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KARNATAKA
STATE -Wildlife
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CitiesHillsWildlife
Coastal region : The district of Uttara Kannada and parts
of Belgaum constitute the northern most sector of the hill tracts
of Karnataka. In this region, as per observed data, the gaur are
scattered, sambar are much more widely distributed. Wild pig is
most abundant and spotted deer is seen in majority of areas. Elephants
are found scattered over a wide region. The Carnivores-tigers, panthers
and wild dogs occur in low populations. This region was extremely
rich in wild life in the past especially tiger and gaur.
Crestline of Western Ghats : This region lies south of Uttar
Kannada. There is a narrow belt of forests following this crestline
of Ghats. The vegetation ranges from evergreen to moist deciduous.
Most of the major animals occur in this region but their population
on the whole is very poor. Only a few isolated herds of elephants
are found here. The gaur and sambar are frequently seen while the
spotted deer occurs sporadically. Barking deer and sloth bear are
also reported to be present. Wild pig is omni present. The Carnivores-
tigers, panthers and wild dogs are present but their occurrence
rating is very low. This region is a poor habitat for most large
herbivores and consequently for carnivores.
Malnad : This is characterised by dry and moist deciduous
vegetation. The area is marked by conspicuous hills like the Bababudangiri
range. This region has one of the best wildlife concentrations only
second to Mysore plateau in the State, harbouring populations of
elephants, gaur, sambar, spotted deer, wild pig etc. The anthropogenic
pressures over this area are much less and hence the wildlife is
somewhat less molested. The presence of perennial rivers, reservoirs
and plenty of bamboos, grass and other fodder species with a moderate
rainfall makes this region an ideal habitat for elephants.
Mysore plateau : The western edge of Mysore Plateau, flanked
on three sides by the southern most ranges of the Sahyadris, Nilgiris
and eastern spur of hills towards the Biligirirangan hills, is an
undulating plain and is covered by moist and dry deciduous forests.
This area has the richest wildlife concentrations in South India,
harbouring large herds of elephants, spotted deer, wild pig, wild
dog, sloth bear, gaur, sambar and occasionaly tigers and cats.
Kollegal Hills : This hilly area is an eastern spur of the
Western Ghats. Apart from the moist deciduous or semi-evergreen
forests on these hills, the rest of the region is covered by dry
deciduous forest mostly degraded into scrub. Elephant, sambar, spotted
deer, wild pig occur throughout this region. The wild dogs have
fairly extensive distribution, though tiger, gaur and panther are
much more restricted. Almost all the wild life species occur in
this region in small numbers except elephants.
Forests: Karnataka State has a geographical area of 1,91,791
sq.km of which 38.724 sq.km (20 per cent) is under the control of
the Forest Department. The forests are classified as reserved (28,611
sq.km), protected (3,932 sq.km), unclassified (5,748 sq.km), village
(124 sq.km) and private (309 sq.km). The percentage of forest area
to geographical in the State is less than the all-India average
of about 23%, and 33% prescribed in the National Forest Policy.
The Wild & Winsome:
Bandipur
Bheemeshwari
Bhadra
Biligiri
Kabini
Nagarahole
Ranganathittu
Bison
River resort- Dandeli
Bandipur
Nesting
in the foothills of the Nilgiris, the Bandipur National Park was
formed by extending the Venugopal Wildlife Park, set up in 1931
by the Mysore Maharajas. It is one of the tiger reserves in the
country. A popular game resort of the rulers of Mysore, the flora
in the forest comprises Teak, Rosewood, Honne, Mathi, Bamboo and
Sandal Trees. The important animals in the park are Tiger, Elephant,
Gaur, Leopard, Chital and Sambar. Birds like the Peafowl, Partridge,
Quail, Hornbill and Ibis are also found here. Apart from these,
Dhole(wild dog), Sambar, Muntjac or Barking Deer, Giant Squirrel
and sometimes Sloth Bear and Nocturnal Porcupine and Blacknaped
hare may be seen in the sanctuary. Lone Deer wondering in the Forest
Well planned motorable roads close to the perennial and seasonal
water points, and adequate open space in the jungle allow visitors
to observe animals closely, particularly elephant herds, by car.
It is always advisable to maintain a safe distance from these large
animals even if you are in your car. Pug marks on soft earth in
the permissible tourism zone attest to the presence of tigers, though
they are rarely sighted. Much less seen is the leopard, the other
major carnivore. Visitors can hire elephants or a vehicle to go
round the park. They can also visit the nearby Mudumalai wildlife
sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. The Moyar river forms a natural boundary
between the two.
