The Karnataka Forest Department has instructed the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) monitoring panel of Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR) to address the issue of illegal cottages constructed within the reserve’s ESZ. BTR, situated at the convergence of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, holds historical significance as a former hunting ground and was established in 1931. It is now part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and houses a rich variety of flora and fauna, including the largest population of wild Asian elephants in South Asia. The directive aims to preserve the reserve’s ecological integrity by curbing unauthorized construction.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ): An eco-sensitive zone is an area surrounding a protected area like a national park or wildlife sanctuary, where certain activities are regulated to minimize their impact on the environment and wildlife.
- Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this biosphere reserve encompasses the Western and Eastern Ghats of southern India and is known for its rich biodiversity.
- Project Tiger: An Indian wildlife conservation initiative launched in 1973 to protect the Bengal tiger. Bandipur Tiger Reserve is part of this project.
- Flora: BTR boasts a diverse range of plant species, including valuable timber species like rosewood and sandalwood, along with bamboo varieties and other tropical deciduous trees.
- Fauna: The reserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, gaur (Indian bison), sloth bears, and numerous other mammal species.