A bird survey conducted at Silent Valley National Park in the Nilgiri hills in Kerala has identified a total of 175 species out of which 17 were new.

The survey, which took place between December 27 and 29, marked the 30th anniversary of the first bird survey at Silent Valley. 30 bird watchers and forest department officials participated in the survey held in association with the Kerala Natural History Society.

17 new species

The 17 new species identified in the Silent Valley spanning over 85 sq km  include the banded bay cuckoo, brown wood owl, Malabar woodshrike, white-throated kingfisher, Indian nightjar, jungle nightjar, and large cuckooshrike.

Silent Valley National Park is rich in avian population. Other important and most commonly spotted avians at  the park are Crimson-backed sunbird, Yellow-browed bulbul, Black bulbul, Indian white-eye and Indian swiftlet.

Silent Valley National Park: Key Takeaways

Located on the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Silent Valley National Park is a protected area of 89.52 km2 (34.56 sq mi) that is rich in flora and fauna.

Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary, New Amarambalam Reserved Forest, and Nedumkayam Rainforest in Nilambur Taluk of Malappuram district, Attappadi Reserved Forest in Mannarkkad Taluk of Palakkad district, and Mukurthi National Park of Nilgiris district, are located around Silent Valley National Park.

Surrounded by a buffer zone of 148 km2 (57 sq mi), the Silent Valley National Park is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which has been established with the specific objective of conserving the biological heritage of the region.

Mukurthi peak and Anginda peak are also located in the vicinity of Silent Valley National Park.

Rivers

Bhavani River, a tributary of Kaveri River, and Kunthipuzha River, a tributary of Bharathappuzha river, also known as (Nila or Ponnani River), originate in the vicinity of Silent Valley. The Kadalundi River has also its origin in Silent Valley.

Tribes

The indigenous tribal groups that are indigenous to the area are Mudugas, Irulas, Kattunaikkars and Kurumbas.