About Bandipur Tiger Reserve

Bandipur Tiger Reserve, located in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka, is one of India’s premier wildlife sanctuaries and an essential component of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Established in 1973 under Project Tiger, it spans an area of 1,036.20 sq. km, forming a contiguous landscape with the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu), Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala), and Nagarahole Tiger Reserve (Karnataka). This combined forest tract is among the largest continuous habitats for the tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) and the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) in the world. The landscape is diverse, comprising a mosaic of dry deciduous, moist deciduous, and scrub forests, with the Western Ghats providing ecological richness and altitude variation ranging from 680 to 1,454 meters. The Kabini, Nugu, and Moyar rivers act as crucial water sources, supporting both wildlife and vegetation. The reserve falls within the Kaveri River Basin and is known for its scenic terrain, rolling hills, and dry valleys. Bandipur is home to a rich assemblage of flora and fauna, including flagship species like the Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Asiatic Wild Dog, Sloth Bear, Indian Gaur, Sambar, and over 250 bird species. The population of tigers in the reserve has steadily increased, thanks to focused conservation measures. It also supports a significant number of elephants and is part of the Mysore Elephant Reserve under Project Elephant. Historically, this area was a hunting ground for the Maharaja of Mysore and later became one of India’s first forested areas designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1931. It was expanded and renamed under Project Tiger to strengthen tiger conservation. The Karnataka Forest Department implements various conservation initiatives in Bandipur, including anti-poaching camps, solar-powered waterholes, habitat improvement programs, invasive species removal, and community-based eco-development schemes. Scientific monitoring using technologies like M-STrIPES and camera traps ensures effective patrolling and data-based decision-making. The reserve has also pioneered education programs like "Bandipur Yuva Mitra" to engage youth and local stakeholders. Bandipur today stands as a model tiger reserve balancing ecological conservation with tourism and community livelihood concerns, reinforcing India's commitment to preserving its natural heritage.