most numerous muntjac deer species. It has soft, short, brownish or greyish hair, sometimes with creamy markings. This species is omnivorous, feeding on fruits, shoots, seeds, birds' eggs as well as small...
(Muntiacus muntjak), the Indian Spotted Chevrotain
Indian Spotted Chevrotain
The Indian Spotted Chevrotain is a species of even-toed ungulate in the Tragulidae family found in India and possibly Nepal. It has a body length of 23 in , with a tail length of 1 in ; it weighs around 7 lb . It lives in rainforests and is nocturnal...
, Moschiola indica, and the Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), all of whom are common here.
Rodent
Rodent
Rodentia is an order of mammals also known as rodents, characterised by two continuously growing incisors in the upper and lower jaws which must be kept short by gnawing....
s include the Indian Giant Squirrel
Indian Giant Squirrel
The Indian giant squirrel, or Malabar giant squirrel, is a large tree squirrel species genus Ratufa native to India. It is a large-bodied diurnal, arboreal, and herbivorous squirrel found in South Asia.-Description:...
(Ratufa indica maxima) and the Red Giant Flying Squirrel
Red Giant Flying Squirrel
- Distribution :The Red Giant Flying Squirrel is a species of flying squirrel, which ranges from the eastern regions of Afghanistan, into northern India and Pakistan through to Java, and Taiwan, and also Sri Lanka. It can also be found in parts of Borneo. This species was recorded in Peninsular...
(Petaurista petaurista).
Some reptile
Reptile
Reptiles are members of a class of air-breathing, ectothermic vertebrates which are characterized by laying shelled eggs , and having skin covered in scales and/or scutes. They are tetrapods, either having four limbs or being descended from four-limbed ancestors...
s found here are the Python, Flying Lizard
Draco blanfordii
Draco blanfordii is an agamid "flying" lizard capable of gliding from tree to tree found in China , E Thailand, W Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, India and Bangladesh....
, Spectacled Cobra
Indian Cobra
Indian Cobra or Spectacled Cobra is a species of the genus Naja found in the Indian subcontinent and a member of the "big four", the four species which inflict the most snakebites in India. This snake is revered in Indian mythology and culture, and is often seen with snake charmers...
, Krait
Common Krait
The common krait is a species of genus Bungarus found in the jungles of the Indian subcontinent. It is a member of the "big four", species inflicting the most snakebites in India....
and Asian Pit Vipers
Trimeresurus
Trimeresurus is a genus of venomous pitvipers found in Asia from Pakistan, through India, China, throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. Currently 35 species are recognized...
. Monitor Lizard
Bengal monitor
The Bengal monitor or common Indian monitor, is a monitor lizard found widely distributed over South Asia. This large lizard is mainly terrestrial, and grows to about 175 cm from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail...
is the most regularly observed species.
Avifauna
Eight percent of bird species in India occurring in Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. Among the 227 bird species found in Mudumalai, 110 species are insectivores, 62 are carnivores, 23 species are fishivores, 12 species are omnivores and 20 species are grainivores.These include the unique near threatened
Near Threatened
Near Threatened is a conservation status assigned to species or lower taxa that may be considered threatened with extinction in the near future, although it does not currently qualify for the threatened status...
Black-and-orange Flycatcher
Black-and-orange Flycatcher
The Black-and-orange Flycatcher is a species of flycatcher endemic to the central and southern Western Ghats, the Nilgiris and Palni hill ranges in southern India...
. Regional endemics include Malabar trogon
Malabar Trogon
The Malabar Trogon is a species of bird in the trogon family. It is found in the forests of Sri Lanka and peninsular India. In India it is mainly found in the Western Ghats, hill forests of central India and in parts of the Eastern Ghats...
and Malabar grey hornbill
Malabar Grey Hornbill
The Malabar Grey Hornbill, Ocyceros griseus, is a hornbill that is endemic to the Western Ghats and associated hills of southern India. They have a large beak but lack the casque that is prominent in other species of hornbills. They are found mainly in dense forest and around rubber, arecanut or...
