The Malai Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka is set to be declared a tiger reserve in the near future. This significant development will increase the number of tiger reserves in Karnataka to six in total, joining Nagarahole, Bhadra, Anshi-Dandeli, Bandipur, and Biligiri Ranganatha Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserves.
Location and Layout of Malai Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary
Lying in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka, the Malai Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is poised to boost the state’s conservation credentials once it earns its official status as a tiger reserve. It is notably the third tiger reserve to be located within the Chamarajanagar district’s territorial limits, the other two being Bandipur and BRT Tiger Reserves.
Comprising of an expansive area of 906.18 sq km, the sanctuary shares borders with the BRT Tiger Reserve, Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, and the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. This prime location allows for seamless animal movement and encourages biodiversity across these protected areas. The sanctuary was formally announced as a wildlife sanctuary in the year 2013.
Diverse Ecosystem within the Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary is characterized by distinct ecological features that range from dry deciduous type to scrub forest in the fringe areas. This assortment of environments gives the sanctuary a unique biodiversity, supporting different types of flora and fauna. Alongside this, the presence of moist deciduous, semi-evergreen, evergreen, and shola forests at varying altitudes further adds to the rich ecological diversity found within the sanctuary.
Wildlife Inhabitants of the Sanctuary
Apart from its rejuvenating vistas, the Malai Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a multitude of wildlife species. Its potential new status as a tiger reserve signifies its crucial role in providing a safe habitat for the majestic big cats along with a host of other animals.
Prominent among the sanctuary’s inhabitants are elephants, leopards, wild dogs, bison, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, sloth bears, and wild boars. In addition to these, the four-horned antelope, black-naped hare, common langur, bonnet macaque, and honey badger (ratel) also find refuge in this sanctuary. Complementing this collection of mammals is a diverse array of reptiles and birds, amplifying the sanctuary’s importance as a center for wildlife conservation.
Impact of Tiger Reserve Status
The move to declare the Malai Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary as a tiger reserve will provide an enhanced level of protection to the area’s thriving wildlife population. The increased focus on conservation will augment efforts to preserve the region’s diverse fauna and flora, while giving a further boost to Karnataka’s reputation as a leading state in wildlife protection in India.
In summary, the upcoming declaration marks a significant stride in wildlife conservation, setting a positive precedent for effective preservation measures. As the impending status as a tiger reserve takes effect, the Malai Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary promises to continue supporting a rich tapestry of life, taking steps towards ensuring the well-being of our planet’s invaluable wildlife population.
