Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park: Difference between revisions
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| governing_body =[http://www.forests.tn.nic.in/Default.htm Tamil Nadu Ministry of Environment and Forests]}} |
| governing_body =[http://www.forests.tn.nic.in/Default.htm Tamil Nadu Ministry of Environment and Forests]}} |
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[[Image:Map-K-Palani National Park.jpg|thumb|right|300 px| Palani Hills, Topographic overview, 1;250,000]] |
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== Bounderies == |
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| ⚫ | The [[Palani Hills]] National Park in [[Tamil Nadu]], is a proposed upgrade and expansion of the Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary being established in 2006-2007<ref>The Hindu, Frontline,Volume 20 - Issue 16, August 02-15, 2003, "On The Danger List" by Ian Lockwood, an excellent and comprehensive description of the Palani Hills[http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2016/stories/20030815000106600.htm ]</ref><ref>Tamil Nadu Ministry of Forests and Environment, Policy note 2006-2007, Demand 25, Dept. of Forests, page 4[http://www.forests.tn.nic.in/Docu/PolicyNote-0607-E.pdf ]</ref><ref>The Hindu, "Call for protection of Palani hills",Pleas to the Forestry Minister during the Southern Forest Ministers' on November 3 and 4., Nov 04, 2006[http://www.hindu.com/2006/11/04/stories/2006110410630400.htm]</ref>. |
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== Boundaries == |
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The actual park boundaries have not been finalized. The proposed boundaries include only [[Reserve forest]] land, which is the majority of the Palani Hills area. |
The actual park boundaries have not been finalized. The proposed boundaries include only [[Reserve forest]] land, which is the majority of the Palani Hills area. |
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<br />The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary in [[Kerala]] borders the southern half of [[Manjampatti]] Valley at the western extremity of the Park. The Kurinjimala Sanctuary in Kerala borders the southwestern corner of the Park.<ref>Kurinjimala and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuaries, Map[http://kurinji.in/kurinjimap.html ]</ref>, These [[Wildlife sanctuaries of India]] have been incorporated into the recently established [[Eravikulam National Park]] |
<br />The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary in [[Kerala]] borders the southern half of [[Manjampatti]] Valley at the western extremity of the Park. The Kurinjimala Sanctuary in Kerala borders the southwestern corner of the Park.<ref>Kurinjimala and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuaries, Map[http://kurinji.in/kurinjimap.html ]</ref>, These [[Wildlife sanctuaries of India]] have been incorporated into the recently established [[Eravikulam National Park]] |
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The Palani Hills are formed of pre-Cambrian gneisses, charnockites and schists; they are among the oldest mountain ranges in India. |
The Palani Hills are formed of pre-Cambrian gneisses, charnockites and schists; they are among the oldest mountain ranges in India. |
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== Waterfalls == |
== Waterfalls == |
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There are many waterfalls throughout the Park. |
There are many waterfalls throughout the Park. They are most spectacular during the rainy season, September to November. These important attractions include: |
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-Anju Veedu; 27 km from Kodaikanal in the Villpatti Range. |
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-Bamen Falls; |
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-Bear Shola Falls; 2 km from Kodaikanal. |
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-Fairy Falls; 5 km from Kodaikanal. |
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-Glen Falls; |
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-Neptune Falls, |
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-Pambar Falls; 4 km from Kodaikanal. |
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-[[Thalaiyar Falls]] (Rattail); are the third widest (13 m) in Tamil Nadu and the third highest (297 m) in India. |
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-Silver Cascade; 8 km from Kodaikanal, 55 m tall. |
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-Snake Falls; |
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-Vattakanal Falls. |
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== Tribes == |
== Tribes == |
