The regeneration of shola species, combined with the removal of invasives, could help replenish streams and other water sources in the Nilgiris. “I have lived here for the last 25 years, and I can see that the shola trees are returning. The rejuvenation of the indigenous trees on Elk Hill has brought back birds and other wildlife to the hill, with frequent spotting of scores of gaur, Nilgiri langur, wild boar and barking deer. “The Elk Hill reserve forest forms part of a contiguous habitat for wildlife as it provides a connective corridor for wildlife at Cairn Hill, Doddabetta and the Segur Plateau, and Mukurthi. Elk Hill was previously a patch of pristine grassland with rocky outcrops, but the introduction of exotic tree species had fundamentally altered the character of the soil make-up.

Source: The Hindu January 26, 2017 03:33 UTC