Mukurthi National Park

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About Mukurthi National Park

It is located in the western corner of Nilgiris Plateau in the state of Tamil Nadu.
It is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
It is sandwiched between the Mudumalai National Park and the Silent Valley National Park.
It was established with the prime motive of conserving its keystone species – the Nilgiri Tahr.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was formerly known as Nilgiri Tahr National Park.
It is also home to Mukurthi Peak (2,554m), the fourth highest peak in the Nilgiri Hills.
Rivers: Pykara and Kundah rivers flow through the park along with several perennial streams that originate in the park and drain into the Bhavani Puzha.
Vegetation:
- The majority of the landscape in the reserve is covered with shrubs and mountainous grasslands.
- The areas which are at an elevation and experience high rainfall are covered with sholas and lush green tropical grasslands.
Flora:
- Sholas, Gaultheria fragrantissima, Helichrysum and Berberis tinctoria, Rhododendrons, Cinnamon, Mahonia, Satyrium, Raspberries etc.
Fauna: Nilgiri tahr, Indian elephants, Nilgiri Langur, Bengal tiger and bonnet macaque etc.

Q1) What are UNESCO World Heritage Sites?

A World Heritage Site (WHS) is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by the UNESCO under the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, established in 1972.

Source: T.N. Forest Department to investigate private helicopter’s unauthorized flyby over Mukurthi National Park