Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park: Difference between revisions
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=== Flora and fauna=== |
=== Flora and fauna=== |
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[[Image:Elephant indian .JPG|thumb|Indian Elephant]] |
[[Image:Elephant indian .JPG|thumb|Indian Elephant]] |
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There is a wide diversity of [[Endemic species]] in the Park's diverse [[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 depend largely on altitude and terrain. |
There is a wide diversity of [[Endemic species]] in the Park's diverse [[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 depend largely on altitude and terrain. |
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The Palni hills form a part of the [[Western Ghats]] of India which is one of the 25 [[biodiversity hotspot]]s of the world. Some of the very rare and endangered plants of India are found here, including intact relics of primary [[indigenous]] vegetation and a large number of [[exotic]] plants.<ref>Matthew K. M. (1999) "''The Flora of the Palni Hills, Parts 1–3.''", The Rapinat Herbarium, St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirapalli 620 002, India. 364. pp. Price: set Rs 600. $175, £100.[http://www.ias.ac.in/currsci/sep252000/book%20reviews.PDF]</ref> |
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Large mammals including [[Indian elephant]] and [[Wild Boars]] are common in areas away from human habitation and cultivation. [[Bengal Tiger]] populations in the adjacent [[Indira Gandhi National Park]] and the [[Project Tiger]] Kalakad - Mundanthurai Reserve<ref> Project Tiger, Kalakad - Mundanthurai Reserve[http://projecttiger.nic.in/kalakad.htm]</ref> in the [[Agasthyamalai]] hills could expand back into this area when it is better protected. <!-- <expand> need more animals and good photo of local wild elephant and tiger--> |
Large mammals including [[Indian elephant]] and [[Wild Boars]] are common in areas away from human habitation and cultivation. [[Bengal Tiger]] populations in the adjacent [[Indira Gandhi National Park]] and the [[Project Tiger]] Kalakad - Mundanthurai Reserve<ref> Project Tiger, Kalakad - Mundanthurai Reserve[http://projecttiger.nic.in/kalakad.htm]</ref> in the [[Agasthyamalai]] hills could expand back into this area when it is better protected. <!-- <expand> need more animals and good photo of local wild elephant and tiger--> |
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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>. |
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===Climate=== |
===Climate=== |
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[[Image:Niltahr.jpg|thumb| Nilgiri Tahr]] |
[[Image:Niltahr.jpg|thumb| Nilgiri Tahr]] |
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Revision as of 14:34, 13 March 2007
Palani Hills National Park (Planned)
  Palani Hills Palani Hills (India) | |
|---|---|
| Location | Dindigul |
| Nearest city | Kodaikanal |
| Governing body | Tamil Nadu Ministry of Environment and Forests |
The Palani Hills National Park is a proposed National Park in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
History
The actual park boundaries have not been finalized. The proposed Park area includes only Reserve forest land, including: Palni Hills Northern Slope East Reserve Forest, Kallar Reserve Forest, Palni Hills Southern Slope East Reserve Forest, Upper Palni Shola Reserve Forest, Allinagaram Reserve Forest, Upper Palni Shola Reserve Forest and Palni Hills Northern Slope West Reserve Forest in the Dindigul[1] and Kodaikanal[2] Forest Districts.
It is located between Latitude 10°7' - 10°28' N and Longitude 77°16' - 77°46' E. Central location 10°17.5′N 77°31′E / 10.2917°N 77.517°E is near the Aeon centre of Cosmology[3] and 7.4 km NxNE of Kodaikanal. These forests include the majority of the 2068 km2 Palni Hills area. These reserve forests are already among the Protected areas of Tamil Nadu. Their upgrade to Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park will increase their level of protection.
The western extremity of the Park is contiguous with Manjampatti Valley in the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and with The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala. The Kurinjimala Sanctuary in Kerala borders the southwestern corner of the Park.[4] These Wildlife Sanctuaries are adjacent to the recently established Eravikulam National Park.
