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Karnataka is a land of diverse Flora and Fauna. About 22.61% of Karnataka’s geographical area is covered under forests. The state is home to a large variety of fauna. Many of the fauna species found in the state are recognized as endangered species.
The mesmerising wildlife of Karnataka is one of the main attractions for tourists visiting the state.
Diversity of fauna in Karnataka
Karnataka has a wide variety of habitats that abound with different species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, fishes and insects. It is one of the richest states in India in terms of wildlife. The exotic fauna of Karnataka varies from the grand elephant to the magnificent tiger. The forests of Karnataka are home to 25% of the elephant Population and 10% of the tiger population found in India.
Mammals: The mountain ranges of Western Ghats are among the 34 biodiversityhotspots in the world. They serve as significant wildlife corridors in the state. They are home to unique animal species such as the Indian giant squirrel, the Malabar large spotted civet, the Indian flying fox, the lion tailed macaque, and innumerable other species of animals.
Karnataka has several species of striking mammals including the sloth bears, Indian elephant, Asiatic elephant, Bengal tiger, wild boars, gaurs, black panthers, big Indian cats, Asiatic wild dogs, Indian leopard, small Indian civet, Indian flying fox, Indian giant squirrel, spotted deer, Indian pangolin, golden jackal, four horned Antelope, Ruddy mongoose, common langur, striped hyena, common palm civet and sambar.
Birds: The state is a paradise for bird lovers and bird watchers. It has several natural habitats and bird sanctuaries where numerous species of birds can be spotted. A large number of spectacular migratory birds also visit the state every year.
The colourful and exotic species of birds found in Karnataka include the Malabar parakeet, Grey francolin, Little grebe, Painted stork, Cattle egrets, Storm petrels, Malabar grey horn bill, Black Kite, Spot billed pelican, Red necked falcon, Brown crake, Ruddy breasted crake, Indian roller, Great Indian bustard, Yellow wattled lapwing, and many other species.
Reptiles: Karnataka has a remarkable diversity of reptiles. Among the reptiles found in the dense forests of the state are various species of dangerous snakes like the Indian python, the King cobra, the trinket snake, the Indian cobra, the common krait, the large eyed bronze back and the common rat snake.
The common Indian monitor lizard, the Malabar flying lizard, the dwarf gecko, the striped lizard, southern green calotes and the Indian chameleon also exist in Karnataka. The marsh crocodile and other crocodile species inhabit the wetlands of Karnataka. The beaches of coastal Karnataka serve as the nesting grounds for the rare leatherback turtle and the olive ridley turtle.
Fishes: The numerous streams and rivers flowing through Karnataka are abundant with an impressive variety of fishes. The various water bodies in the Western Ghats are full of exotic species of freshwater fishes. Some of the common freshwater fishes of Karnataka are the eels, carps, barbs, minnows, danios, mahseers, barils, osteobramas, chelas, garras and catfish. The long coastline of Karnataka is also a great habitat for marine fishes like sardines, rays, soles, mackerals, tuna, herrings, sharks, cods, ponyfish and several other species.
Amphibians: Karnataka is rich in its amphibian diversity. The Western Ghats is home to a large species of amphibians. The endangered purple frog and Malabar flying frog are found in the forests of the Western Ghats. The Malabar gliding frog, the golden frog and the Indian bull frog are among the diverse species of amphibians existing in the state.
Insects: Karnataka is a hotspot for insects. The state has a rich diversity of beautiful butterflies and many unique varieties of insects. The Western Ghats and the forests of Karnataka are habitats of different species of insects like aquaticinsects, day flying insects, night flying insects, etc.
Endangered fauna of Karnataka
The Forest Department of Karnataka has declared 40 animals as endangered species in the state. Some of the endangered fauna of Karnataka include the following:
Lion tailed macau
Tiger
Elephants
Sloth bear
Black buck
Indian brown mongoose
Wild dog
Kolar-leaf nosed bat
Travancore flying squirrel
Spotted eagle
Olive ridley turtle
Leatherback turtle
National parks in Karnataka
Karnataka has five national parks and several wildlife sanctuaries. These habitats are home to a varied population of wild animals, birds, reptiles, insects, etc. The five national parks of Karnataka are:
Bandipur National Park: The Bandipur National Park is the habitat of a large population of wild animals, reptiles, birds, butterflies, insects, etc. A number of endangered species like the tigers, Indian elephants, sloth bears, gaurs, Indian rock pythons, jackals, muggers and four-horned antelopes can be spotted in this national park.
Bannerghatta National Park: The Bannerghatta National Park is known to support numerous animals and more than one hundred species of birds. It has a fenced forested elephant sanctuary. The butterfly park at Bannerghatta supports over twenty species of lovely butterflies. Species like leopard, wild boar, jackal, gaur, chital, hare, hippopotamus, barking deer, porcupine, common langur, pangolin, cobras, python, etc. are commonly seen at Bannerghatta National Park.
Anshi National Park: The Anshi National Park is known for its population of large animals like the Bengal tigers, Indian elephants and black panthers. Other distinctive fauna species of the park include Indian wild boar, Indian bison, bonnet macaque, grey slender loris, barking deer, Indian grey mongoose, jackal, king cobra, bamboo pit viper, rat snake, monitor lizards, Indian rock python and Russell’s viper. The park is inhabited by more than 200 species of birds.
Kudremukh National Park: The Kudremukh National Park is recognised as a bio-diversity hotspot. The park falls under the Global Tiger Conservation Priority-I, as per the format established by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and World Wide Fund-USA. A large variety of mammals such as leopard, wild pig, tiger, sambar, wild dog, common langur, gaur and lion tailed macaque exist within the Kudremukh National Park.
