The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) recently organised an inter-state meeting at Bandipur, Karnataka. Attended by senior forest staff from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the summit aimed to consolidate efforts towards wildlife preservation in the region.
Focused Measures for Sustainability
These joint actions primarily revolve around eradicating invasive plants, such as Senna Spectabilis. This plant species poses a significant threat to the biodiversity within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. In addition to this, the participating states have committed to working in unity towards preserving the endangered vulture population in the region.
Coordinating Against Human-Wildlife Conflict
The collaborative initiative also extends to mitigating escalated incidents of human-wildlife conflicts on the forest peripheries. As part of these measures, radio-collared animals’ data and their mobility tracking would be accessible across departmental personnel from the states involved.
Preventing Forest Fires and Wildlife Crimes
Efforts will also be directed towards preventing forest fires, whereby information regarding such events will be shared with officials in neighboring sanctuaries and tiger reserves. In addition, details of suspects involved in forest-related crimes will be exchanged, aiming to help reduce wildlife-related destabilising actions.
| Facts about Bandipur Tiger Reserve |
|---|
| Year of Establishment: 2007 |
| Located at: Intersection of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala |
| Key Features: Largest habitat of wild elephants in South Asia |
About Bandipur Tiger Reserve
The Bandipur Tiger Reserve, established in 2007, owes its name to a village called Bandipur. This village hosts the administrative unit of the reserve. It is proclaimed as the largest protected area in southern India and the most extensive wild elephants habitat in South Asia. The reserve, along with the Nagarhole National Park, Mudumalai National Park, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, constitutes an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
The Moyar River, which originates near the Pykara in the Nilgiri Mountain Range, winds through the Reserve for over 20kms, providing a significant water source for the wildlife and local residents within and around the Reserve. Interestingly, the Tiger Reserve sits at the intersection of three states – Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, giving it a unique geographical aspect.
