The Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka commemorated its 50th anniversary as a Project Tiger Reserve on April 1, 2023. Inaugurated in 1973 by then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, the reserve was established to combat the declining tiger numbers. Notably, the Bandipur Tiger Reserve started with only 12 tigers, but through constant conservation efforts, the population has soared to 173 tigers.
About Bandipur Tiger Reserve
Bandipur Tiger Reserve lies count among the most bio-diverse areas in India, aptly representing the “Western Ghats Mountains Biogeography Zone”. The reserve shares borders with Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu to the south, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala to the southwest, and is separated from the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve by the Kabini reservoir on the northwest side. Due to its rich floral and faunal diversity, it is recognized as one of the Mega Biodiversity Areas in India.
Establishment and Location of Bandipur Tiger Reserve
The establishment of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve took place under Project Tiger in 1973. It was further extended in 1985 by incorporating adjacent areas from Venugopala Wildlife Park and subsequently named Bandipur National Park. This famed reserve straddles two districts – Mysore and Chamarajanagar in Karnataka and is situated at the tri-junction boundary of the states, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
Bandipur Tiger Reserve Within Biosphere Reserve
The Bandipur Tiger Reserve forms a part of the Mysore Elephant Reserve, thereby making it a vital component of India’s first biosphere reserve, the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The landscape stretched across Bandipur, Nagarahole, Mudumalai, and Wayanad is not only home to the highest number of tigers in the country, approximately 724, but also to the largest Asian Elephant population.
Rivers and Highest Point of Bandipur Tiger Reserve
The reserve lies between the Kabini river in the north and the Moyar river in the south, with the Nugu river running right through it. The park’s highest point rests atop a hill named Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta.
Other Tiger Reserves in Karnataka
Karnataka boasts several other tiger reserves such as Bhadra Tiger Reserve, Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve, and Biligiriranganatha Swamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve. Additionally, there is a proposal to convert the Malai Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary into a tiger reserve.
Historical Exam Questions Related to Bandipur Tiger Reserve
In the UPSC Civil Services Examination, questions related to Bandipur Tiger Reserve have appeared previously. In 2012, a question asked was “Which of the following protected areas are declared Tiger Reserves?”, listing Bandipur among the options. In 2017, a question regarding the ecological significance of various locations listed Bandipur as one of the choices.
Conclusion
There is no doubt about the importance of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve, both ecologically and historically. As the reserve celebrates its 50th anniversary, it serves as a testament to India’s committed efforts towards conservation and biodiversity protection. The story of Bandipur is not just about tigers; it’s an inspiring tale of rejuvenating nature’s diversity and remaining committed to preserving it.