The Bandipur Tiger Reserve, located in the tri-junction area of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, has recently gained attention for rescuing a stranded wild elephant. This incident highlights the importance of tiger reserves as critical habitats for elephants as well as tigers. Based on the 2018 Tiger Census, Karnataka is home to the second-highest number of tigers in India, after Madhya Pradesh.
Origins and Location of Bandipur Tiger Reserve
Established under Project Tiger in 1973, Bandipur Tiger Reserve was expanded in 1985 by incorporating areas from Venugopala Wildlife Park. Consequently, it was renamed Bandipur National Park. The park is currently situated in two adjoining districts, Mysore and Chamarajanagar, of Karnataka. It also forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Diverse Ecosystem and Biodiversity
Bandipur Tiger Reserve is located in one of the most biodiversity-rich areas of India. It is surrounded by Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, and the Kabini Reservoir separates Bandipur from Nagarahole Tiger Reserve. The reserve is characterized by a rich array of flora and fauna that make it one of the country’s Mega Biodiversity Areas. In fact, along with Nagarahole, Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam, and Wayanad, it boasts the world’s single largest population of wild tigers. Additionally, it houses the world’s largest Asian elephant population, making it a crucial part of the Mysore Elephant Reserve (MER).
Geographical Features and Other Tiger Reserves in Karnataka
The reserve is situated between Kabini river in the north and Moyar river in the south, while Nugu river flows through it. The highest point in the park is the Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta hill. Other tiger reserves in Karnataka include Bhadra, Nagarahole, Dandeli-Anshi, and Biligiriranganatha Swamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserves. Additionally, plans are underway to designate Malai Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary as a tiger reserve.
Asian Elephants: Subspecies and Conservation Status
The Asian elephant species comprises three subspecies: Indian, Sumatran, and Sri Lankan. Asian elephants are classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, and they are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Efforts Towards Elephant Conservation
Conservation initiatives such as Gaj Yatra, the Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) program, and Project Elephant have been launched to protect these majestic creatures. These campaigns aim to monitor and regulate the illegal killing of elephants, promote awareness about the issues faced by this species, and implement strategies to maintain their population and habitat.