Bheemeshwari
Lying
between Shivanasamudra falls and Mekedatu falls is Bheemeshwari,
A perfect picnic spot where nature has created a natural habitat
for the Mahseer fish and a variety of exciting animals. Crocodiles
relaxing in the sun Bheemeshwari in Mandya district is an ideal
place for viewing wildlife and a relaxing holiday. The lush forest
sheltered by steep valleys and scattered by little streams, invites
large groups of animals. Birds like Heron, Ibis, Cormorant, Kingfisher
have all made their home here.. You can see herds of elephants
amongst the thick trees. Deer springing in the air. Wild boars,
monkeys, jackals, crocodiles, otters and even leopards ! And what's
more exciting is a Fishing Camp! The banks of the River Cauvery
provide enthusiastic anglers a chance to try their luck at fishing.
The Cauvery is abounds with Mahseer-the finest game fish (weighing
100 lbs) that can fight like a tier! The Fishing Camp here have
comfortable tents equipped with all basic facilities like cots,
mosquito nets, shower, toilet and even a kitchen. Food is served
in the 'Gol-Ghar', the open air dining room.
Bhadra
The
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in the Chikmagalur & Shimoga Districts,
is one of the most fascinating sanctuaries. Sheltering some exquisite
flora & fauna. The great Indian Gaur, Barking Deer, Flying Fox,
Mongoose, Elephant, Panther, Macaque, Babbler, Barbet, Bluejay,
Kingfisher, Robin, Weaver Bird, Drongo
.have all made their home
here. It is a real wild excitement to visit Bhadra.
Biligiri
120
Kms from Mysore & 247 Kms from Bangalore, the Biligirirangana
range of hills are picturesquely situated between the Cauvery
& the Tungabhadra rivers. At a height of 5,091 feet above sea
level, this hill stretches from north to south for about 16 Kms.
All round are decidous trees. And roaming amidst the long grass
and tall trees are animals. Plenty of them! So if you're looking
for a cool time with a little bit of wild excitement thrown in,
welcome to B.R.Hills. Wake up to the chirping of birds & humming
of bees. Breathe in fresh, clean air. Take a stroll through the
sylvan surroundings. And let the cool breeze blow your cares away.
As the day quietly slips into night, watch the stars come out,
one by one. The moon casts a silver light. And some where in the
distance you hear a tiger roar.
Kabini
Kabini, a scenic delight was
once the hunting lodge of the erstwhile Mysore Maharajahs.Nestled
amidst the Karapur Forest lies a pristine piece of land that abounds
with nature.The steep valleys with rich forests, spectacular pools
and rapids provide an ideal opportunity to revive your adventurous
spirits.A
view from the Kabini River Lodge proves to be absolutely breathtaking.
Patches of bright blue pools hidden between the trees, the sun
peeping through the thick forest and animals roaming free. Elephants
playing catch, Leopards on the prowl, Antelopes jumping across
the bushes, Or may be even a tigress with her cubs. These are
indeed pictures that you'll treasure for a lifetime.Kabini is
the best place to view such things.
Nagarahole
Nagarahole is derived from
the combination of two Kannada words-'nagar' meaning snake and
'hole' meaning streams and true to its name a number of streams
snake through its rich tropical forests. Nagarahole is situated
in the picturesque districts of Kodagu and Mysore in southern
Karnataka. The Nagarahole National Park was first set up in 1955.
In 1975 its area was increased to include a greater expanse of
forest reserve. Once an exclusive hunting preserve of the erstwhile
rulers of Mysore, the terrain of this Park is gently undulating
with lush green vegetation, swamps and numerous water resources,
rendering it an ideal habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.
Ranganathittu
The Sanctuary here is a paradise
for wildlife enthusiasts. Crocodiles basking under the sun, otters
running free, flocks of birds gathered on tiny islands.Ranganathittu
is indeed a visual height. Birds come Siberia, Australia and even
North America can be spotted here.It may be the Open-Bill Stork,
The White Ibis, Egret, Heron, Partridge or even the Cormorant.
Bison River Resort (Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary)
Located on the scenic banks
of the magnificent River Kali, a short drive from Dandeli Wildlife
Sanctuary, lies Bison River Resort. It is a deluxe property designed
on the lines of other Indian Adventures properties.
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