Context:
South India’s first and the country’s largest leopard safari was recently inaugurated at the Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP).
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
About Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP):
- Origin and Establishment: BBP evolved as a distinct entity from Bannerghatta National Park in 2002.
- Purpose: Aimed at catering to the increasing need for eco-recreation, eco-tourism, and conservation, initially comprising 545.00 hectares from the National Park and later expanding to 731.88 hectares.
- Location: Situated approximately 22 kilometers south of Bengaluru city, Karnataka.
- Units: Comprises a Zoo, Safari, Butterfly Park, and Rescue Centre for the conservation of captive animals.
- Notable Feature: The first biological park in India with a fenced, forested elephant sanctuary.
Key Facts about Bannerghatta National Park:
- Location: Positioned near Bangalore, Karnataka, within the Anekal range.
- Establishment: Declared a National Park in 1974.
- Significant Development: In 2006, the park inaugurated India’s first butterfly enclosure.
- Water Source: The Suvarnamukhi stream flows through the center, serving as the main water source for the park’s fauna.
- Vegetation Types: Encompasses Dry Deciduous Scrub Forests, Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests, and Southern Tropical Moist Mixed Forests.
- Flora: Includes species like Narcissus latifolia, Schleichera oleosa, Sandalwood, Neem, Tamarind, Bamboo, and Eucalyptus.
- Fauna: Hosts various species, including the endangered Asian Elephant, Indian gaur, Tiger, Sambar deer, Spotted deer, Leopard, Wild dog, Wild pig, Sloth bear, Common mongoose, Pangolin, Slender loris, and Black-naped hare.
-Source: The Hindu
