Silent Valley National Park

In a recent odonate survey (focused on dragonflies and damselflies) conducted in Silent Valley National Park, six new species of these fascinating insects were discovered.

About Silent Valley National Park

Silent Valley National Park is a pristine stretch of wet evergreen forest located in the Nilgiri Hills of Kerala, South India. It is one of the last undisturbed tropical rainforests in the country and serves as a critical part of India's biodiversity conservation efforts.

Key Features:

Location: Situated in the southwest corner of the Nilgiris, within the Western Ghats, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 2012).
Size: Covers an area of 237.52 sq.km.
Altitude: The park’s elevation ranges between 658 to 2383 meters above sea level.
Water Source: The park is nourished by the Kunthipuzha River, which meanders through the dense forests.

Why is it Called "Silent Valley"?

The name “Silent Valley” refers to the absence of cicadas, which are typically found in many forests and produce loud buzzing sounds. The park is known for its quiet and tranquil environment, making it a unique ecological area.

Biodiversity of Silent Valley National Park

Silent Valley is one of the richest biodiversity hotspots in India, with a wide variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to the Western Ghats.

Flora:

200 species of liverworts and 200 algae.
Medicinal plants: The park is home to several plants with high medicinal value.
Notable Trees: The towering Culinea trees are one of the iconic features of this park.

Fauna:

Silent Valley is also known for being home to several rare and endangered species:

Lion-tailed macaque: An endangered primate endemic to the Western Ghats, often considered the park's flagship species.
Nilgiri langur, Malabar giant squirrel, and the Indian elephant are some of the other key mammals in the park.
Predators: Tiger, leopard, and gaur (Indian bison).
Birdlife: Over 200 species of birds, including the great Indian hornbill, Nilgiri wood pigeon, and a range of eagles and owls.

Source: THE HINDU

Join Our Telegram

India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreem

India–Azerbaijan

05 Apr, 26
SHARE

A year after tensions arising from Operation Sindoor, India and Azerbaijan have taken steps to restore and normalise bilateral relations. The 6th round of Foreign Office Consultations, held in Baku, marked the first such engagement since 2022, signaling renewed diplomatic momentum. Recent Diplomatic Engagement During the consultations, bo

India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreem

04 Apr, 26
SHARE

The India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement has completed four years since its signing. Both countries now aim to build on this progress through strengthened collaboration and ambitious targets, including reaching AUD 100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. What is the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Tra

ADR Report on Political Funding

03 Apr, 26
SHARE

A recent report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) analyses donations of ?20,000 or more declared to the Election Commission of India (ECI) by national political parties for FY 2024–25, highlighting transparency and accountability in political financing. Key Findings Massive Funding Surge Total donations to nationa

Maritime Chokepoints

03 Apr, 26
SHARE

Maritime chokepoints are narrow channels along global shipping routes where maritime traffic is concentrated. These points are geopolitically and economically critical, as they handle a large proportion of global trade, especially energy shipments. Current Relevance Over two-thirds of seaborne energy trade passes through a handful o

US-Israel-Iran War

01 Apr, 26
SHARE

Following the launch of Operation Epic Fury (U.S.) and Operation Roaring Lion (Israel), the geopolitical landscape has shifted fundamentally with the confirmed death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Iran retaliated through Operation True Promise 4, launching missile attacks against Israel and nearby Gulf states. The escala