State shuns tiger reserve tag for MM Hills, Kudremukh

The state of Karnataka has decided not to pursue the tiger reserve tag for Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary (MM Hills) and Kudremukh National Park (KNP).

Technical Approval: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) granted technical approval almost a decade ago, but the state government has not sent the final proposal.

Reasons: The main reasons cited are the lack of central funds and opposition from local communities.

Benefits of Tiger Reserve Tag: A tiger reserve tag ensures additional central funds for protection, conservation, and rehabilitation of forest dwellers.

About Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary (MM Hills) and Kudremukh National Park (KNP): Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary (MM Hills) Location: Situated in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka.

Area: Covers an area of 906.187 km². 

Established: The sanctuary was established in 2013. 

Governing Body: Managed by the Kollegal Wildlife Division, Karnataka Forest Department.

Significance: Named after the presiding deity Lord Male Mahadeshwara of the Male Mahadeshwara Hills Temple located within the sanctuary. 

Wildlife: Home to a variety of flora and fauna, including elephants, leopards, and several species of birds.

Kudremukh National Park (KNP) 

Location: Located in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka. 

Area: Encompasses an area of 600 km². 

Established: Designated as a national park in 1987.

Geography: Known for its scenic beauty, with the Kudremukh Peak standing at 1892 meters above sea level. 

Wildlife: Home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, and various species of birds.

About Karnataka’s tiger reserves Karnataka is home to five tiger reserves, each playing a crucial role in the conservation of the majestic Bengal tiger.

1. Bandipur Tiger Reserve: Located in the Mysore and Chamarajanagar districts of southern Karnataka, Bandipur is one of the oldest tiger reserves in India and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

2. Nagarahole Tiger Reserve: Also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarahole is situated in the Kodagu and Mysore districts and is contiguous with Bandipur and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.

3. Biligiri Ranganatha Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve: This reserve is located in the Chamarajanagar district and is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including the endangered Grizzled Giant Squirrel.

4. Anshi Dandeli (Kali) Tiger Reserve: Situated in the Uttara Kannada district, this reserve is known for its rich biodiversity and is part of the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary.

5. Bhadra Tiger Reserve: Located in the Chikkamagaluru district, Bhadra is known for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and elephants.