. Some rare birds of prey like the Rufous bellied hawk eagle
Rufous-bellied Eagle
The Rufous-bellied Hawk-Eagle is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes the buzzards, hawks and Old World vultures. It was earlier placed under the genus Hieraaetus but this eagle may well belong to a separate genus. The name of Kienastur had been suggested.Rufous-bellied...
can occasionally be seen in this sanctuary. Other predatory birds include crested hawk-eagle, crested serpent eagle
Crested Serpent Eagle
The Crested Serpent Eagle is a medium-sized bird of prey that is found in forested habitats across tropical Asia. Within its widespread range, there are considerable variations and some authorities prefer to treat several of its subspecies as completely separate species. In the past, several...
, Changeable Hawk Eagle
Changeable Hawk Eagle
The Crested Hawk-Eagle or Changeable Hawk-eagle is a bird of prey species of the family Accipitridae. It was formerly placed in the genus Spizaetus, but studies pointed to the group being paraphyletic resulting in the Old World members being placed in Nisaetus and separated from the New World...
, Black Eagle
Black Eagle
The Black Eagle is a bird of prey. Like all eagles, it is in the family Accipitridae, and is the only member of the genus Ictinaetus. They soar over forests in the hilly regions of tropical Asia and hunt mammals and birds, particularly at their nests...
, Oriental Honey-buzzard, Jerdon's Baza
Jerdon's Baza
Jerdon's Baza is a moderate sized brown hawk with a thin white-tipped black crest usually held erect. It is found in South-east Asia. It inhabits foothills in the terai and is rarer in evergreen forests and tea estates.-Description:...
, Bonelli's Eagle
Bonelli's Eagle
The Bonelli's Eagle is a large bird of prey. Like all eagles, it belongs to the family Accipitridae.It breeds in southern Europe, Africa both north and south of the Sahara Desert and across southern Asia to Indonesia...
, Crested Goshawk
Crested Goshawk
The Crested Goshawk is a bird of prey from tropical Asia. It is related to other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers, and thus placed in the family Accipitridae.-Description:...
, Besra
Besra
The Besra, Accipiter virgatus, is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae.The Besra is a widespread resident breeder in dense forests throughout south Asia from Pakistan and India to south China and Indonesia. It nests in trees, building a new nest each year...
, Mottled Wood Owl
Mottled Wood Owl
The Mottled Wood Owl is a species of large owl found in India. They are found in gardens and thin deciduous forests adjacent to dry thorn forests or farmland. They are easily detected by their distinctive tremulous eerie calls at dawn and dusk. The characteristic call is a duet of the male and...
and Brown Hawk Owl
Brown Hawk Owl
The Brown Hawk-Owl is an owl which is a resident breeder in south Asia from India and Sri Lanka east to western Indonesia and south China....
, Minivet
Minivet
The minivets are passerine birds belonging to the genus Pericrocotus in the cuckoo-shrike family Campephagidae. There are about 13 species, occurring mainly in forests in southern and eastern Asia. They are fairly small, slender birds with long tails and an erect posture. Many species have bright...
.sp.
There are also Hornbill
Hornbill
Hornbills are a family of bird found in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asia and Melanesia. They are characterized by a long, down-curved bill which is frequently brightly-colored and sometimes has a casque on the upper mandible. Both the common English and the scientific name of the family...
s, Golden Oriole
Golden Oriole
The Eurasian Golden Oriole or simply Golden Oriole is the only member of the oriole family of passerine birds breeding in northern hemisphere temperate regions...
, Chloropsis, Paradise flycatcher, Golden-backed Woodpecker Malabar Great Black Woodpecker
White-bellied Woodpecker
The White-bellied Woodpecker is found in evergreen forests of tropical Asia. It has 14 subspecies, part of a complex including the Andaman Woodpecker . Many island forms are endangered, some are extinct. Populations differ in the distribution and extent of white...
