News: Pampadum Shola National Park is in the news for its successful forest restoration work. In recent years, the Forest Department has been removing non-native trees and wattle that had spread across the park and harmed its natural shola-grassland ecosystem.
About Pampadum Shola National Park
- Location: The Pampadum Shola National Park located in Idukki, Kerala.
- It is in the eastern part of the Southern Western Ghats.
- It is a part of Palani hills stretched up to Vandaravu peak.
- Naming: The name “Pampadum Shola” translates to “the forest where the snake dances”, reflecting the park’s mystical charm and ecological richness.
- It is the smallest national park of Kerala, covering roughly 12 sq. km.
- Connecting: It connects the Eravikulam National Park and the Palani Hills.
- It was declared a National Park in 2003.
- Rivers: The park serves as an important watershed for the Pambar River and the Vaigai River, which are vital sources of water for the adjacent regions in Tamil Nadu.
- Terrain: The terrain ranges between 1,600 to 2,400 meters in altitude.
- Vegetation: It features diverse ecosystems such as evergreen forests, moist deciduous patches, shola grasslands, and semi-evergreen zones.
- Biodiversity Hotspot: It hosts 14 species of birds, 9 species of mammals, 100 species of butterflies, and 93 species of moths, including the threatened butterfly Parantica nilgiriensis (Nilgiri Tiger).
- Flora: The park supports 22 species of trees, 74 species of herbs and shrubs, and 16 species of climbers, showcasing the botanical diversity of the Western Ghats.
- Fauna: Pampadum Shola is home to rare and endangered species like nilgiri tahr, elephants, gaurs, leopards, wild boars, sambars, and common langurs.
