Karnataka Key Protected Areas

Introduction

Karnataka is one of India’s most ecologically rich states, boasting a diverse range of flora and fauna. The state is home to several national parks, tiger reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and Ramsar sites, making it a vital region for biodiversity conservation. Below is an overview of these protected areas.

National Parks in Karnataka

National parks are designated areas set aside for the protection of wildlife and ecosystems. Karnataka has five prominent national parks:

• Bandipur National Park

• • Located in the Western Ghats, Bandipur is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

• • Known for its population of tigers, elephants, and other wildlife species.

• • It is also a part of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve.

• Nagarhole National Park

• • Also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, it lies adjacent to Bandipur.

• • Famous for its dense forests and large populations of tigers and elephants.

• • It forms part of the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve.

• Bannerghatta National Park

• • Situated near Bengaluru, this park features a biological park with a zoo and butterfly park.

• • It is known for its conservation efforts and houses various species like leopards and sloth bears.

• Kudremukh National Park

• • Located in the Chikkamagaluru district, this park is known for its scenic beauty and shola grasslands.

• • It protects species like the lion-tailed macaque and Malabar civet.

• Anshi National Park

• • Part of the Kali Tiger Reserve, it is located in the Uttara Kannada district.
  • Known for its biodiversity and unique flora.

Tiger Reserves in Karnataka

Karnataka plays a crucial role in tiger conservation under Project Tiger. The state has six tiger reserves:

• Bandipur Tiger Reserve

• • Established in 1973-74 as one of India’s first tiger reserves.

• • Covers an area of 1,456.3 sq km (core: 872.24 sq km; buffer: 584.06 sq km).

• Nagarhole Tiger Reserve

• • Known for its high density of tigers and excellent conservation practices.

• Bhadra Tiger Reserve

• • Located in the Chikkamagaluru district, it features lush forests and rivers.

• • Tigers share their habitat with leopards, gaurs, and other species.

• Biligiri Ranganatha Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve

• • Situated in the Biligirirangana Hills, this reserve is unique for its blend of Eastern and Western Ghats ecosystems.

• Kali Tiger Reserve

• • Encompasses Anshi National Park and Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary.

• • Known for its riverine ecosystems along the Kali River.

• Male Mahadeshwara Hills (MM Hills) Tiger Reserve

• • Declared in 2019, it is Karnataka’s newest tiger reserve.

• • Located in Chamarajanagar district, it serves as a critical corridor for wildlife movement.

Karnataka supports approximately 524 Royal Bengal Tigers as per the 2019 census, contributing significantly to India’s tiger population.

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Karnataka

Wildlife sanctuaries are areas designated to protect specific species or ecosystems. Karnataka has over 20 wildlife sanctuaries:

• Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

• • • Known for hornbills and other bird species.

• Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

• • • A UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate due to its biodiversity.

• Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

• • • Located near Coorg; home to elephants, leopards, and wild dogs.

• Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

• • • Famous for its endemic flora and fauna near Jog Falls.

Other notable sanctuaries include Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, and Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary.

Ramsar Sites in Karnataka

Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. Karnataka has two Ramsar sites:

• Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

• • Located near Mysuru on the banks of the Cauvery River.

• • A haven for migratory birds like painted storks and pelicans.

• Gundia Wetlands

• • Recently recognized for its ecological significance.
  • Supports diverse aquatic life and acts as a water source for nearby regions.

Flora and Fauna

Karnataka’s forests cover approximately 20% of its geographical area (38,720 sq km). The state harbors rich biodiversity due to its location within the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot:

• Fauna: Tigers, elephants (25% of India’s elephant population), leopards, Indian bison (gaur), lion-tailed macaques, Malabar civets, sloth bears.
• Flora: Teak, rosewood, sandalwood trees; shola forests; grasslands.

Conservation Challenges

Despite significant efforts at conservation through national parks, tiger reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and Ramsar sites, challenges persist:

• Habitat fragmentation due to urbanization and agriculture.
• Human-wildlife conflict in areas adjacent to protected zones.
• Poaching of endangered species like tigers and elephants.
• Encroachment into forest lands by local communities.