Natural Heritage Animal

Elephant is the Natural Heritage Animal of India.

Keystone Species

Elephants play a critical role in maintaining the balance and health of forest ecosystems

Intelligence

Known for their exceptional intelligence; largest brain size of any land animal.

Significance in Ecosystem

• Important grazers and browsers, consuming large amounts of vegetation and spreading seeds.
• Create clearings in forests, allowing sunlight for new plant growth.
• Dig for water, benefiting other species.

Elephants in India

• India has the largest population of wild Asian elephants, estimated at 29,964 (2017 census by Project Elephant).
• Represents ~60% of the global population.
• Karnataka has the highest population, followed by Assam and Kerala.

Conservation Status (IUCN)

• African Forest Elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis): Critically Endangered
• African Savanna Elephant (Loxodonta africana): Endangered
• Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus): Endangered

Convention of the Migratory Species (CMS)

• African Forest Elephant: Appendix II
• Asian Elephant: Appendix I

Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

Listed under Schedule I

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)

• African Savanna Elephant: Appendix II
• Asian Elephant: Appendix I

Wildlife Sanctuary

Location

Key Features

Notable Fauna

Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary

Chamarajanagar District

Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve; known for Project Tiger conservation efforts.

Bengal Tiger, Indian Elephant, Leopard, Gaur

Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary

Kodagu & Mysore Districts

Also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park; part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

Tiger, Elephant, Indian Bison, Spotted Deer

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Chikkamagaluru & Shivamogga Districts

Located in the Western Ghats; declared a Project Tiger reserve.

Tiger, Leopard, Sambar Deer, Malabar Giant Squirrel

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

Uttara Kannada District

Known for dense deciduous forests and rich biodiversity.

Black Panther, Sloth Bear, Great Hornbill

Kudremukh Wildlife Sanctuary

Chikkamagaluru, Dakshina Kannada & Udupi Districts

Located in the Western Ghats; rich in iron ore deposits; scenic landscape.

Lion-tailed Macaque, Sambar, Malabar Civet

Bannerghatta National Park

Bengaluru Urban District

Houses a zoo, a butterfly park, and a rescue center for captive animals.

White Tiger, Asiatic Lion, Elephant, Leopard

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

Kodagu District

Known for being a birdwatcher's paradise; part of Western Ghats.

Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Indian Giant Squirrel

Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

Kodagu & Wayanad Districts

Situated in the Western Ghats; lush greenery and scenic views.

Lion-tailed Macaque, Elephant, Wild Dog

Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary

Chamarajanagar, Mandya & Ramanagara Districts

Known for its riverine ecosystem; famous for fishing camps.

Mahseer Fish, Crocodile, Elephant, Leopard

Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary

Kodagu District

Birthplace of River Kaveri; part of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.

Tiger, Elephant, Slender Loris

Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary

Udupi District

Located in the Western Ghats; known for its religious significance and biodiversity.

Bonnet Macaque, Leopard, Barking Deer

Melukote Wildlife Sanctuary

Mandya District

Known for the conservation of the Grey Wolf and other dry deciduous forest species.

Grey Wolf, Indian Fox, Blackbuck

Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary

Udupi & Dakshina Kannada Districts

Rich in flora and fauna; known for the Someshwara temple inside the sanctuary.

Tiger, King Cobra, Lion-tailed Macaque

Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Wildlife Sanctuary

Chamarajanagar District

Part of the Eastern Ghats; known for its rich cultural and biological diversity.

Tiger, Elephant, Four-horned Antelope, Gaur

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.It is a wildlife sanctuary in the state of Karnataka, India. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary on 23 November 1974. The sanctuary is home to species of animals such as white-backed vultures, Indian nightjar, and white-bellied dingo. The famous Jog Falls is also located near this sanctuary.

The above-given passage is related to which among the following Sanctuary?

(a) Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary

(b) Kudremukh Wildlife Sanctuary

(c) Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary

(d) Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary

Answer: a

Explanation:

Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in the state of Karnataka, India. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary on 23 November 1974. The sanctuary is home to species of animals such as white-backed vultures, Indian nightjar, and white-bellied dingo. Some other animal species such as tigers, king cobras, slot bears, leopards, elephants, langurs, and pythons reside in dense forest areas.

Featuring a variety of flora and fauna, Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. The famous Jog Falls is also located near this sanctuary.