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.
