Why In The News?

• Environmentalists and citizens launched the ‘Save Bandipur’ protest in Karnataka after reports emerged that the state government may lift the night traffic ban on NH-766, which cuts through the Bandipur National Park.

About Bandipur National Park:

What is it?

⇒ Bandipur is a national park and tiger reserve, part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, and one of India’s oldest and most ecologically significant protected areas.

⇒ Location: Situated in Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka.

Establishment & History:

⇒ First created in 1931 as Venugopala Wildlife Park (90 km²) by the Maharaja of Mysore.

⇒ Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1973 under Project Tiger.

⇒ Became part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in 1986.

Geographic Features:

Area: ~868.63 km²

Terrain: Dry deciduous forests, scrublands, and moist deciduous woodlands.

Flora: Teak, rosewood, sandalwood, Indian kino tree, giant clumping bamboo.

Fauna:

• Flagship species: Bengal tiger.
• Other mammals: Elephants, leopards, gaurs, sambar, chital, sloth bear
• Endemic species: Black-naped hare, Malabar squirrel