Sri Venkateshwara National Park, located in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, is a national park and biosphere reserve. It spans over an area of 353 square kilometres. It is a delightful tourist destination famed for a number of exquisite waterfalls. Some of the prominent waterfalls of the region include Gunjana, Gundalakona and Talakona. In the year 2010 the Seshachalam hills was declared as a biosphere reserve of India by the Government of India and Sri Venkateshwara National Park was declared as a part of it.
Geography of Sri Venkateswara National Park
Sri Venkateswara National Park is situated in Eastern Ghats, over the Tirumala hills of Chittoor district and Seshachalam hills of Cuddapah district. The altitude of the region varies from 150 to 1,130 metres and comprises undulating terrain. The valleys of the national park are thickly covered with forest. The place mostly receives rainfall from northeast monsoon and a little from southwest monsoon. The vegetation of Sri Venkateswara National Park comprises a blend of moist deciduous and dry deciduous types. The average rainfall has been recorded to be 900 mm while the average temperature varies from 12 to 44 degree Celsius.
Flora of Sri Venkateswara National Park
Sri Venkateswara National Park is the home to about 1,500 species of vascular plants which belong to 174 families. Among these many of the species are endemic and rare. The rare plants found in this region include Psilotum nudam, Syzygium alternifolium, Cycas beddomei, Sandalwood, Terminalia pallida, Shorea thumburggaia, Shorea talura, Red Sanders and many others.
Fauna of Sri Venkateswara National Park
Asian Elephant was spotted in the southern part of Chittoor district in the year 1984, which was a rare incident that occurred after 300 years. Predators of the national park include Wild Dog, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Small Indian Civet, Indian Fox, Golden Jackal and Hyena. Sloth Bear and the nocturnal Slender Loris are also common here. Other animals found here include Wild Boar, Barking Deer, Four-horned Antelope, Mouse Deer, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Indian Giant Squirrel, Tree Shrew and many more. The deep forested valleys of the region are the shelters of Gliding Lizard, an intriguing species of reptiles. Golden Gecko is another significant reptile of the region which is the original inhabitant of the rocky ravines of Eastern Ghats.
Birds of Sri Venkateswara National Park
Sri Venkateswara National Park hosts about 178 species of birds among which many are endangered. It is the home to Yellow-throated Bulbul which is a globally threatened species. A Himalayan bird called Pompadour Green Pigeon can also be spotted here. Another critically endangered bird known as Oriental White-backed Vulture is also the inhabitant of this national park. Other common birds found in this national park are Loten`s Sunbird, Indian Scimitar-Babbler, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Blue-faced Malkoha and Large Hawk-Cuckoo.
Threats to Sri Venkateswara National Park
Sri Venkateswara National Park is facing threats owing to the construction and quarrying work. Upgradation of highways and construction of Kapil Teerthan Dam inside the park are major among them. Frequent forest fires are also causing much damage to the flora as well as fauna of the national park.
