The wetland was dominant with Juncus glaucus. Viola serpans and Centella asiatica was found at the base of Juncus glaucus in the ground level. Rorippa indica was found in the small stream running in between the wetland. Zantedeschia was found in small discrete patches. The following birds were sighted of Brahmni kite, Bulbul, Egret was […]
Governor shola
Rural We passed through a wetland through the Hungerford estate and this is like the top of the watershed. It is a Toda settlement – Kundah Kode mund. In local parlance wetlands are called “Hadda” and some of these may have been here before, according to a Toda elder. Lower down in the valley intensive […]
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
The Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve (5520 sq. km) in Southern India is an important region in the overall bio-diversity ranking in South Asia. It is home to several indigenous communities (>10 diverse ethnic groups) and the spread of flora and fauna available (several endemic species) in this mountain zone. The Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu is […]
Geology
Geologically, the Nilgiris belong to the Archean continental landmass of the Indian peninsula, composed of pre-Cambrian, mainly metamorphic rocks (gneisses, charnockites, and crystalline schist). Due to continental drift of the “Indian shield” which until late Jurassic times was a part of the ancient Gondwanaland – and coincident with the Himalayan orogenesis during the Cretaceous and […]
Drainage
The Nilgiris as a region can be divided into three strata of upper, middle and lower altitudinal zones. Each has a distinct vegetation and supports a variety of life forms and activities. The Nilgiris district can be divided into four basins Moyar Basin and its 24 rivers – draining mainly into the Bhavani […]
Forest Divisions
The NBR is spread over a large within three states and varied climatic zones. The forest divisions are as follows: Coimbatore Division Nilgiri South Division Nilgiri South Division Erode Division Satyamangalam Division Nilambur Division Mudumalai Sanctuary Wyanad Division Palghat Division Chamrajnagar Division Project Tiger Bandipur Mysore Division Hunsur Division
Moist Deciduous These forests are restricted to parts of Nilambur valley and even here they have been mostly converted to teak plantations. Wyanad plateau, the south western part of Nagarhole National Park, and western part of Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary also contain remnants of this type. Rainfall is around 3000-4000 mm with a dry season of […]
Moist Deciduous These forests are restricted to parts of Nilambur valley and even here they have been mostly converted to teak plantations. Wyanad plateau, the south western part of Nagarhole National Park, and western part of Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary also contain remnants of this type. Rainfall is around 3000-4000 mm with a dry season of […]
Semi Evergreen These forests are moist and occur as a transition zone between the Evergreen Forests and the Moist Deciduous Forests. The trees are slightly lower in height as compared to Evergreen Forests. They are usually found in the lower or more accessible regions of the Evergreen Forests. Buttressed trees are quite common, lianas are […]
Forest Types
Evergreen Forest These forests form a major portion of the western part of the reserve and are characterized by giant trees, multilayered species variation and luxuriant vegetation. The giant lofty trees can go upto a height of 150 feet or more and are often supported by huge buttresses. These trees offer refuge to a multitude […]
