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wild dog hunting in sambar deer at Pampadum Shola National Park

Code: Ecological Significance

Project Description

Pampadum Shola National Park, nestled in the Southern Western Ghats of Kerala, is a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Let’s explore this remarkable park:

Ecological Significance: Recognizing its ecological, faunal, floral, geographical, and zoological importance, the Kerala government declared Pampadum Shola as a National Park in December 2003. The park covers an area of 11.753 square kilometers and lies on the way to Vattavada, near Top Station, approximately 35 kilometers from Munnar town.
Terrain and Climate:
- The undulating terrain features hillocks at varying heights, ranging from 1600 meters to 2400 meters above sea level.
- Pampadum Shola enjoys a misty and cloudy climate throughout the year. The months from April to September are particularly pleasant and attract tourists.
Flora and Fauna:
- The park boasts a rich variety of habitat types:
  - 22 species of trees
  - 74 species of herbs and shrubs
  - 16 species of climbers
- Wildlife includes several threatened, rare, or endemic species:
  - Parantica nilgiriensis (Nymphalidae), restricted to South Indian hills and listed as threatened by IUCN, thrives here.
  - Other rare species include Libythea lepita, Pantoporia ranga, Rohana pariasatis, Zipoetis saintis, and Jamides dalecto.
  - Common animals found in the park are elephants, gaurs, leopards, wild boars, sambar deer, and common langurs.
Ecotourism:
- Visitors are treated to clear blue skies, clean air, lush meadows, and dense foliage teeming with flora and fauna.
- Explore the park through various ecotourism activities organized jointly by the Forest Department and local tribal Eco-development Committees (EDCs).
Wild Dog and Sambar Deer:
- Occasionally, wild dogs (Indian wild dogs or dholes) may be spotted in Pampadum Shola.
- Other wild animals present include sambar deer.