Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) near Bangalore in Karnataka may soon be known for its leopards as plans are being finalised to turn the park into a leopard safari.
Elephants get Photo Identity Cards
Individual elephants in the state of Karnataka will soon be easily identified thanks to a novel project by wildlife groups in the region. The organizations are giving each elephant a photo identification card that will help researchers as well as conservationists.
Freshwater Crocodiles back from the brink of Extinction in Manjira River
Manjira river is a tributary of Godavari river that flows in three states of India namely – Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. Of late the Manjira River running about 60 km from Hyderabad has seen a surge in freshwater crocodile population nearing 300 in number. This is a direct outcome of the efforts put in by the forest officicers to save the species from becoming extinct as the number had alarmingly fallen to less than 4 pairs in 1974.
Mining, a death-knell for The Great Indian Bustard
The infamous Bellary region in Karnataka is once again in news, this time not only for illegal plundering of mineral wealth of the state. The repercussion of extensive, destructive mining has resulted in the near extinction of the Great Indian Bustard which were once the pride of Karnataka’s bird life. A major shift in traditional farming practices also have contributed to their dwindling grass land habitat.
Karnataka Launches Major Afforestation Schemes
It is good news for nature lovers and environmental activists as the Forest department is planning a huge afforestation drive in Karnataka.
Madhya Pradesh no more the ‘Tiger State’ of India
The latest tiger census in India reports that the tiger population in the country has risen from 1411 to 1706. While the country is rejoicing the rising figures, one state that seems to have been left out of all the festivities is Madhya Pradesh. The state that boasted of highest number of tigers till 2006 has now lost its prestigious “Tiger State” tag to Karnataka owing to the decrease in population of the animal in the state.
‘Mini’ Hydel Projects threatening Biodiversity Hotspot of the World
The government of Karnataka has sanctioned 72 mini hydel projects, in the heart of Western Ghats, to meet the ever growing needs of electric power. But even if the projects are tagged ‘mini- hydel ’, a large number of trees are being removed, to make way for these power projects. The biodiversity loss will be irrevocable.
183 Plants, 40 Animals Endangered in Karnataka State
The Forest Department of Karnataka declared 183 plants, including 81 medicinal, as endangered, rare and vulnerable. The department also listed names of 40 animals that were endangered in the state. As per the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the forest department has named 40 animals who are in the brink of extinction in […]