, Blue-winged Parakeet, Fairy bluebird, Jungle fowl Racket-tailed Drongo, Peacock, Red Spurfowl
Red Spurfowl
The Red Spurfowl is a member of the pheasant family and is endemic to India. It is a bird of forests, and is quite secretive despite its size. It has a distinctive call and is often hard to see except for a few seconds when it flushes from the undergrowth. It appears reddish and like a long-tailed...
, Grey Francolin
Grey Francolin
The Grey Francolin Francolinus pondicerianus is a species of francolin found in the plains and drier parts of South Asia...
, Painted Spurfowl
Painted Spurfowl
The Painted Spurfowl is a bird of the pheasant family found in rocky hill and scrub forests mainly in peninsular India. Males are more brightly coloured and spotted boldly in white. Males have two to four spurs while females can have one or two of th spurs on their tarsus. The species is found...
, Painted Bush Quail
Painted Bush Quail
The Painted Bush Quail is a species of quail found in the hill forests of India. They move in small coveys on hillsides and are distinguished by their red bills and legs...
, White-bellied Woodpecker
White-bellied Woodpecker
The White-bellied Woodpecker is found in evergreen forests of tropical Asia. It has 14 subspecies, part of a complex including the Andaman Woodpecker . Many island forms are endangered, some are extinct. Populations differ in the distribution and extent of white...
, Lesser Yellownape
Lesser Yellownape
The Lesser Yellownape, Picus chlorolophus, is a type of woodpecker which is a widespread and often common breeder in tropical southern Asia from India and Sri Lanka east to south China and Sumatra....
, Golden Woodpecker
Black-rumped Flameback
The Black-rumped Flameback , also known as the Lesser Golden-backed Woodpecker or Lesser Goldenback, is a woodpecker found widely distributed in South Asia. It is one of the few woodpeckers that are seen in urban areas. It has a characteristic rattling-whinnying call and an undulating flight...
, Streak-throated Woodpecker
Streak-throated Woodpecker
The Streak-throated Woodpecker Picus xanthopygaeus is a species of woodpecker found in the Indian Subcontinent.-Description:A medium-sized, green woodpecker with streaked throat and scaly whitish underparts. Green above with yellowish rump, white supercilia and white and black moustache. Crown red...
, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater
Chestnut-headed Bee-eater
The Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Merops leschenaulti is a near passerine bird in the bee-eater family Meropidae. It is a resident breeder in southern Asia from India east to southeast Asia and Indonesia....
, Emerald Dove
Emerald Dove
The Common Emerald Dove is a pigeon which is a widespread resident breeding bird in the tropical and sub-tropical parts of the Indian Subcontinent and east through Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, to northern and eastern Australia. The dove is also known by the names of Green Dove and...
, Green Imperial Pigeon
Green Imperial Pigeon
The Green Imperial Pigeon is a pigeon which is a widespread resident breeding bird in tropical southern Asia from India east to Indonesia. It has a number of subspecies, of which the distinctive Celebes form, Chestnut-naped Imperial Pigeon .This is a forest species; it builds a stick nest in a...
, Pompadour Green Pigeon
Pompadour Green Pigeon
The Pompadour Green Pigeon is a pigeon in the genus Treron. It is widespread in forests of southern and southeast Asia...
, Grey-bellied Cuckoo
Grey-bellied Cuckoo
The Grey-bellied Cuckoo or the Indian Plaintive Cuckoo, Cacomantis passerinus, is a member of the cuckoo order of birds, the Cuculiformes, which also includes the roadrunners, the anis, and the Hoatzin....
, Indian Cuckoo
Indian Cuckoo
The Indian Cuckoo is a member of the cuckoo order of birds, the Cuculiformes, that is found in Asia from Pakistan and India, Sri Lanka east to Indonesia and north to China and Russia. It is a solitary and shy bird, found in forests and open woodland at up to 3,600 m.-Description:This is a medium...
