Bannerghatta

Source: The Hindu

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Context

• Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) inaugurated South India's first and the country's largest leopard safari, highlighting leopards' conservation.
• The park is implementing several initiatives to enhance animal welfare, visitor experience and educational outreach.

Details

Key Points

• Inauguration of South India's first and the country's largest leopard safari by Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre.
• Safari spans 20 hectares with eight leopards in an open forest area, created at a cost of ₹4.5 crore.
• The safari adheres to Central Zoo Authority guidelines, featuring natural rocky outcrops and semi-deciduous forest.
• The park addresses human-animal conflict by rescuing and raising leopard cubs for the safari.
• New initiatives include a renovated elephant weaning centre, electric buggies, and skywalks connecting the zoo and butterfly park.

About Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP):

• Location and Size:
  • Located in Karnataka, BBP is a major wildlife park with diverse flora and fauna.
• Inauguration and Facilities:
  • Inaugurated South India's first leopard safari, covering 20 hectares.
• Cost and Construction:
  • Built at a cost of ₹4.5 crore, featuring naturalistic enclosures and a high chain-link mesh.
• Conservation Efforts:
  • Focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating leopard cubs, addressing human-animal conflicts.
• New Initiatives:
  • Includes renovated facilities, electric buggies, and proposed new enclosures for various species.

About Features of Leopards (Panthera Pardus):

• Species Classification:
  • Belongs to the Panthera genus, known for its adaptability and elusive nature.
• Habitat:
  • Inhabits a range of environments from forests to grasslands, showing high adaptability.
• Physical Characteristics:
  • Recognizable by their spotted coat, powerful build, and keen hunting skills.
• Diet and Hunting:
  • Carnivorous, primarily preying on smaller mammals, birds, and sometimes livestock.
• Behaviour:
  • Solitary and territorial, often nocturnal, and excellent climbers and swimmers.
• Conservation Status:
  • Classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict.
• Role in Ecosystem:
  • Apex predators, playing a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance by controlling prey populations.

Sources:

The Hindu

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements regarding leopards (Panthera pardus): 1.Leopards are exclusively nocturnal and are never active during the day. 2.They are known for their adaptability to a wide range of habitats. 3.Leopards play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance by controlling prey populations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2, and 3 Answer: b)