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Tamil Nadu Wetlands Mission

Longwood Shola Reserve Forest

Shola forests are tropical montane forests found in the valleys separated by rolling grasslands in higher elevations. The Shola forests of South India derive their name from the Tamil word, "Solai", which means a ‘tropical rain forest’. Classified as ‘Southern Montane Wet Temperate Forest’ by experts Harry George Champion and SK Seth, the Sholas are found in the upper reaches of the Nilgiris, Anamalais, Palni hills, Kalakadu, Mundanthurai and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. They occur only in the valleys where there the occurrence of the fog and mist is low. The Longwood Shola Reserve Forest is the only major area of natural shola forest remaining is in the immediate vicinity of the Kothagiri village. Though relatively small in area, it is highly important to the whole Kothagiri region as it harbours a variety of endemic flora and fauna. This Site is one of the key conservation areas of endangered Black-chinned Nilgiri Laughing thrush (Strophocincla cachinnans), Nilgiri Blue Robin (Myiomela major), and vulnerable Nilgiri Wood-pigeon (Columba elphinstonii) (Bird Life International, 2014). It is home to several important bird species as 14 out of 26 species that are endemic to the Western Ghats region are found here. It is adjacent to the eastern slopes of the Nilgiris and consequently harbours some species of lower elevations. It is surround by tea plantations. Like other sholas of the Nilgiris, Longwood Shola is also classified as Southern Montane Wet Temperate Forest by Champion & Seth (1968). Tall trees of 20 m are still seen in this Shola. Evergreen plant species in this Site include Actinodaphne bourdillonii, Ilex denticulata, Litsea wightiana, Michelia nilagirica, Microtropis ramiflora, Pithecellobium subcoriaceum, Symplocos pendula, Syzgium arnottianum, Eurya nitida, Photina notoniana, Ternstroemia japonica, Berberis tinctoria, Hedyotis stylosa, Leucas suffruticosa and Smithia blanda. Many species of the Himalayan affinity are found in the Nilgiris, which also includes this Site. Despite its small size (116 ha), this Site qualifies for two criteria to be included as one of the Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs): A1 (Threatened species) and A2 (Endemic Bird Area 123: Western Ghats). Though there is a history of encroachment and habitat loss in this Site, it is actively protected by a conservation group of local residents named, "Longwood Shola Watchdog Committee.

Salient Features

International bird and biodiversity area code: IN-TN- 15, By supplying thousands of cubic meters of water to 18 villages downstream the site acts as a major water source for Kotagiri region

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Location The Nilgris
Area 116.007 hectares
Wetland Type Inland wetlands - Fresh water > Flowing water >> Seasonal/ intermittent/ irregular rivers/ streams/ creeks
Date of Designation 24-05-2023
Ramsar Site No. 2538

Values and Benefits

  • Supporting Services
  • Pollination
  • Biodiversity
  • Nutrient cycling
  • Soil formation
  • Provisioning Services
  • Fresh water
  • Regulating Services
  • Maintenance of hydrological regimes
  • Erosion protection
  • Climate regulation
  • Cultural Services
  • Recreation and tourism
  • Scientific and educational
  • Spiritual and inspirational

Threats

  • Climate change & severe weather
  • Temperature extremes
  • Geological events
  • Avalanches/landslides
  • Pollution
  • Household sewage
  • urban waste water
  • Industrial and military effluents
  • Agricultural and forestry effluents
  • Invasive and other problematic species and genes
  • Invasive non-native/ alien species
  • Natural system modifications
  • Fire and fire suppression
  • Dams and water management/use
  • Human intrusions & disturbance
  • Recreational and tourism activities
  • Biological resource use
  • Hunting and collecting terrestrial animals
  • Logging and wood harvesting
  • Transportation and service corridors
  • Roads and railroads
  • Energy production and mining
  • Renewable energy
  • Agriculture & aquaculture
  • Annual and perennial non-timber crops
  • Livestock farming and ranching
  • Water regulation
  • Drainage
  • Water releases
  • Canalisation and river regulation
  • Human settlements (non agricultural)
  • Housing and urban areas
  • Commercial and industrial areas
  • Tourism and recreation areas

Ramsar Criteria

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Management Authority PWD

Species of Global Conservation Significance

Notable Species: 57

Endangered: 22
Vulnerable: 20
Critical Endangered: 15

Species Count

Birds 9
Fishes 13
Plants 12
Mammals 12
Reptiles & Ambhibians 11
Odonates 19

Site Images