Research Article: Karanth, K. U. (1982). Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and its endangered ecosystem. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, 79, 79–86.

Blog Author: Aishwarya Anilkumar

Key highlights

  • Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, covering an area of 492 sq. km in Karnataka is known for its scenic beauty and rich wildlife habitats. It was originally declared as a sanctuary in 1951 and expanded in 1972.
  • Dr. Ullas Karanth conducted an influential pioneering study in 1982 examining the vegetation, wildlife, physical features, and conservation issues of the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Annual rainfall in Bhadra is 2,000-2,540 mm, and the sanctuary is home to diverse wildlife habitats like deciduous forests and mountain grasslands, supporting tigers, elephants, bears, deer, and many other species.
  • This paper discusses the major threats to the sanctuary like dams, mining, plantations, and overgrazing, and the need for better protection and management.
  • Documenting the diversity and changes in protected areas like Bhadra is crucial for understanding and preserving these irreplaceable ecosystems over time.

 

Karnataka is home to incredible natural diversity and contains spectacular biodiversity-rich areas. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in the Chikmagalur district, is renowned for its scenic beauty and invaluable wildlife habitats. In 1951, the area was declared as ‘Jagara Valley Wildlife Sanctuary’ by the government. Later, in 1972, an amalgamation of the Jagara Valley Sanctuary and the adjoining Lakkavalli forests formed the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.  

In 1982, Dr. Ullas Karanth documented the fascinating natural history of the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in a pioneering paper. He delved into the wilderness of this part of the Western Ghats, exploring various aspects of the habitats supported by Bhadra. Dr. Karanth extensively covered the entire sanctuary on foot and by jeep during his visits in the 1970s. Data on the population status of various wild animals were obtained through sightings and other supplementary evidence like tracks, calls, droppings, wallows, etc. Additional information on the wildlife population status of mammals and birds was collected from forest department staff and other reliable local sources. 

This venerable natural history paper meticulously examines vegetation and wildlife alongside the sanctuary’s physical features like terrains, boundaries, climate, and water resources. The rainfall in Bhadra is 2,000-2,540 mm higher than in the plains which usually receive annual precipitation around 750-1000 mm. Therefore this is one of the factors contributing to the deciduous forests and mountain grasslands. The paper also highlights the human-induced changes in the vegetation, such as teak and coffee plantations. It accounts for the faunal diversity of reptiles, birds, and mammals while indicating the many more potential species that must have escaped the count. The study details the status of tigers, elephants, gaurs, sloth bears, leopards, giant squirrels, sambar, spotted deer, and common langurs, reflecting on the critical importance of the habitat for their flourishing. 

Additionally, due to increased human pressures, the paper discusses crucial aspects of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary’s conservation and the associated complications. It scrutinizes threats posed by developmental projects, such as dams, and irrigation, that if executed, could have the potential to destroy the forests and wildlife of the landscape. The mining and intensive bamboo extraction for paper could significantly harm wildlife as they exploit the resources. Therefore the pressing need for effective management, including anti-poaching efforts, fire protection, control over domestic cattle grazing, and relocation of villages are highlighted.

Natural histories like these that speak about wildlife, habitats, and conservation testify to the rich diversity of protected areas in our country. As this paper evaluates the status of the irreplaceable wildlife and the diverse habitats in the protected areas of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, it also shows how the once-grand forests surrounding the Western Ghats have undergone various human-induced transitions across centuries. Documentation of this nature must be valued and treasured to understand the changes occurring in these landscapes over decades. Therefore, this forms a crucial piece of information, imperative for their protection and preservation. 

 

You can access the original article here!

Keywords: Natural History, Conservation Management, Biodiversity, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Ghats, Wildlife Habitat.