, Alpine Swift
Alpine Swift
The Alpine Swift syn. is a species of Swift. The bird is superficially similar to a large Barn Swallow or House Martin. It is, however, completely unrelated to those passerine species, since swifts are in the order Apodiformes...
, Black-hooded Oriole
Black-hooded Oriole
The Black-hooded Oriole, Oriolus xanthornus, is a member of the oriole family of passerine birds and is a resident breeder in tropical southern Asia from India and Sri Lanka east to Indonesia....
, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo
Greater Racket-tailed Drongo
The Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Dicrurus paradiseus, is a medium-sized Asian bird which is distinctive in having elongated outer tail feathers with webbing restricted to the tips. They are placed along with other drongos in the family Dicruridae...
, Black-headed Cuckooshrike, Grey-headed Bulbul
Grey-headed Bulbul
The Grey-headed Bulbul is a member of the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is endemic to the Western Ghats of south-west India, found from Goa south to Tamil Nadu, at altitudes up to 1200m. It is found in dense reeds or thickets mainly near rivers and swampy areas inside forests...
, Forest Wagtail
Forest Wagtail
The Forest Wagtail is a medium-sized passerine bird in the wagtail family Motacillidae. It has a distinctive plumage that sets it apart from other wagtails and has the habit of wagging its tail sideways unlike the usual up and down movements of the other wagtail species. It is the only wagtail...
, Crimson-backed Sunbird
Crimson-backed Sunbird
The Crimson-backed Sunbird or Small Sunbird is a sunbird endemic to the Western Ghats of India. Like other sunbirds, they feed mainly on nectar although they take insects, especially to feed their young...
and Loten's Sunbird
Loten's Sunbird
The Loten's Sunbird, Long-billed Sunbird or Maroon-breasted Sunbird, Cinnyris lotenius , is a sunbird endemic to peninsular India and Sri Lanka. Its long bill distinguishes it from the similar Purple Sunbird that is found in the same areas and also tends to hover at flowers...
. It also holds the isolated southern population of the Striped Tit-babbler
Striped Tit-babbler
The Pin-striped Tit-babbler also known as the Yellow Breasted Babbler is a species of Old World babbler found in South and Southeast Asia.-Description:...
.
Park attractions
Attractions in the park include:- Scenic spots in the sanctuary are the Chief Minister’s Watchtower, the view point at Kargudi, the Ombetta Lake and the Safari Van rides on Sand Road, Circular Road, Manradiar Road, Jayadev Avenue and Bombax Road. The public roads: Kakkanalli – Torapalli road, Teppakkadu – Masanagudi road and Moyar – Masanagudi road are also rewarding places to see wild life in the Sanctuary.
- Moyar River running through the dense forest is a good place to see animals when they come to drink water from the river.
- Moyar River Gorge, also called the Moyar Canyon, is a dramatic 20 km (12.4 mi) long gorge dug out by Moyar River, which plunges into the gorge below Theppakadu in a roaring water-fall popularly known as Moyar falls.
- Elephant Safari and Van Safari, conducted by the Tamil Nadu Forest DepartmentTamil Nadu Forest DepartmentThe Tamil Nadu Forest Department was established as the Madras Forest Department in 1855 by Dr. Hugh Francis Cleghorn, "the father of scientific forestry in India". The department is responsible for managing all the protected areas and forests plus environmental and wildlife related issues of Tamil...
, depart from park headquarters at Theppakadu - The Elephant Feeding Camp where one can interact with elephants and see how they are fed. The captive elephants in the sanctuary are no longer used for timber extraction work, since these areas are managed exclusively as protected areas. The elephants are engaged mainly for Eco-tourism, patrolling for anti poaching operations, to control Man-Elephant conflict outside the sanctuary or other areas and as a conservation and training center for elephants which can be visited by public.
- Museum near the Elephant feeding camp is where some animals who once lived in the Mudumalai Jungle are preserved.
