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Bannerghatta

28th June, 2024

Bannerghatta

Source: The Hindu

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

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.

Bannerghatta

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)