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Nomadic [[Paliyan]] tribes people have been seen living in some of the several caves in Manjampatti Valley. Their culture in this area is well documented <ref>Bicultural Versatility as a Frontier Adaptation among Paliyan Foragers of South India], by Dr. Peter Gardner-[http://www.mellenpress.com/mellenpress.cfm?bookid=4149&pc=9]</ref>, <ref>Gardner, Excerpts[http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0773478191&id=VSRzAj-b8yAC&pg=PA13&lpg=PA13&ots=uucT5f6dT9&dq=%22Peter%2BM%2B%2BGardner%22paliyan&num=20&sig=Q5LHdtGcOOAwFPnnYgKj9jo-TnI#PPP15,M1]</ref>. Many native tribals in the Palani Hills have partially assimilated modern culture but are marginalized on the fringes of society. Their social, economic and physical survival has become a difficult challenge for them and several public and private agencies. |
Nomadic [[Paliyan]] tribes people have been seen living in some of the several caves in Manjampatti Valley. Their culture in this area is well documented <ref>Bicultural Versatility as a Frontier Adaptation among Paliyan Foragers of South India], by Dr. Peter Gardner, Edwin Mellen Press, 2000, ISBN13: 978-0-7734-7819-0 [http://www.mellenpress.com/mellenpress.cfm?bookid=4149&pc=9]</ref>, <ref>Gardner, Excerpts[http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0773478191&id=VSRzAj-b8yAC&pg=PA13&lpg=PA13&ots=uucT5f6dT9&dq=%22Peter%2BM%2B%2BGardner%22paliyan&num=20&sig=Q5LHdtGcOOAwFPnnYgKj9jo-TnI#PPP15,M1]</ref>. Many native tribals in the Palani Hills have partially assimilated modern culture but are marginalized on the fringes of society. Their social, economic and physical survival has become a difficult challenge for them and several public and private agencies. |
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== Flora == |
== Flora == |
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[[Image: |
[[Image:Elephant indian .JPG|thumb|right|300 px| Indian Elephant]] |
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There is a wide diversity of vegetation in the Park's [[Ecoregions]] which range from wet tropical [[Sholas]] and [[South Western Ghats montane rain forests]] to [[Montane grasslands and shrublands]] to dry temperate [[Montane]] and evergreen forest. Variations depends largely on altitude and terrain. |
There is a wide diversity of vegetation in the Park's [[Ecoregions]] which range from wet tropical [[Sholas]] and [[South Western Ghats montane rain forests]] to [[Montane grasslands and shrublands]] to dry temperate [[Montane]] and evergreen forest. Variations depends largely on altitude and terrain. |
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== Fauna == |
== Fauna == |
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[[Indian elephant]], [[Wild Boars]], [[Endemic species]] <expand><!-- need more animals and good photo of local wild elephant--> |
[[Indian elephant]], [[Wild Boars]], [[Endemic species]] <expand><!-- need more animals and good photo of local wild elephant--> |
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==Endangered species == |
==Endangered species == |
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[[Gaur]] (Wild Ox, ''Bos gaurus''), [[Nilgiri Tahr]], [[Grizzled Giant Squirrel]] of the Western Ghats - (''Ratufa macroura indica''), [[Kurinji]]flowers, |
[[Gaur]] (Wild Ox, ''Bos gaurus''), [[Nilgiri Tahr]], [[Grizzled Giant Squirrel]] of the Western Ghats - (''Ratufa macroura indica''), [[Kurinji]]flowers, |
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<ref>News about about Kuringi, Endemic birds, |
<ref>News about about Kuringi, Endemic birds, Vattakanal Conservation Trust, |
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the Hindu, Frontline, Volume 23 - Issue 17 :: Aug. 26-Sep. 08, 2006 |
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[http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2317/stories/20060908001106600.htm |
[http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2317/stories/20060908001106600.htm] |
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</ref>,(Strobilanthes kunthianus) , which blossom in spectacular fields of violet only once in 12 years. |
</ref>,(Strobilanthes kunthianus) , which blossom in spectacular fields of violet only once in 12 years. |
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== Ecological threats == |
== Ecological threats == |
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There is decreasing [[Biodiversity]], [[Deforestation]], Grasslands destruction, [[Monoculture]] tree plantations, and [[Invasive]] exotic plant species in the wild.<br /> |
There is decreasing [[Biodiversity]], [[Deforestation]], Grasslands destruction, [[Monoculture]] tree plantations, and [[Invasive]] exotic plant species in the wild.<br /> |
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There is [[Septic]] waste [[pollution]], Lake [[ |
There is [[Septic]] waste [[pollution]], Lake [[Eutrophication]], [[Solid waste]] pollution, [[Sound pollution]] and uncontrolled [[tourism]] In Kodaikanal.<br /> Several local [[NGO]] conservation groups work actively to reduce some of these threats:<br /> |
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-The Palani Hills Conservation Council- Motto: "Health of the Hills is Wealth of the Plains",<ref>Palni Hills Conservation Council[http://www.palnihills.org/]</ref>.<br />-The |
