Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the finest and most attractive wildlife sanctuaries in south India. Located in the most picturesque surroundings of the hilly terrain of the Western Ghats, the Mudumalai National Park covers an area of approximately 321 sq km. The Mysore-Ooty highway runs through the Park, following the course of the Moyar River, which separates Mudumalai National Park from the famous Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka. The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is also a part of the famous Nilgiri Bio-sphere Reserve of India.
Endowed with a moderate climate and diverse geographical features, the Mudumalai National Park supports a wide variety of flora and fauna. The wildlife in the Mudumalai National Park mainly comprises of predators and a variety of birds. The sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds belonging to 48 families. In predators, the Asiatic Wild Dog or Dhole is most prominent wild animal in the park, known for its ferocity. Even Tigers and Leopards think twice before challenging them, especially when Dholes are in a group. The Dholes are most commonly seen in the eastern part of the Mudumalai National Park, where the vegetation is scant.
For your ease the wildlife in the Mudumalai National Park can be divided into the following categories.
The Mammals: The major wildlife in the Mudumalai National Park include the Asian elephant, Tiger, Leopard, Gaur, Hyena, Jackal, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Chital, Muntjac, Mouse Deer, Wild Boar, Stripe-necked Mongoose, Nilgiri Tahr (adjoining areas), Porcupine, Giant Flying Squirrel, Bonner Macaque, Barking Deer, Four-horned Antelope, Otter and Langurs.
The Birds: The Mudumalai National Park is known for its avian population. The park is home to over 200 species of birds belonging to 48 families, enough to attract thousands of ornithologists and bird lovers to the park. The major birds found in the Mudumalai National Park include the Crested Hawk Eagles, Crested Serpent Eagle, Malabar Trogon, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Large Racket-Tailed Drongos, Spotted Babbler, Green Pigeons, Brown Dove, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Parakeets, Bulbuls, Cuckoos, Hornbills, Scops Owl, Tiny-eared Owl, Black Woodpecker, Mynas, Barbets, Buzzards, Harriers, Falcons and the King Vulture.
The Reptiles: The reptile population in the Mudumalai National Park mainly consists of the Crocodiles and Pythons. Common Krait and Bamboo Pit Snake are the other major reptiles in the park. The park also supports a variety of turtles, frogs and amphibians.
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