Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Karnataka

Situated in Karnataka, Bandipur Tiger Reserve is an ecological confluence of the Eastern and Western Ghats of India. According to the 2018 Tiger Census, Karnataka has the second largest population of tigers in India after Madhya Pradesh.

In addition, this tiger reserve and national park is rich with thriving flora and fauna. Being a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, it is home to several unique and diverse species of various families. A detailed understanding of this topic is essential for individuals aspiring to crack the UPSC exam.

On that note, this article contains an extensive discussion on this tiger reserve that can be helpful for IAS preparation and other such competitive exams as well.

Tiger is the National Animal of India and also has a significant position in Indian culture. IAS aspirants can read about Tiger Conservation in India at the linked article.

Kickstart your UPSC 2022 preparation now and complement it with the links given below:

Geographical Features of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park

Location: It is located in Chamarajanagar and Mysore revenue districts of southern Karnataka in India.

Co-ordinates: Its latitudinal extension is 11° 35’ 34” to 11° 55’ 02”, and the longitudinal extension is 76° 12’ 17” and 76° 51’ 32”.

Area: It encompasses a total area of 1456.309 sq. km. which is divided into 4 zones as follows:

  • Core Zone or Perilous Tiger Habitat: 872.24 sq. km.
  • Buffer Zone or Peripheral Region: 118.279 sq. km.
  • Forest Area: 465.79 sq. km.
  • Non-Forest Area: 584.069 sq. km.

Height: Its height ranges from 780m to 1455m above the mean sea level.

Rivers: This area has the River Kabini in its north and River Moyar in its south. Along with that, River Nugu flows across this national park.

Highest Point: The HimavadGopalaswamyBetta hill is the highest point of this area.

Climate: The annual temperature of this area varies between 10°C at the lowest and 35°C at the highest.

Rainfall: Bandipur experiences an average rainfall of 1200mm annually.

Neighbourhood: Mudumalai Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary of Kerala are situated in the south and southwest of this park, respectively. On top of that, it has the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve in the northwest.

Nearest Town: Gundulpet (20 km away)

Historical Background of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve

The Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park in India has been roping in tourists due to its fascinating wildlife and natural beauty. It was established in the 1930s as a wildlife sanctuary, which in 1973 became a tiger reserve. The reason behind selecting it to develop as a tiger reserve was to initiate the Project Tiger Scheme. It was one of the chosen sanctuaries to protect endangered tigers and their natural habitat.

Also, read:

National Tiger Conservation Authority

Tiger Census Report

Global Tiger Forum

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

National Animal of India (Royal Bengal Tiger) – Key Facts

Importance of Tiger Conservation: RSTV- Big Picture

Flora of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve

  • Towards the eastern part of this area, tourists can find shrubs consisting of grassy patches, dwarf trees and dispersed bushes.
  • On the other hand, the north-eastern part of this national park comprises diverse vegetation of dry deciduous to tropical mixed deciduous forests.
  • The forest trees include rosewood, Indian kino tree, sandalwood, Indian laurel, clumping bamboo and giant clumping bamboo.
  • Some significant floral and fruiting plants are Kadam tree, black myrobalan, axlewood or dhawra, Indian gooseberry, indigo berry, golden shower tree or Cassia fistula, crape-myrtle, Shoreatalura, Schleicheratrijuga, Buteamonosperma, satinwood, black cutch, andOdinawodiar.

Fauna of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve

  • Bandipur National Park is a shelter for the largest population of wild Asian elephants in South Asia.
  • Apart from that, the Bengal tiger and Indian elephant are the centres of attraction in this region.
  • This national park also comprises other mammals such as gaur, sloth bear, golden jackal, dhole and four-horned antelope.
  • Indian rock python and mugger crocodile are some types of reptiles that attract tourists from all over the world here.
  • The Bandipur Tiger Reserve is enclosed by other pivotal tiger habitats such as Nagarahole, Mudumalai, Waynad and BRT. This resulted in a high tiger population density in the Western Ghats topography. The density of tigers is 11 per 100 sq. km. according to the 2010 tiger assessment.

regarding this topic and seeking expert guidance will amplify the preparation of all aspirants.

Other Related Links

List of Environment Conventions & Protocols

Environment And Ecology Notes For UPSC

UPSC Prelims Environment and Ecology Questions

Environment & Ecology Questions in UPSC Mains GS-3

Environment Questions & Answers for UPSC

UPSC MCQ On Environment – IAS Prelims

Frequently Asked Questions on Bandipur Tiger Reserve

Q1

In which state is the Bandipur Tiger Reserve located?

The Bandipur National Park and Tiger Reserve is situated in Karnataka.

Q2

How is the climate at the Bandipur National Park?

The climatic condition of Bandipur National Park is tropical with alternate wet and dry seasons.

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