-The Palani Hills Conservation Council- Motto: "Health of the Hills is Wealth of the Plains",<ref>Palni Hills Conservation Council[http://www.palnihills.org/]</ref>.<br /> |
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-The Vattakanal Conservation Trust promotes the conservation of Palni Hills' native plants and habitats by raising plant nurseries, establishing conservation gardens, restoring habitats and acquiring properties to ensure the survival of specific species and ecosystems<ref>Vattakanal Conservation Trust[http://vct.in/index_files/Page329.htm ]</ref>.<br /> |
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-Kodaikanal International School has supported and led environmental initiatives in the surrounding area throughout its 105 year history. It has offered an International Baccalaureate Program subject offering of Environmental Systems since the early 1980's<ref> Kodaikanal International School, Environmental awareness programs[[http://kisindia.com/programs/environmental_awareness.html]]</ref>.<br /> |
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-The Save Kurinji Campaign Council organises campaigns and programmes for conservation of the Kurinji plant and its habit.<ref>Save Kurinji Campaign Council[http://kurinji.in/index.html]</ref>.<br /> |
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| ⚫ | -The Tamil Nadu Green Movement works on Nature Education, Conservation awareness, Judicial intervention, Media awareness and works with other NGOs in the Western Ghats<ref>The Tamil Nadu Green Movement-[http://www.tngreenmovement.org/about.html]</ref><ref>News: The Group Endeavor for Environment and Nature Sustenance Pleas to the Forestry Minister for Palani Hills National Park..[http://kurinji.in/palani.html]</ref>. |
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== Recreation == |
== Recreation == |
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[[Trekking]], [[Hiking]], [[Camping]], [[Bird watching]], Swimming, <expand> |
[[Trekking]], [[Hiking]], [[Camping]], [[Bird watching]], Swimming, <expand> |
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== Economic impact == |
== Economic impact == |
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The increasingly important role of [[Eco-tourism]] may help local vested interests to welcome this new National Park. It remains to be seen whether the Wildlife Sanctuary and then a National Park will stimulate or stifle commercial development and tourism. The decision to finally establish the Park must balance short term financial benefits of the status-quo versus long term stability of the natural and human community. |
The increasingly important role of [[Eco-tourism]] may help local vested interests to welcome this new National Park. It remains to be seen whether the Wildlife Sanctuary and then a National Park will stimulate or stifle commercial development and tourism. The decision to finally establish the Park must balance short term financial benefits of the status-quo versus long term stability of the natural and human community. |
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== External References & links == |
== External References & links == |
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{{reflist|2}} |
{{reflist|2}} |
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Revision as of 05:14, 12 February 2007
Palani Hills National Park (Planned)
  Palani Hills NP Palani Hills NP (India) | |
|---|---|
| Location | Dindigul District |
| Nearest city | Kodaikanal |
| Governing body | Tamil Nadu Ministry of Environment and Forests |
The Palani Hills National Park in Tamil Nadu, is a proposed upgrade and expansion of the Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary being established in 2006-2007[1][2][3].
Boundaries
The actual park boundaries have not been finalized. The proposed boundaries include only Reserve forest land, which is the majority of the Palani Hills area.
The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala borders the southern half of Manjampatti Valley at the western extremity of the Park. The Kurinjimala Sanctuary in Kerala borders the southwestern corner of the Park.[4], These Wildlife sanctuaries of India have been incorporated into the recently established Eravikulam National Park
Geology
The Palani Hills are formed of pre-Cambrian gneisses, charnockites and schists; they are among the oldest mountain ranges in India.
Waterfalls
There are many waterfalls throughout the Park. They are most spectacular during the rainy season, September to November. These important attractions include: -Anju Veedu; 27 km from Kodaikanal in the Villpatti Range. -Bamen Falls; -Bear Shola Falls; 2 km from Kodaikanal. -Fairy Falls; 5 km from Kodaikanal. -Glen Falls; -Neptune Falls, -Pambar Falls; 4 km from Kodaikanal. -Thalaiyar Falls (Rattail); are the third widest (13 m) in Tamil Nadu and the third highest (297 m) in India. -Silver Cascade; 8 km from Kodaikanal, 55 m tall. -Snake Falls; -Vattakanal Falls.
