Eravikulam National Park in Kerala India
Eravikulam is the Abode of Highly Endangered Nilgiri Tahr
Mar 18, 2009
The total population of Nilgiri tahr in the wild is estimated to be in the range of 2000. Nearly 40% of this is in and around Eravikulam National Park. The rest are distributed in small populations along the Western Ghat mountain range of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. This gives great conservation significance to the area.
History
Eravikulam National Park used to be the hunting and fishing preserve of British planters. Even after the departure of British from India the area remained with the tea company they had founded. The name had changed to Finlays from Kannan Devan.
In 1972 the Government of Kerala annexed the area as part of taking over the excess land with private landowners. A harebrained idea to start a cattle farm came from the administrators. Environmentalists were outraged and led by the manager Gouldesbury went on a crusade to save this magnificent piece of land from depredation. Assistance came from KK Nair the then-Chief Conservator of Forests and ND Jayal Secretary with Environment Ministry of Government of India. The administrators realized their folly and heeding the views of conservationists, in 1975 the area was declared as a sanctuary. Taking into consideration the ecological significance of the area it was elevated to the status of a National Park in 1978.
The Fauna
The estimated population of Nilgiri tahr inside the park is about 760. Apart from Nilgiri tahr, the Park also harbours other lesser-known fauna like Nilgiri marten, Ruddy mongoose, Small clawed otter, Dusky Striped Squirrel etc. About 125 species of birds have been recorded which include endemics like black and ornage flycatcher, Nilgiri pipit, Nilgiri wood pigeon, white bellied shortwing, Nilgiri verditer flycatcher and Kerala laughing thrush. About 100 species of butterflies have been reported from the park. This includes rare species like the red disk bushbrown and Palni fourwing. The British, to give a boost to angling, introduced rainbow trout to the area.
Highest Peak South of Himalayas
The park also boasts the presence of Anamudi (2690 m). This is the highest peak south of Himalayas. The area is an exclusive preserve of Nilgiri tahr and is one of the key areas used during parturition. Hiking in the area has been banned to give absolute protection to Nilgiri tahr.
Floral Diversity
The park has amazing floral diversity. Unique species include Mahonia leschnaultti, Rhododendron arboreum, Gaultheria fragrantissima, Berberis tinctoria. Rare orchids like Brachycorythis wightii, Habenarea flabelliformis and wild relatives of cultivated plants like Piper schmidtti and Elateria cardamomum add to the conservation significance of the area.
Participatory Management
Even before rest of the country had even thought of participatory management in conservation the idea was put to practice in Eravikulam. The High Range Wildlife and Environment Preservation Association, who was earlier managing the Park as a Game Reserve on behalf of Kannan Devan Hill Produce Company, is an active partner in the management of the park. This is a unique example of corporate involvement in conservation. The park has also brought into its folds local tribals as partners in conservation. The traditional wisdom of local tribals “the Muduvans” is utilized in running the affairs of the Park. The local stakeholders run tourism on behalf of the park authorities. They benefits financially from this operation.This perks up conservation with active involvement of local communities in conservation
How to reach Eravikulm National Park.
If you are flying in, your options are Kochi (148 KM), Coimbatore (175 KM) and Madurai (160 km). The nearest railway stations in Kerala are Aluva (120 Km) and Kottayam(147km), and in Tamil Nadu Madurai(162km) and Coimbatore (165 Km). You can go up to Rajamala turn off, 13 km from Munnar in private vehicles. All private vehicles will have to stop here. From this point, Park vehicles run by the local community take the visitors to the park. Eravikulam is a great place to get to know community and corporate involvement in conservation.
