history
Until late 18th century, the forests of the sanctuary were under the control of the Nilambar Tirumalapad religious sect (Tirumalapad Kovilagam). In 1927 the area was declared a reserved forest. The park was created in 1940 to become the first wildlife sanctuary in South India. Originally 62 km2 (24 sq mi), the sanctuary was enlarged to 295 km2 (114 sq mi) in 1956. In 1958 the sanctuary was extended to 318.7 km2 (123.1 sq mi) and subsequently to its present size of 321 km2 (124 sq mi). The sanctuary is contiguous with Bandipur National Park (874 km2 (337 sq mi)), Wynad Wildlife Sanctuary (344 km2 (133 sq mi)) and Sigur and Singara reserve forests.
The park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. There are 48 tigers in the Nilgiri Reserve across which tigers are free to roam. In April, 2007, the Tamil Nadu state government declared Mudumalai as a Tiger Reserve, under section 38V of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, in an effort to conserve the country's dwindling Tiger populations. Subsequently, about 350 families living in the core area have been evicted from the park and given 1 million rupee ($20,800) compensation. Those in the 5 km buffer area around the park fear they too will be evicted, however, nobody will be dislodged from the buffer zone. In fact, some people in this zone will be involved in the project as trackers and guides to enhance their income through eco-tourism
history
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