Bhadra Tiger Reserve

Category: Environment & Biodiversity | GS Paper III

SEO Title: Bhadra Tiger Reserve: Location, Wildlife, Western Ghats Ecosystem and Conservation

UPSC Notes

Bhadra Tiger Reserve is a protected area in Karnataka, located in the Western Ghats. It is known for its forest biodiversity and diverse mammal populations.

  • Location: Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga districts, Karnataka.

  • Geographical setting: Western Ghats, with valleys, hills and forested slopes.

  • River: Bhadra River and its tributaries drain the reserve.

  • Vegetation: Wet evergreen and moist deciduous forests, with bamboo in several areas.

  • Wildlife: Bengal tiger, leopard, dhole, sloth bear, Asian elephant, gaur and deer.

  • Tiger reserve: Part of India's Project Tiger network.

  • Conservation history: Village relocation and habitat management have been important elements of conservation in the reserve.

  • Ecological significance: Protects biodiversity within the Western Ghats, a globally important biodiversity hotspot.

    National Tiger Conservation Authority

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Key Pointers

  • State: Karnataka.

  • Biogeographical region: Western Ghats.

  • River: Bhadra.

  • Important fauna: Tiger, elephant, gaur and dhole.

  • Do not confuse Bhadra Tiger Reserve with Rajaji Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand.