Moyar Valley

March 28, 2024

Moyar valley is the biggest nesting colony of critically endangered Gyps vultures in the wild.

About Moyar Valley:

  • Location: It extends from Gudalur through the core area of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. This entire stretch is an important biome in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
  • It is sheltering several vital species like tiger and elephant and the critically endangered Gyps vulture. It is the only region in peninsular India where you have the biggest nesting colony of Gyps vultures in the wild.
  • How it supports Gyps population?
    • This valley offers plenty of wild kills and natural deaths of wildlife from Moyar village to Bhavanisagar.
    • This provides a stable food-chain to nature’s scavengers, simply because these carcasses are mostly free from NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) and other poisonous chemicals.

Key facts Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

  • It is located in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu, at the tri-junction of three states, viz, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
  • It lies on the Northeastern and Northwestern slopes of Nilgiri hills which is a part of the Western Ghats. It is part of the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, the first Biosphere Reserve in India.
  • It has a common boundary with Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) on the West, Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Karnataka) on the North, the Nilgiris North Division on the South and East, and Gudalur Forest Division on the South West.