Mukurthi National Park, Location, Flora and Fauna

Discover Mukurthi National Park in the Nilgiris, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and vital habitat for the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Explore its unique shola-grassland ecosystem, biodiversity, and conservation efforts.

Context: An expert panel of the MoFCC has granted permission to carry out an environmental impact assessment (EIA) study for the proposed Upper Bhavani pumped hydropower project to a location in the Nilgiri hills, which is 1 km away from Mukurthi National Park.

About Mukurthi National Park

Location: Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu, within Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Reason for Creation: The National Park was created to protect the Nilgiri tahr.
Vegetation: Montane grasslands and shrublands interspersed with sholas.
Fauna: Nilgiri tahr, Indian elephant, Bengal tiger, Nilgiri marten, Nilgiri langur.
River: River Pykara (Originates from Mukurthi peak).
- The river is sacred to the Toda tribe (which live inside the park).