Bandipur Tiger Reserve Map, Flora, Fauna, Significance

Bandipur Tiger Reserve is located in the state of Karnataka in South India. Know all about Bandipur Tiger Reserve Map, Flora, Fauna & its Significance for UPSC exam.

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Bandipur Tiger Reserve

Bandipur Tiger Reserve is located in the state of Karnataka in South India, covering an area of approximately 874 square kilometers. The park is situated at the foothills of the Western Ghats and is known for its rich diversity of flora and fauna.

The history of Bandipur Tiger Reserve dates back to the 1930s when it was established as a hunting reserve for the Maharajas of Mysore. In 1973, it was declared a national park and later designated as a tiger reserve in 1974 as part of Project Tiger.

According to the latest tiger census conducted in 2018, Bandipur Tiger Reserve is home to around 120 tigers, making it one of the highest tiger densities in India. The park also has a significant population of other wildlife species such as elephants, leopards, dholes, and gaurs.

Read about: Tiger Reserves in India

Bandipur Tiger Reserve Landscape

The park is traversed by numerous rivers and streams, including the Kabini, Moyar, and Nugu, which provide a vital source of water for the park’s flora and fauna.

The landscape of Bandipur Tiger Reserve is varied and ranges from hills and valleys to flat plains. The park is home to the highest peak in the Bandipur forest range, called Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta, which stands at an altitude of 1,450 meters above sea level. Bandipur Tiger Reserve is also known for its unique vegetation, which includes moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests, and scrublands.

Read about: Panna Tiger Reserve

Bandipur Tiger Reserve Map

Here is a map of Bandipur Tiger Reserve given below for a better understanding:

Bandipur Tiger Reserve Fauna

The park’s topography and diverse vegetation provide a habitat for a variety of wildlife species, with some of its most noteworthy species comprising:

Faunal Specie	Scientific Name	Unique Features
Bengal Tiger	Panthera tigris tigris	Bandipur has one of the highest densities of Bengal tigers in India, with an estimated population of 120 tigers as of 2021. The park is also part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Indian Elephant	Elephas maximus indicus	Bandipur is home to a significant population of Indian elephants, with an estimated 300-350 individuals. The park is also part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Gaur	Bos gaurus	The largest wild cattle species in the world, gaur are found in significant numbers in Bandipur. They are known for their impressive size, with males weighing up to 1,500 kg, and their distinctive brown coats and white stockings.
Indian Wild Dog	Cuon alpinus	Also known as dhole, Indian wild dogs are one of the top predators in Bandipur. They hunt in packs and are known for their unique vocalizations, which sound like high-pitched whistles. Bandipur is home to an estimated 100-120 dholes.
Sloth Bear	Melursus ursinus	Sloth bears are nocturnal and elusive, making them difficult to spot in the wild. Bandipur is home to a small population of these bears, which are known for their long, shaggy coats and distinctive white V-shaped markings on their chest.
Sambar	Rusa unicolor	Sambar deer are the largest deer species in India and are commonly found in Bandipur. They are known for their distinctive antlers, which can have up to three times on each side, and their shaggy, dark brown coat.
Spotted Deer	Axis axis	Also known as chital, spotted deer is one of the most common deer species in India. They are easily recognized by the distinctive white spots on their reddish-brown coat.
Barking Deer	Muntiacus muntjak	Barking deer are also known as muntjacs and are the smallest deer species in India. They are known for their distinctive bark, which sounds like a dog’s bark, and their short, dark brown coat.
Stripe-necked Mongoose	Herpestes vitticollis	These small carnivores are found in Bandipur and are easily recognized by their distinctive striped necks. They are known for their ability to hunt snakes and other small prey and are often seen in the early morning or late afternoon.
Indian Pangolin	Manis crassicaudata	These unique creatures are covered in scaly armour made of keratin, which helps protect them from predators. They are found in Bandipur and are often seen foraging for ants and termites on the forest floor.
King Cobra	Ophiophagus hannah	One of the most venomous snake species in the world, king cobras are found in Bandipur and are easily recognized by their distinctive hood, which they use to intimidate predators. They are also known for their ability to hunt other snake species, including other venomous snakes.

Read about: Nagarhole Tiger Reserve

Bandipur Tiger Reserve Flora

The flora of Bandipur Tiger Reserve is diverse, with several important categories and species present, such as:

Flora Category	Important Species	Unique Features
Trees	Rosewood, Teak, Sandalwood, Indian Laurel, Indian Kino, Flame of the Forest	Rosewood is used for carving and furniture, while Sandalwood is famous for its fragrance and is used for making incense and perfumes
Shrubs	Bamboo, Grewia, Indian Gooseberry, Hill Turmeric	Bamboo is used in construction and handicrafts, while Hill Turmeric is used in traditional medicine
Herbs	Tridax, Parthenium, False Daisy, Indian Acalypha	Parthenium and False Daisy are invasive species and can cause harm to native flora and fauna
Grasses	Kans, Dharba, Cymbopogon	Dharba grass is considered sacred and used in religious ceremonies

Bandipur Tiger Reserve also has a variety of climbers, creepers, and epiphytes that are an integral part of the forest ecosystem.

Read about: Pench Tiger Reserve

Bandipur Tiger Reserve Tourism

Bandipur Tiger Reserve is a popular destination for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. Tourists can expect to see a wide range of wildlife species, including tigers, elephants, gaurs, sloth bears, and more, along with diverse flora. The reserve offers various activities like jeep safaris, nature walks, bird watching, and trekking to explore the beauty of the reserve.

The best time to visit Bandipur Tiger Reserve is from October to May, with March to May offering the best chances of tiger sightings. The weather during this time is pleasant, and the forest is lush and green.

Nearby tourist places include the historical city of Mysore, which is known for its palaces, museums, and traditional handicrafts. Other popular attractions include the Gopalaswamy Betta hill, the Himavad Gopalaswamy Temple, and the Kabini backwaters.

Read about: Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

Bandipur Tiger Reserve UPSC

Bandipur Tiger Reserve is a significant topic of the UPSC Syllabus, especially in the geography and environment-related sections. Aspirants are expected to have a thorough knowledge of the location, topography, flora, and fauna of the reserve. In addition, they must be aware of the conservation efforts being carried out in the reserve, the various tourism activities, and the challenges faced in managing the reserve. Aspirants can explore StudyIQ UPSC for effective exam preparation and UPSC Mock Test for Prelims 2023 to evaluate their preparation level.

Read about: Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

Bandipur Tiger Reserve FAQs