Tribes
Nomadic Paliyan tribes people have been seen living in some of the several caves in Manjampatti Valley. Their culture in this area is well documented [5], [6]. Many native tribals in the Palani Hills have partially assimilated modern culture but are marginalized on the fringes of society. Their social, economic and physical survival has become a difficult challenge for them and several public and private agencies.
Flora
There is a wide diversity of vegetation in the Park's Ecoregions which range from wet tropical Sholas and South Western Ghats montane rain forests to Montane grasslands and shrublands to dry temperate Montane and evergreen forest. Variations depends largely on altitude and terrain.
Fauna
Indian elephant, Wild Boars, Endemic species <expand>
Endangered species
Gaur (Wild Ox, Bos gaurus), Nilgiri Tahr, Grizzled Giant Squirrel of the Western Ghats - (Ratufa macroura indica), Kurinjiflowers, [7],(Strobilanthes kunthianus) , which blossom in spectacular fields of violet only once in 12 years.
Ecological threats
There is decreasing Biodiversity, Deforestation, Grasslands destruction, Monoculture tree plantations, and Invasive exotic plant species in the wild.
There is Septic waste pollution, Lake Eutrophication, Solid waste pollution, Sound pollution and uncontrolled tourism In Kodaikanal.
Several local NGO conservation groups work actively to reduce some of these threats:
-The Palani Hills Conservation Council- Motto: "Health of the Hills is Wealth of the Plains",[8].
-The Vattakanal Conservation Trust promotes the conservation of Palni Hills' native plants and habitats by raising plant nurseries, establishing conservation gardens, restoring habitats and acquiring properties to ensure the survival of specific species and ecosystems[9].
-Kodaikanal International School has supported and led environmental initiatives in the surrounding area throughout its 105 year history. It has offered an International Baccalaureate Program subject offering of Environmental Systems since the early 1980's[10].
-The Save Kurinji Campaign Council organises campaigns and programmes for conservation of the Kurinji plant and its habit.[11].
-The Tamil Nadu Green Movement works on Nature Education, Conservation awareness, Judicial intervention, Media awareness and works with other NGOs in the Western Ghats[12][13].
Recreation
Trekking, Hiking, Camping, Bird watching, Swimming, <expand>
Economic impact
The increasingly important role of Eco-tourism may help local vested interests to welcome this new National Park. It remains to be seen whether the Wildlife Sanctuary and then a National Park will stimulate or stifle commercial development and tourism. The decision to finally establish the Park must balance short term financial benefits of the status-quo versus long term stability of the natural and human community.
External References & links
- ^ The Hindu, Frontline,Volume 20 - Issue 16, August 02-15, 2003, "On The Danger List" by Ian Lockwood, an excellent and comprehensive description of the Palani Hills[1]
- ^ Tamil Nadu Ministry of Forests and Environment, Policy note 2006-2007, Demand 25, Dept. of Forests, page 4[2]
- ^ The Hindu, "Call for protection of Palani hills",Pleas to the Forestry Minister during the Southern Forest Ministers' on November 3 and 4., Nov 04, 2006[3]
- ^ Kurinjimala and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuaries, Map[4]
- ^ Bicultural Versatility as a Frontier Adaptation among Paliyan Foragers of South India], by Dr. Peter Gardner, Edwin Mellen Press, 2000, ISBN13: 978-0-7734-7819-0 [5]
- ^ Gardner, Excerpts[6]
- ^ News about about Kuringi, Endemic birds, Vattakanal Conservation Trust, the Hindu, Frontline, Volume 23 - Issue 17 :: Aug. 26-Sep. 08, 2006 [7]
- ^ Palni Hills Conservation Council[8]
- ^ Vattakanal Conservation Trust[9]
- ^ Kodaikanal International School, Environmental awareness programs[[10]]
- ^ Save Kurinji Campaign Council[11]
- ^ The Tamil Nadu Green Movement-[12]
- ^ News: The Group Endeavor for Environment and Nature Sustenance Pleas to the Forestry Minister for Palani Hills National Park..[13]
