Mudumalai means old hills. It was one of the first wildlife
sanctuaries in the country and is also one of the most beautiful.
In summer, the deciduous trees shed their green leaves and adopt
a floral garb. With the arrival of the monsoons, fruits and
tender greens surface. Mudumalai is actually made up of a number
of old forest shooting blocks -- Kargudi, Theppakkadu and Masinagudi,
set up for big game. Today they are a safe refuge for the largest
land mammal on earth, the elephant. Gaur are also found in large
numbers. Both cross over to and from Bandipur and large herds
are easily seen. Splendid specimens of chital and sambar complete
the picture of paradise in which the tiger also roams.
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| The sanctuary is mainly an elephant preserve,
with over 600 pachyderms here, the largest concentration of
elephants in India. Local migrations do occur but there are
about 400 individuals in the reserve at any given time. They
can be found near the river in summer and during the rains roam
throughout the sanctuary. As for predators, there are more panthers
than tigers. You can also see jackals on the hunt for smaller
animals.
At least three different packs of dholes or wild dogs are
operational in Mudumalai, largely preying on deer.
The sloth bear is drawn to fruit, honey and termites, while
the small mouse deer or the Indian chevrotain seek hideouts
in the grasses or small bushes. Chital, sambar, gaur, tiger,
panther, dhole, sloth bear and the wild boar are among the
other denizens of the park. The reticent gaur is a survivor
who has successfully overcome the 1968 rinderpest epidemic.
Fawns can be seen in large clusters in the summer.
Mangalapatti, the thorny eastern end of Mudumalai, is populated
with the blackbuck but in the heart of the forest there are
only isolated sightings. Areas with thick vegetal cover in
the moist deciduous regions host a profusion of barking deer
or muntjac.
You can see the chausingha in dry lands between the deciduous
forests and the areas serrated with profuse growth of scrub
Jungle cats, porcupine, mongoose and civet are other residents.
Snakes and lizards camouflage themselves in the scrub and
the common monitor lazes at ease on the roads Bonnet macaques
help disperse fruit seeds; you can't miss them on their frivolous
excursions along the riverside and near fruiting trees.
You can also spot the Malabar giant squirrel on tall trees
in the forested areas. Otters and crocodiles, both of whom
hunt fish, populate the Moyar River. The croaking of frogs
is part of the jungle chorus during the monsoons.
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| Over 300 species of birds have been recorded in
Mudumalai. Woodland species predominate as in the nearby Bandipur
Sanctuary. Large impressive birds like the Malabar Grey Hornbill
and the Malabar Great Black Woodpecker with its striking crimson
chest are common sights. The loud drumming of the woodpecker
as it hammers out insects from tree barks is often heard. The
Racket-tailed Drongo, Whitebellied Drongo and the Grey Drongo
are the morning songbirds.
Summer is drowsy with the sound of barbets and grackles (Hill
Mynahs), parakeets and cuckoos as they excitedly savour the
fruits from the trees. The pretty Malabar Trogon is also seen
around in the heavily wooded area. However, the preferred
dwelling of the Crested Hawk Eagle is dry terrain and an open
canopy. The Crested Serpent Eagle can be seen atop tall bare
trees surveying the area for prey. Vultures and owls also
roam these skies. The Small Collared Scops Owl generally remains
well camouflaged amidst deadwood and rotten boughs, although
you can hear its characteristic call loud and clear.
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