• UGI USER
  • Jun 27, 2024
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INDIA’S LARGEST LEOPARD SAFARI OPENS AT BANNERGHATTA

Why in the news?

  • Karnataka Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre inaugurated South India’s first and the country’s largest leopard safari at Bannerghatta Biological Park on Wednesday.
  • This safari spans 20 hectares and follows Central Zoo Authority guidelines, featuring eight leopards in an open forest area.

Key Features:

  • Developed at a cost of ₹4.5 crore, featuring natural terrain with rocky outcrops and semi-deciduous forest.
Source: Edurev
  • Secured with a 4.5-meter-high chain-link mesh.
  • Includes a separate 4-acre section with a solar fence for leopard acclimatization.
  • Addresses rising human-animal conflict through educational initiatives.
Bannerghatta Biological Park:

  • Location: Situated near Bangalore, Karnataka, within the Anekal range hills.
  • Establishment: Declared a National Park in 1974; in 2002, a section became India’s first Bannerghatta Biological Park, featuring a fenced forested elephant sanctuary.
  • Features: Inaugurated India’s first butterfly enclosure in 2006.
  • Environment:

o   River: Suvarnamukhi stream flows through the park, crucial for animal hydration.

o   Vegetation: Diverse with Dry Deciduous Scrub Forests, Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests, and Southern Tropical Moist Mixed Forests.

o   Flora: Includes Narcissus latifolia, Sandalwood, Neem, Tamarind, Bamboo, Eucalyptus, among others.

o   Fauna: Rich biodiversity hosts Asian Elephants, Indian Gaur, Tigers, Sambar Deer, Leopards, Wild Dogs, Sloth Bears, and more, fostering conservation efforts.