- Kallatty falls located 30 km (18.6 mi) from Theppakadu, is a beautiful falls with a breathtaking view.
- Pykara Lake - Located 40 km (24.9 mi) from Theppakadu is a clean and scenic lake situated between the hills. It is an isolated lake free from pollution and crowds. Boating is conducted here. An annual summer boat race was introduced to this lake in 2008.
Nearby attractions
Bandipur National Park: Bandipur National Park is known for its tiger population. Also, the park shelters some of the most rare and endangered species of wildlifeWildlife
Wildlife includes all non-domesticated plants, animals and other organisms. Domesticating wild plant and animal species for human benefit has occurred many times all over the planet, and has a major impact on the environment, both positive and negative....
. Bandipur National Park is one of the protected areas within Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is an International Biosphere Reserve in the Western Ghats, Nilgiri Hills range of South India. The Western Ghats, Nilgiri Sub-Cluster , conjoining the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World...
, which is an International Biosphere Reserve in the Western Ghats.
Wayanad Sanctuary: This sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. It is bestowed with lush green forests and rich wildlife. It houses some of the rare and endangered species of both flora and fauna. The sanctuary comes under Protect Elephant and one can spot herd of elephants roaming in the area.
Masinagudi: There are night safaris in open top jeeps arranged by resorts and guides who are freely accessible in Masinagudi. The night safaris are conducted on the peripheral roads running through the adjoining forest and not into the park. Such night safaris are illegal and create disturbance to the animals of this region. There was a recent incident of a French tourist being killed by a wild elephant when she went on one such safari.
Travel
The nearest international airport is at CoimbatoreCoimbatore
Coimbatore , also known as Kovai , is the second largest city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a major commercial centre in Tamil Nadu and is known as the "Manchester of South India"....
(140 km (87 mi)) and the closest railway station, is at Udhagamandalam (67 km (41.6 mi)). However, in terms of travel practicality, the convenient railway station is at Mysore (90 km (55.9 mi)), which is on the major broad gauge line and is served by trains from across the country.
The park is most conveniently accessible by road from Mysore on NH 212
National Highway 212 (India)
National Highway 212 is a National Highway in Southern India. NH 212 connects Kozhikode in Kerala with Kollegal in Karnataka via Mysore. Of the total distance of 250 km, 90 km is in Kerala and 160 is in Karnataka. At Kollegala, it joins National Highway 209, which connects Bengaluru and...
to Gundlupet
Gundlupet
Gundlupet is a town in Chamarajanagar district in the Indian state of Karnataka. This small town is about 56 km from the Mysore-Ooty / Mysore-Calicut road and about 200 km from Bangalore. Gundlupet is the last town in Karnataka en route to Ooty or Kozhikode.The Bandipur National Park...
, then NH 67
National Highway 67 (India)
National Highway 67 is a National Highway in Southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. It runs from Nagapattinam, a sea-side town in Tamil Nadu to Gundlupet in Karnataka near the intersection of National Highway 212...
to Teppakadu. A little past Bandipur
Bandipur National Park
Bandipur National Park is one of India's best known protected areas and is an important Project Tiger reserve. It is located in the Chamarajanagar district of southern Karnataka in South India,...
cross the Ari Gouder bridge to a state border check post, passing here one will enter Mudumalai National Park.
Coming from Ooty there are two different routes.
One is via Kallatty, 36 km (22.4 mi) from Ooty on the Masinagudi road that has 36 hairpin bends through natural forests. The other route is by NH 67 via Gudalur which is 67 km (41.6 mi) from Ooty.
There are regular bus services that connect all the major adjoining cities with this sanctuary.
Accommodations
The forest department has cottages in various locations within the forests available on a first come first serve basis. These can be booked by calling the Ooty office at 0423 2445971. The payment needs to be made in advance.There are various private resorts and guest houses that visitors can stay in.
Greenwoods Nature Camp : An eco friendly wild life nature camp is located at the backdrop of dense Mudumalai/Bandipur wildlife sanctuary.Camp offers affordable accommodation with quality food (www.greenwoodsnaturecamp.com).
