In News: A bird survey conducted at the Silent Valley National Park identified 141 species, of which 17 were new. So far, 175 species of birds have been spotted in Silent Valley.
About the survey
The survey was held in association with the Kerala Natural History Society.
Brown wood owl, Banded bay cuckoo, Malabar wood shrike, White-throated kingfisher, Indian nightjar, Jungle nightjar, and Large cuckoo shrike were among the 17 species newly identified in the Silent Valley.
Silent valley national park
Silent Valley National Park is a national park in Kerala, India.
It is located in the Nilgiri hills, has a core area of 89.52 km2 which is surrounded by a buffer zone of 148 km2
Declared national park in 1984, inaugurated in 1985
In 1914, Silent Valley forests were declared as Reserved Forest.
During 1921, it came under control of Palakkad Forest Division
This national park has some rare species of flora and fauna.
This area was explored in 1847 by the botanist Robert Wight.
It is located in the rich biodiversity of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Mukurthi peak, the fifth-highest peak in South India, and Anginda peak are also located in its vicinity.
Bhavani River, a tributary of Kaveri River, and Kunthipuzha River, a tributary of Bharathappuzha river, originate in the vicinity of Silent Valley.
The Kadalundi River has also its origin in Silent Valley.
41 mammals, 211 birds, 49 reptiles, 47 amphibians, 12 fishes, 164 butterflies and 400 species of moths are found here.
Lion tailed macaques is the flagship species of the Park.
The indigenous tribal groups that live within park boundaries include Irulas, Kurumbas, Mudugas and Kattunaikkars, the ethnic heritage of these communities is well protected.
Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary, New Amarambalam Reserved Forest, and Nedumkayam Rainforest in Nilambur Taluk of Malappuram district, Attappadi Reserved Forest in Mannarkkad Taluk of Palakkad district, and Mukurthi National Park of Nilgiris district, are located around Silent Valley National Park.
