Bandipur National Park is one of the protected areas in India, located in the state of Karnataka. It is spread across 2 districts, namely Chamarajanagar and Mysuru. The park is listed under the UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a biodiversity hotspot of global importance.
The Bandipur National Park is a part of the Niligiri Biosphere Reserve along with others such as Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu, Wayanad in Kerala, and Nagarhole in Karnataka.
Bandipur was established as a National Park in the year 1974. Earlier, it was more of a hunting reserve for the Maharajas of Mysore. The Park lies in the Western Ghats, and so there are several endemic species existing here. The table provided below gives all details for an overview of the Bandipur National Park:
Bandipur National Park Overview | |
Particulars | Details |
Established in | 1974 |
Location | Karnataka (Chamarajanagar & Mysuru districts) |
Area | 874 sq.km |
Major Forest Types | Tropical dry deciduous and moist deciduous forests |
Key Species | Tiger, Asian Elephant, Leopard, Gaur, Sloth Bear, Spotted Deer, Peafowl, Grey Junglefowl, Hornbills, Eagles |
Conservation Programs | Project Tiger (since 1973) |
Nearby Protected Areas | Nagarhole (Karnataka), Mudumalai (Tamil Nadu), Wayanad (Kerala) |
The Bandipur National Park is dominated by tropical dry deciduous and moist deciduous forests. There are patches of shrublands and grassy expanses also present. It is also home to almost 200+ species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. The presence of such rich biodiversity makes Bandipur a crucial ecological zone in South India.
Major tree species include the following: Teak, Sandalwood, Rosewood, Indian Kino Tree, Bamboo, and Grasses.
Major Wildlife species include the following: Tiger, Asian elephant, Indian Leopard, Gaur, Sloth Bear, Wild Dogs, Spotted Deer, Four-horned antelope, and more.
Bandipur was one of the first nine tiger reserves established in India in 1973. It is located at the trijunction of the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. It is surrounded by the rivers Kabini in the North and Moyar in the south. It is a premier Tiger Reserve and National Park for nature and adventure lovers, as it offers some of the best safaris and the opportunity to spot some rare animals as well.
The areas in and around the Bandipur National Park have been inhabited by several local tribes and communities since a lot of years. These tribes and communities have their own culture, traditions, and values, which have been preserved for centuries. These cultural aspects highlight the human-nature relationship around Bandipur. Some of the important aspects of the cultural significance of the park include the following:
Tribal Communities: The Soliga and Jenu Kuruba tribes live near the forest and have a deep cultural connection with nature.
Livelihoods: Traditionally dependent on minor forest produce, shifting cultivation, and cattle grazing.
Sacred Groves and Beliefs: Local communities worship certain forest patches and species, reflecting an indigenous conservation ethic.
The Bandipur National Park is a protected area and is provided with the highest degree of protection under the Indian environmental laws. However, there still remain some major issues and challenges faced by the National Park, which need to be addressed. Addressing these challenges requires stronger conservation policies and better coordination between forest authorities and local communities. Some of them include the following:
Poaching: Illegal hunting of tigers, leopards, and elephants for skin, bones, and tusks.
Man-Animal Conflict: Crop raiding by elephants and livestock predation by tigers and leopards cause conflicts with nearby villages.
Habitat Fragmentation: Roads such as National Highway 766 pass through the forest, disturbing wildlife corridors.
Forest Fires: Seasonal fires damage habitats and threaten species survival.
Tourism Pressure: Unregulated tourism and excessive vehicle movement can stress wildlife.
Invasive Species: Plants like Lantana camara affect native vegetation.
Bandipur National Park was declared a Tiger Reserve in the year 1973 under the Project Tiger. It is one of the flagship conservation projects of India. Bandipur is also one of the first nine tiger reserves in India. Some of the other conservation efforts and projects being implemented at Bandipur National Park include the following:
Anti-Poaching Camps: Set up within the park to monitor illegal activities.
Community Involvement: Local communities are sensitized to reduce dependency on forest resources.
Wildlife Corridors: Efforts are made to ensure ecological connectivity between Bandipur, Nagarhole, Mudumalai, and Wayanad.
Fire Management: Controlled burning and early detection systems help prevent large-scale forest fires.
Strict Regulation of Tourism: Eco-tourism is promoted while restricting harmful practices.
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