Eravikulam National Park gets a fernarium

Eravikulam National Park gets a fernarium

Subject: Environment

Section: Places in news

Context: Eravikulam National Park (ENP) in Kerala, the natural habitat of the Nilgiritahr in Munnar, has a new attraction — a fernarium set up inside the park. According to officials, this is the first time such a fern collection is being set up in the hill station.

Eravikulam National Park:

• Eravikulam National Park is a protected area located in the Idukki district of Kerala, India. It was established in 1978 to protect the endangered Nilgiritahr, which is endemic to the Western Ghats.
• Eravikulam National Park is located in the Western Ghats, in the Idukki district of Kerala. It covers an area of 97 square kilometers.
• Eravikulam National Park is known for its unique montane grassland ecosystem, which is found in the higher altitudes of the Western Ghats.
• Highest peak south of the Himalayas – the Anamudi is located here.
• Park receives heavy showers during the southwest (June/July) and retreating (October/November) Monsoons and is one of the wettest area of the World.
• The park is home to a number of endemic plant species, including the Neelakurinji, which blooms once every 12 years.
• The park is home to a number of species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. The most famous resident of the park is the Nilgiritahr, a species of mountain goat that is endemic to the Western Ghats.
• Other mammal species found in the park include the Indian muntjac, Indian porcupine, and stripe-necked mongoose. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the Nilgiri pipit, Nilgiri wood pigeon, and Nilgiri flycatcher.
• The Nilgiritahr population in the park has been threatened by habitat loss and poaching. The park also faces threats from invasive plant species and tourism-related activities.

Fernarium:

• A fernarium is a specialized greenhouse or botanical garden that is devoted to the cultivation and study of ferns. It is a facility where ferns and their close relatives, such as mosses and liverworts, are grown, displayed and studied.
• Fernariums are designed to create the ideal conditions for growing ferns, including appropriate levels of humidity, temperature, light, and ventilation. They typically have a variety of specialized equipment, such as misting systems, humidifiers, and shading devices, to maintain these conditions.
• Fernariums are important resources for the study of ferns and their ecology, as they provide a controlled environment for experimentation and observation. They also serve as centers for conservation efforts, as many fern species are threatened or endangered due to habitat destruction and other human activities.
• Fernariums are popular tourist attractions, as they provide an opportunity for visitors to see and learn about a diverse range of fern species from around the world.

Ferns

• A fern (Polypodiopsida or Polypodiophyta) is a member of a group of vascular plants (plants with xylem and phloem).
• They are some of the oldest plants on Earth, having first appeared more than 300 million years ago. There are over 10,000 known species of ferns, which are found in a wide variety of habitats around the world, from tropical rainforests to arid deserts and from sea level to high altitudes.
• They grow naturally in a soilless condition. The plants obtain water and nutrients through leaching from trees.
• Ferns have a unique life cycle that includes both sexual and asexual reproduction. The sexual reproductive phase involves the production of spores, which are dispersed by wind or water and grow into new plants. The asexual reproductive phase involves the growth of rhizomes, which are underground stems that produce new leaves and roots.
• Ferns are unique among plants in that they do not have flowers or seeds. Instead, they reproduce by means of spores, which are produced in structures called sporangia.
• Ferns are important plants in many ecosystems, providing food and shelter for a variety of animals. They also play a role in soil conservation, as their deep root systems help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion. Many fern species have medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.