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National Park Bannerghatta

Bannerghatta National Park is a protected forest reserve located in the southern part of Bangalore, India. This national park is known for its diverse flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Covering an area of approximately 260.51 square kilometers, the national park is home to a wide range of species, including tigers, elephants, leopards, and various species of birds and reptiles.

In addition to its rich biodiversity, National Park Bannerghatta is also notable for its unique geographic features, including streams, hills, and valleys. The park’s altitude varies from 1245 to 1634 meters, with the highest point being the Uddigebande peak. The park’s streams and rivers, including the Suvarnamukhi, Kumudavathi, and Anekal, add to its natural beauty and provide water for the park’s many inhabitants. The park’s climate is tropical, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 35 degrees Celsius throughout the year.

Bannerghatta National Park Information:

Aspect	Information
Name	Bannerghatta National Park (BNP)
Location	Bangalore urban, Bangalore rural, and Ramanagara districts, Karnataka, India
Area	260 sq.km
Establishment	Initially established as a conservation area in 1971
	Officially designated as a National Park on September 6, 1974
Forests	Comprises 10 reserve forests of the Anekal range, Bangalore Forest Division

National Park Bannerghatta Map

Bannerghatta National Park

National Park Bannerghatta, located in the southern part of Bangalore, serves as a significant ecological and biological reserve, housing a variety of flora and fauna. The park spans over an area of 260.51 sq km, and comprises of 10 reserve forests of Anekal Range, making it one of the most diverse national parks in the country. The park was established in the year 1971, with the objective of conserving the natural habitat of the region.

The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, lions, elephants, and leopards, among others. It also houses several species of birds and reptiles, making it a popular destination for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. The park also has a zoo, which showcases several species of animals, including bears, deer, snakes, and crocodiles, among others.

In addition to its rich wildlife, National Park Bannerghatta also serves as an important destination for eco-tourism and adventure activities. The park boasts of several trekking trails, a butterfly park, a nature camp, and a safari, among others. It also has a conservation center, which focuses on the conservation of endangered species and their habitats. Overall, Bannerghatta National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who is interested in wildlife, nature, and adventure.

Geographic Features

Boundaries	– Tali Reserve Forest (Tamil Nadu) to the southeast
	– Bilikil Reserve Forest (Kanakapura) and Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary to the south
	– Bangalore city to the north
	– Agricultural fields to the east and west
Landscape	Dry deciduous forests, thorny scrub cover
Soil Composition	Sandy loam, red alluvium
Rock Formations	Cryptocrystathins

The dry deciduous forests and thorny scrub cover of the National Park Bannerghatta are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a crucial habitat for many species. The park’s landscape is predominantly characterized by this type of vegetation, which supports the growth of a variety of species. Several species of trees, such as teak, sandalwood, and rosewood, are found in the area, along with many species of shrubs and herbs.

Moreover, there are pockets of moist deciduous forests along streams, which provide a different habitat for many species to thrive. The water bodies in the park serve as a source of hydration and support aquatic life. The park’s geographic features, including the soil composition of sandy loam and red alluvium and the rock formations of cryptocrystathins, have contributed to the unique ecosystem of the park.

Flora and Fauna

Bird Species	– Approximately 80 bird species recorded
	– Migratory birds include Golden Oriole, Forest Wagtail, Rosy Starling, Booted Warbler, Greenish Warbler, and more
Faunal Species	– Elephants
	– Tigers
	– Leopards
	– Spotted Deer
	– Sloth Bears

The National Park Bannerghatta is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species that contribute to the rich biodiversity and ecological significance of the region. The flora within the park encompasses a variety of plant species, including Sandalwood, Tamarind, and Bamboo, along with several other species. These plants play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the park by providing food and shelter for the animals and maintaining the soil quality.

Similarly, the fauna within the park is equally diverse and includes several endangered species such as Indian elephants, sloth bears, and Royal Bengal tigers, among others. These animals form an integral part of the ecosystem and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of nature. Moreover, the presence of these animals in the park provides an excellent opportunity for researchers to study and understand their behavior and habitat requirements.