Note: The text below seems to be an advertisement.
Inn the wild is one of the most popular resorts within this area.With a sprawling 65-acreage of tropical wilderness near the Mudumalai forest of South India, Inn The Wild is home to a spectacular diversity of wildlife with the highlights being the majestic Asiatic elephant, the powerful Gaur (Indian bison), the elusive Indian leopard, and the endangered royal Bengal tiger. From tree houses to jungle shacks and from safaris to treks Inn the wild provides guests with an unforgettable experience. For more information visit www.innthewild.com
Communications
There are three post offices in the sanctuary. STD/ISD/PCO telephone service is available in Theppakadu, Masinagudi, Thorapalli and the nearby towns. The mobile phoneMobile phone
A mobile phone is a device which can make and receive telephone calls over a radio link whilst moving around a wide geographic area. It does so by connecting to a cellular network provided by a mobile network operator...
network (BSNL
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited is a state-owned telecommunications company headquartered in New Delhi, India. It is the largest provider of fixed telephony and fourth largest mobile telephony provider in India, and is also a provider of broadband services...
) is available in the Sanctuary.
Threats
The extensive growth of Invasive species
Invasive species
"Invasive species", or invasive exotics, is a nomenclature term and categorization phrase used for flora and fauna, and for specific restoration-preservation processes in native habitats, with several definitions....
, such as lantana
Lantana
Lantana is a genus of about 150 species of perennial flowering plants in the verbena family, Verbenaceae. They are native to tropical regions of the Americas and Africa but exist as an introduced species in numerous areas, especially in the Australian-Pacific region. The genus includes both...
, that hinder the natural regeneration process of the forests has occurred as a result of excessive cattle grazing.
Construction activities of the proposed India-based Neutrino Observatory
India-based Neutrino Observatory
India-based Neutrino Observatory is a proposed particle physics research project to primarily study atmospheric neutrinos in a deep cave under Ino Peak near Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu, India. This project is notable in that it is anticipated to provide a precise measurement of neutrino mixing...
at Singara
Singara
Singara was a strongly fortified post at the northern extremity of Mesopotamia, which for a while, as appears from many coins still extant, was occupied by the Romans as an advanced colony against the Persians...
, Masinagudi, are likely to have significant impacts on the local wildlife. The 5 year work plan, high volume of debris and waste disposal, blasting activities, extensive vehicular activity
and large number of outside workers and their support infrastructure all threaten to disrupt the wildlife corridor
Wildlife corridor
A wildlife corridor or green corridor is an area of habitat connecting wildlife populations separated by human activities . This allows an exchange of individuals between populations, which may help prevent the negative effects of inbreeding and reduced genetic diversity that often occur within...
on the Sigeur plateau, including Mudumalai Sanctuary, connecting the Western ghats
Western Ghats
The Western Ghats, Western Ghauts or the Sahyādri is a mountain range along the western side of India. It runs north to south along the western edge of the Deccan Plateau, and separates the plateau from a narrow coastal plain along the Arabian Sea. The Western Ghats block rainfall to the Deccan...
and Eastern Ghats
Eastern Ghats
The Eastern Ghats or Eastern Ghauts are a discontinuous range of mountains along India's eastern coast. The Eastern Ghats run from West Bengal state in the north, through Orissa and Andhra Pradesh to Tamil Nadu in the south passing some parts of Karnataka. They are eroded and cut through by the...
.
External links
- UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre Fact Sheet, 1988
- Elephants in Mudumalai NP by an expat living in India (Pictures + French text)
- Mudumalai wildlife and landscapes
- Mudumalai Photos 15th Aug 2006 - Courtesy Sasikumar & Ananthi
- Mudumalai Wildlife Bird Photographs
- Mudumalai Accommodation
- NBR Alliance
- Mudumalai Tours and Safaris for trekkers and photographers