Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve lies in which one of the following...
Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is located in the Western Ghats region of India.
The Western Ghats is a mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of India, stretching from the state of Gujarat in the north to the southernmost tip of Tamil Nadu. It is known for its rich biodiversity, with numerous species of flora and fauna found in its dense forests and lush vegetation. The Western Ghats is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is one of the protected areas within the Western Ghats. It is situated in the southern part of the Western Ghats, covering parts of the Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts of Tamil Nadu. The reserve is named after the two main forest divisions it encompasses - Kalakkad and Mundanthurai.
The Western Ghats region is known for its high rainfall, which supports the growth of a wide variety of plant species. This, in turn, provides a suitable habitat for diverse wildlife, including several endangered species. The Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is home to several important animals such as tigers, elephants, leopards, Indian gaur, sloth bears, and many species of birds and reptiles.
The reserve is also significant for its unique ecosystems, including evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, and grasslands. These different habitats support a wide range of plant and animal species, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the region.
In addition to its ecological importance, the Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is also recognized for its cultural significance. The tribal communities residing in the region have a deep connection with the forests and rely on them for their livelihoods. These communities have traditional knowledge and practices that help in the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
Overall, the Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is a vital part of the Western Ghats region, contributing to the conservation of its biodiversity and supporting the livelihoods of local communities.
Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve lies in which one of the following...
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently ordered notice to the State on a public interest litigation petition that sought a direction to restrict the entry of outsiders and vehicles inside Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.
About Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve:
- Location: It is located in the Southern Western Ghats in the Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts of Tamil Nadu.
- It was established as a Tiger Reserve in 1988.
- This reserve is a mixture of three main sanctuaries: Kalakad Sanctuary, Mundanthurai Sanctuary, and a part of Kanyakumari Sanctuary.
- Nestled between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the Agastya Malai Hill Range forms the core area of the sanctuary and is part of one of the world's 18 biodiversity hotspots.
- The reserve is also known as the “River Sanctuary”, with as many as 14 rivers originating from this Tiger Reserve.
- Terrain: Undulating with several valleys and porous rocks.
- Vegetation:
- It varies from thorny shrub jungles to lush evergreen forests.
- In addition to forests, savannah woodlands, and grasslands, there are tea and coffee plantations within the reserve.
- Flora: Important species include Sarcandra, Paphiopedulum, druryi, Hopea parviflora, Hopea utilis, Calophylum elatum, Cullenia exarillata, etc.
- Fauna: Tiger, leopard, rusty spotted cat, wild dog, sloth bear, elephant, gaur, sambar, spotted deer, mouse deer, nilgiri langur, slender loris, bonnet macaque, lion tailed macaque, etc.
Hence option a is the correct answer.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed UPSC study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in UPSC.