The Palani Hills National Park in Tamil Nadu, South India is a proposed upgrade and expansion of the Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary being established in 2006-2007[5][6][7].
Geography
Mostly hilly. Average elevation is:
Geology
The Palani Hills are formed of pre-Cambrian gneisses, charnockites and schists; they are among the oldest mountain ranges in India. The Tamil Nadu Department of Geology and Mining has completed detailed Geo-Technical Studies of the Palni Hills determining moderate to high landslide danger in much of the area[8]. (satellite view:[9])
Flora and fauna
There is a wide diversity of Endemic species in the Park's diverse 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 depend largely on altitude and terrain.
The Palni hills form a part of the Western Ghats of India which is one of the 25 biodiversity hotspots of the world. Some of the very rare and endangered plants of India are found here, including intact relics of primary indigenous vegetation and a large number of exotic plants.[10]
Large mammals including Indian elephant and Wild Boars are common in areas away from human habitation and cultivation. Bengal Tiger populations in the adjacent Indira Gandhi National Park and the Project Tiger Kalakad - Mundanthurai Reserve[11] in the Agasthyamalai hills could expand back into this area when it is better protected. Gaur (Wild Ox, Bos gaurus), Nilgiri Tahr, Grizzled Giant Squirrel of the Western Ghats - (Ratufa macroura indica), Kurinjiflowers (Strobilanthes kunthianus) which blossom in spectacular fields of violet only once in 12 years[12].
Climate
Temperate.
Tribes
Nomadic Paliyan tribes people have been seen living in some of the several caves in Manjampatti Valley. 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. Their ancient culture in this area is well documented [13], [14].
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",[15]
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[16]
-Kodaikanal International School supports and leads environmental initiatives in the surrounding area. It offers an International Baccalaureate Program subject of Environmental Systems.[17].
-The Save Kurinji Campaign Council organises campaigns and programmes for conservation of the Kurinji plant and its habit.[18].
The Tamil Nadu Green Movement works on Nature Education, Conservation awareness, Judicial intervention, Media awareness and works with other NGOs in the Western Ghats[19][20].
Recreation
The increasingly important role of Eco-tourism, including: Trekking, Hiking, Camping and Bird watching 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.
References
- ^ Asian Nature Conservation Foundation, DINDIGUL - TERRITORIAL FOREST DIVISION, Data[1]
- ^ KODAIKANAL - TERRITORIAL FOREST DIVISION, Data [2]
- ^ Aeon centre of Cosmology[3]
- ^ Kurinjimala and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuaries, Map [4]
- ^ 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[5]
- ^ Tamil Nadu Ministry of Forests and Environment, Policy note 2006-2007, Demand 25, Dept. of Forests, page 4[6]
- ^ 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[7]
- ^ Industries Department, POLICY NOTE - 2005-2006, DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY AND MINING[8]
- ^ Wikimapia, satellite view[9]
- ^ Matthew K. M. (1999) "The Flora of the Palni Hills, Parts 1–3.", The Rapinat Herbarium, St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirapalli 620 002, India. 364. pp. Price: set Rs 600. $175, £100.[10]
- ^ Project Tiger, Kalakad - Mundanthurai Reserve[11]
- ^ News about about Kuringi, Endemic birds, Vattakanal Conservation Trust, the Hindu, Frontline, Volume 23 - Issue 17 :: Aug. 26-Sep. 08, 2006 [12]
- ^ 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 [13]
- ^ Gardner, Excerpts[14]
- ^ Palni Hills Conservation Council[15]
- ^ Vattakanal Conservation Trust[16]
- ^ Kodaikanal International School, Environmental awareness programs[[17]]
- ^ Save Kurinji Campaign Council[18]
- ^ The Tamil Nadu Green Movement-[19]
- ^ News: The Group Endeavor for Environment and Nature Sustenance Pleas to the Forestry Minister for Palani Hills National Park.[20]
