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The Southern part of India below the Vindhya Range is dominated by the Deccan plateau. This huge landmass was formed over a period of millions of years by continuous volcanic activity. Besides the plateau, the Western Ghats , Nilgiri hills, and the major rivers like Krishna, Godavari, Kaveri, Pennar and Tungabhadra form the vast expanse of the south Indian peninsula. A large percentage of the total land area is under forest cover. These forests are the habitat of a large number of wildlife species of South India, many of which are endangered. The National Parks in South India have been set up by the Government after the wildlife Protection Act became effective in 1972 for the protection of these species. Periyar, Bandipur, Bannerghata, Nagarahole, Silent Valley and Sri Venkateshwara are some of the famous National Parks in South India.
Fauna
South Indian wildlife is as varied as the region's geographic variations. The National Parks of South India support a large number of animal species, including many endangered and endemic species. The important animals inhabiting the forests of South India include elephants, tigers, leopards, panthers , sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, four horned antelope, Indian bison, Gaur, wild buffalo, giant flying squirrel, sloth bear, lion tailed macaques and wild boar.
A large number of birds can be found in these National Parks. These include many varieties of kingfishers, woodpeckers, quails, pigeons, parrots, hornbills, storks, owls, drongos, and cranes. Many migratory birds are seen in these parks every year during winter.
Flora
The flora found in the National Parks is a mix of deciduous, tropical dry forests and thorny scrub forests. The high altitude parts of the southern Western Ghats support dense rain forests. The coastal regions are home to the moist coastal vegetation. The Western Ghats are included among the biodiversity hotspots of the world. Sal, teak, bamboo, shola , eucalyptus , orchids and sandalwood are some of the important species found in these National Parks.
Conservation
The National Parks of South India are home to many endangered species of animals, birds and plants. Tigers, elephants, wild buffalo, Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur, and lion tailed macaque are a few of the long list of endangered animals that are under protection in these parks. Many of these national Parks, like the Periyar National Park and Bandipur National Park, also serve as tiger reserves. Bird sanctuaries like the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, and Pulicat Sanctuary provide protection to the various indigenous and migratory bird species of the region.
However, poaching and illegal felling of trees continue to be major problems facing the authorities in these forests.
Tourism
Due to increased Government intervention, Wildlife tourism in South India has received tremendous popularity during the recent years. The number of tourists visiting these National Parks is on the rise, thanks to the fine accommodation and other facilities provided to them in these parks. Conservation of the threatened species has also contributed to this rise in tourist interest. The Western Ghats have received special attention from conservationists from all over the world. This has led to an increasing number of foreign tourists visiting these parks every year.
Jetworldholidays.co.uk offers online information on National Parks in South India. For details or to make a booking, please fill up the form given below.
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