Silent Valley National Park bird survey
Context
192 bird species were recorded in Silent Valley National Park during a comprehensive bird survey.
The survey was conducted March 6–8 across both core and buffer zones of the park.
About 85 birdwatchers from Kerala and Tamil Nadu participated.
Organised jointly by the Kerala Forest Department and the Malabar Natural History Society.
It was the first survey covering all forest camps of the national park.
Asian house martin
Western house martin
These migratory sightings highlight the international ecological connectivity of the region.
Western Ghats endemic birds documented (20 species)
Important endemic birds recorded include:
Nilgiri laughingthrush
Black-and-orange flycatcher
White-bellied treepie
Nilgiri pipit
White-bellied blue flycatcher
Nilgiri sholakili
This confirms the importance of the Western Ghats as a global biodiversity hotspot.
Evidence of breeding (11 species)
Breeding activity was observed in species such as:
Sri Lanka frogmouth
Indian nightjar
Bronzed drongo
Malabar trogon
Crimson-backed sunbird
Purple-rumped sunbird
Malabar imperial pigeon
Raptors recorded
The survey also noted a healthy population of birds of prey, including nocturnal raptors such as owls and nightjars, indicating a stable forest ecosystem.
Prelims pointers
Silent Valley National Park lies in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Located in Palakkad district of Kerala.
Drained by the Kunthipuzha River (tributary of the Bharathapuzha).
Kunthipuzha is one of the main tributaries of the Bharathapuzha, the second-longest river in Kerala.The Kunthipuzha originates from the Anginda peak in the Silent Valley National Park part of the Western Ghats in Kerala.
Known for tropical evergreen forests and high Western Ghats endemism.
Famous historical conservation movement: Silent Valley Hydroelectric Project controversy (1970s–80s).
Prelims Practice MCQ
Q. With reference to Silent Valley National Park, consider the following statements:
It lies within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
The Kunthipuzha River flows through the park.
It is known for tropical evergreen forests with high endemism of Western Ghats species.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Explanation: Silent Valley National Park in Kerala is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, drained by the Kunthipuzha River, and is famous for undisturbed tropical evergreen forests with high Western Ghats endemism.