Anamudi Shola National Park

News: Anamudi Shola National Park is in the news due to the Kerala Water Authority’s (KWA) plan to construct a check dam across the Silandhi River in Vattavada, which requires the use of 0.0442 hectares of forest land from the park.

About Anamudi Shola National Park

• It is situated in the Idukki district of Kerala, near the town of Munnar. It is located within the Eravikulam National Park complex.
• It is part of the Western Ghats mountain range, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• It covers an area of approximately 7.5 square kilometers.
• It acts as a critical watershed area for several rivers in the region, including the Periyar and Pambar rivers.
• The park is an essential component of the Western Ghats ecosystem, known for its unique biodiversity. It acts as a crucial habitat for endemic and endangered species.
• Flora: The park is home to diverse vegetation, including tropical montane forests, grasslands, and shola forests.
• Fauna: The park supports various species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, including endangered species such as the Nilgiri tahr and the lion-tailed macaque.
• Threats: It has been threatened by human activities such as encroachment, illegal logging, and land conversion. It is vulnerable to climate change, which may impact its biodiversity.