Wildlife in Karnataka comprises of different species of animals, birds, reptiles, etc living in the wild. In certain places, common people too look after animals. The dense forest and Cauvery River support wildlife in Karnataka. Such factors have helped Karnataka to promote tourism via its wildlife. People from all over the globe visit Karnataka to get a glimpse of a lurking tiger, jumping cheetal, Indian bison, rare species of birds, etc.
Areas Protecting Wildlife in Karnataka
There are protected areas in Karnataka dedicated to the preservation of wildlife. They also help to promote eco tourism and to spread awareness about the conservation of wildlife. The adjoining areas of some of the forests are used for adventure sports. Some of the protected areas of Karnataka are Bandipur National Park, Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Bannerghatta National Park, Anshi National Park, Kudremukh National Park, Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Kokkare Bellur Pelicanry, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, B R Hills Sanctuary, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Gudavi Bird Sanctuary, Kaggaladu Bird Sanctuary, Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary and Dubare Elephant Camp.
Diverse Wildlife in Karnataka
The protected areas in Karnataka have received different designations like national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and bird sanctuaries. These protected areas and their diverse wildlife are given below.
Wildlife in Bandipur National Park
Bandipur National Park is situated on Mysore-Ootakamund Road and houses tiger, elephant, Indian bison and other animals. Once a royal hunting ground, the park is now a famous gaming spot. It was established under the program of Project Tiger.
Wildlife in Rajiv Gandhi National Park
Rajiv Gandhi National Park is situated near Bengaluru and is accessible from Mysore too. It is also known as Nagarhole National Park, where naga means snake and hole stands for streams. This place is world famous for Asiatic elephants. Besides elephants, predators and other animals are found in the park. This national park is ideal for bird watching.
Wildlife in B R Hills Sanctuary
B R Hills Sanctuary houses a dense forest and is known for its flora and fauna. A champak tree as old as 2000 years is found here. Tigers, leopards, elephants and several other kinds of animals dwell here. For travelers, the noteworthy aspects of the sanctuary are coffee estate, tribal settlements and an ancient temple, located on hilltop.
Wildlife in Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary
Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Mandya, Chamarajanagar and Ramanagar districts of Karnataka and is blessed with River Cauvery. The rich flora and fauna of this region compels nature admirers to visit this place.
The sanctuary is a home to many animals like elephants, tigers, crocodiles and deer. Adventure sports like angling and fishing are fun-filled possibilities in Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.
Wildlife in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, popularly known as Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Chikmagalur district. The sanctuary shelters reptiles, butterflies, colorful birds, etc. Flying lizards, tigers, hyenas and bisons are the main attractions of the sanctuary. The sanctuary is an ideal place for nature enthusiasts.
Wildlife in Kokkare Bellur Pelicanry
Kokkare Bellur Pelicanry is a small village in Maddur taluka of Mandya district. It is known for being a hub of spot billed pelicans and painted storks. Pelicans visit the village to lay eggs and rear young ones. This place has been discovered in the recent past. The unique characteristic of this pelicanry is that the natives look after these birds and save them from poaching.
Wildlife in Dubare Elephant Camp
Dubare Elephant Camp is situated in Coorg district and serves as a home to elephants, which were once used for commercial purposes. The camp is a project of the forest department and Jungle Lodges and Resorts Limited.
