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Bandipur Tiger Reserve
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An elephant was successfully rescued from a rail barricade in the Maddur range of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR), highlighting the ongoing efforts to protect wildlife in this crucial ecological area.
About the Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR)
Location: Situated in the Mysore and Chamarajanagar districts of Karnataka, BTR is located at the tri-junction of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
Conservation Status: BTR is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, emphasizing its ecological significance.
Geography: The reserve is characterized by an “Ecological Confluence” of the Western and Eastern Ghats and is contiguous with Mudumalai and Wayanad.
Historical Background: Established initially as Venugopala Wildlife Park in 1931, it was designated as Bandipur Tiger Reserve in 1973 as part of Project Tiger.
Surrounding Reserves: The reserve is bordered by Nagarahole Tiger Reserve to the northwest, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve to the south, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary to the southwest.
Rivers: BTR is surrounded by the River Kabini to the north and the River Moyar to the south, contributing to its rich biodiversity.
Climate: The region experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, influencing its flora and fauna.
Flora and Fauna: BTR features dry deciduous to tropical mixed deciduous forests, home to a diverse range of species, including the largest population of wild Asian elephants in South Asia. It also harbors Bengal tigers, gaurs, sloth bears, and dhole, among others.
The rescue of the elephant serves as a reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation efforts in the Bandipur Tiger Reserve, ensuring the protection of its diverse ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.
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