Eravikulam National Park - UPSC Notes | Testbook.com

Inside Eravikulam National Park

Image source: Researchgate

• Eravikulam National Park is nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala, perched at an elevation of 7000 ft. above sea level.
• The park was officially declared as a National Park in 1978.
• Highlights of the park include:
  • Home to Anamudi, the highest peak in south India.
  • Habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered mountain ungulate endemic to the southern part of the Western Ghats. Half of the world’s population of the Nilgiri Tahr resides in this park. Notably, it is also the state animal of Tamil Nadu.
  • The rare Neelakurinji flowers, which bloom once every 12 years. Find more about Neelakurinji flowers here.
  • The park is home to the Atlas Moth, one of the largest moth species, in the world.
• Known as one of the wettest areas globally, the park receives abundant rainfall during the southwest and retreating monsoon seasons.
• The Anamudi Hills are a prominent feature on the park's southern side.
• The park's landscape is characterized by rolling grassland and high-altitude Sholas.
• Rivers: The park is a catchment area for both eastward (tributaries of River Pambar) and westward (tributaries of River Periyar and Chalakkudy) flowing rivers.

Understanding a Fernarium

A fernarium is essentially a botanical garden or greenhouse dedicated to the cultivation and display of various fern species.

• Ferns belong to the Epiphytic family.
• Ferns are non-flowering plants that reproduce through spores. They grow naturally in soilless conditions, absorbing water and nutrients from tree leachates. Their presence indicates a thriving forest ecosystem.