Altitude, Streams, and Climate

Altitude	Mean altitude: 850 m above mean sea level (MSL)
	Ranging from 700 m to 1046 m
Highest Point	Doddaragihalli
Stream	Suvamamukhi stream, originating from Suvarnamukhi Hill
Rainfall	Annual rainfall: 700 mm
Temperature	Ranges from 15°C to 35°C

Located at an average altitude of 850 meters above MSL, the terrain of Bannerghatta National Park features a diverse range of landscapes. From broken chains of boulders to strewn hillocks and rocky outcrops, visitors can explore a variety of undulating land formations. The park is also home to the Suvamamukhi stream, which originates from Suvarnamukhi Hill, and flows through the park. The stream varies in size throughout the year, providing a unique experience to visitors.

The climate within BNP is tropical and experiences an annual rainfall of 700 mm. Temperatures range from 15° to 35° Celsius, with an average temperature ranging from 22°C to 35°C. The annual monsoon rainfall varies from 625 mm to 1,607 mm, occurring between June and mid-November from the southwest and northeast monsoons. With such distinct variations in climate, visitors can witness the park’s flora and fauna in different stages of growth and adaptation.

Ecosystem Services and Wildlife

Ecosystem Services	– Carbon sequestration
	– Mitigation of human-animal conflicts
	– Preservation of diverse flora and fauna
	– Recreational opportunities
	– Pollination services
Asian Elephants	– Resident population: 100-150 elephants
	– Migratory population: 200-300 elephants from Tali Reserve Forest and Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary
Biodiversity Hotspot	– BNP acts as a terminal point for Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats

The diverse flora and fauna within the National Park Bannerghatta provide a range of essential ecosystem services to the local community. The park plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration, reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The forests within BNP act as a carbon sink, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in the form of biomass. This helps to mitigate the impact of climate change, which is a growing concern for the global community.

Another crucial ecosystem service provided by the park is the preservation of biodiversity. BNP is home to a wide range of plant and animal species, including the Asian elephant, which is one of the park’s most iconic residents. The park plays a vital role in preserving the habitat of these species, which are essential to the ecosystem. The protection of these species also provides an opportunity for scientific research, which can help to inform conservation efforts and provide insights into the functioning of ecosystems.

Agricultural Influence and Floral Diversity

Proximity to Bangalore has led to the predominance of modern agriculture within the Bannerghatta region, resulting in a diverse array of commercial crops and valuable medicinal plants. Farmers in the area cultivate several cash crops, including bananas, coconuts, vegetables, sugarcane, and a variety of flowers. These crops not only provide a source of income for the farmers but also contribute to the region’s economic growth.

Despite the prevalence of modern agriculture in Bannerghatta, the park is home to a vast array of flora, including valuable medicinal plants such as Cissampelos pareira, Decalepis hamiltonii, Cardiospermum halicacabum, Gloriosa superba, and many others. These plants have been used for centuries to treat various ailments and are highly sought after by pharmaceutical companies. The park also has a rich diversity of trees such as Shorea roxburghii, Holarrhena pubescens, and Phyllanthus emblica.

Expansion, Wildlife Corridor, and Challenges

Threats to the Ecosystem

Anthropogenic Activities	– Unsustainable exploitation of forest resources
	– Encroachment
	– Stone quarrying
	– Sand mining
	– Domestic livestock grazing
	– Unplanned urbanization

Expanding urbanization in the region poses a significant threat to the crucial wildlife corridor between BR Hills and Sathyamangalam forest, which passes through Bannerghatta. The national park serves as a vital link between these two important forest areas, providing a safe passage for elephants and other wildlife. However, the increasing human activity around the park has led to the fragmentation of the forest, which impedes the movement of animals, ultimately affecting their genetic diversity and population growth.

Furthermore, the sixteen villages bordering the park have been a source of conflict between humans and wildlife. As the urbanization around the park continues, the human-wildlife conflict is likely to intensify, leading to more incidents of animal attacks and loss of property. The authorities need to address this issue effectively by implementing measures to mitigate the conflict, such as setting up electric fences, creating alternative livelihoods for the villages, and educating them about the importance of wildlife conservation.

Conclusion

National Park Bannerghatta is a significant ecological and biological hotspot in India. The park is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, which includes tigers, elephants, leopards, deer, and various bird species. The park also has a plethora of geographic features like streams, waterfalls, and hills, which provide an ideal habitat for many species. Additionally, the park provides several ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, groundwater recharge, and soil conservation, which contribute to the region’s sustainability.