Nagerhole National Park: The Nagerhole National Park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. A diverse assembly of predators and carnivores such as the Indian leopard, sloth bear, Bengal tiger and striped hyena are found in the national park. Herbivorous species like the barking deer, the four-horned antelope, Indian elephant, gaur, sambar, wild boar and chital populate the park. More than 270 species of birds and various kinds of reptiles are also part of the Nagerhole National Park’s Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity.
Conservation of fauna in Karnataka
Wildlife conservation is a matter of concern for the whole country, including Karnataka. An unnatural decrease in the number of wildlife species can cause tremendous harm to the natural ecological balance. Deforestation and over-exploitation of forest Resources are serious threats to the diverse fauna of the state. The State Government is taking measures to preserve the impressive fauna of the state. It is implementing various conservation models to protect and conserve the wildlife of Karnataka.
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Karnataka is a state in southwestern India. It is the sixth-largest state by area and the ninth-most populous state in India. The state is known for its rich wildlife and eco-tourism.
Karnataka has a number of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, including Bannerghatta National Park, Bandipur National Park, BRT Tiger Reserve, Nagarhole National Park, Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Anshi National Park, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary, Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, Gopalaswamy Betta Wildlife Sanctuary, Hemmigepura Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanakapura Wildlife Sanctuary, Kudremukh National Park, Malai Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Mukurthi National Park, Nagarahole National Park, Nandi Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Pakshikere Wildlife Sanctuary, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Savandurga Wildlife Sanctuary, Shettihalli Betta Wildlife Sanctuary, Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary, Talakaveri Bird Sanctuary, Tungabhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttara Kannada Wildlife Sanctuary, and Yennehole Wildlife Sanctuary.
These Protected Areas are home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, monkeys, and birds. They are also important for the conservation of biodiversity.
Eco-tourism is a form of tourism that is based on the principles of sustainability and environmental protection. It is a way to experience the natural world while also helping to protect it.
There are a number of eco-tourism destinations in Karnataka, including Bannerghatta National Park, Bandipur National Park, BRT Tiger Reserve, Nagarhole National Park, Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Anshi National Park, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary, Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, Gopalaswamy Betta Wildlife Sanctuary, Hemmigepura Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanakapura Wildlife Sanctuary, Kudremukh National Park, Malai Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Mukurthi National Park, Nagarahole National Park, Nandi Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Pakshikere Wildlife Sanctuary, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Savandurga Wildlife Sanctuary, Shettihalli Betta Wildlife Sanctuary, Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary, Talakaveri Bird Sanctuary, Tungabhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttara Kannada Wildlife Sanctuary, and Yennehole Wildlife Sanctuary.
These destinations offer a variety of activities, such as hiking, camping, bird watching, and wildlife safaris. They also provide opportunities to learn about the local culture and history.
Eco-tourism is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Karnataka while also helping to protect it. If you are looking for a sustainable and environmentally friendly travel experience, then eco-tourism in Karnataka is the perfect choice for you.
Here are some tips for planning an eco-tourism trip to Karnataka:
- Do your research. Before you book your trip, make sure to do your research and choose a destination that is committed to sustainable tourism.
- Choose a responsible tour operator. When choosing a tour operator, make sure to choose one that is committed to sustainable practices.
- Pack Light. When packing for your trip, try to pack light so that you have less impact on the Environment.
- Be respectful of the local culture. When visiting a new place, it is important to be respectful of the local culture. This includes things like dressing appropriately and not taking photos of people without their permission.
- Support local businesses. When you are traveling, try to support local businesses. This will help to support the local economy and reduce your impact on the environment.
- Leave no trace. When you are hiking or camping, make sure to leave no trace. This means packing out all of your trash and not disturbing the natural environment.
Eco-tourism is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Karnataka while also helping to protect it. By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your trip is both enjoyable and sustainable.
What is wildlife?
Wildlife is the collective term for all non-domesticated Plants and animals. It includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, and plants.
What is eco-tourism?
Ecotourism is a form of tourism that involves visiting natural areas to learn about and appreciate the environment. It is often done in a way that minimizes the impact on the environment.
What are the benefits of wildlife and eco-tourism?
There are many benefits to wildlife and eco-tourism. These include:
- Economic benefits: Wildlife and eco-tourism can generate income for local communities. This can help to improve people’s livelihoods and reduce POVERTY.
- Social benefits: Wildlife and eco-tourism can help to promote understanding and appreciation of nature. This can lead to a greater commitment to conservation.
- Environmental benefits: Wildlife and eco-tourism can help to protect natural areas. This can help to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem Services.
What are the challenges of wildlife and eco-tourism?
There are also some challenges associated with wildlife and eco-tourism. These include:
- Conservation challenges: Wildlife and eco-tourism can sometimes lead to habitat loss and fragmentation. This can impact wildlife populations.
- Social challenges: Wildlife and eco-tourism can sometimes lead to social conflict. This can occur when local communities are not involved in the planning and management of tourism activities.
- Environmental challenges: Wildlife and eco-tourism can sometimes lead to pollution and Environmental Degradation. This can occur when tourists do not follow proper waste disposal practices.
How can we address the challenges of wildlife and eco-tourism?
There are a number of ways to address the challenges of wildlife and eco-tourism. These include:
- Planning and management: Wildlife and eco-tourism activities should be planned and managed in a way that minimizes the impact on the environment. This can be done by involving local communities in the planning process and by implementing appropriate management practices.
- Education and awareness: Education and awareness can help to reduce the negative impacts of wildlife and eco-tourism. This can be done through public awareness campaigns and by providing training to tour operators and tourists.
- Research: Research is needed to better understand the impacts of wildlife and eco-tourism. This research can be used to develop effective management strategies.
What is the future of wildlife and eco-tourism?
The future of wildlife and eco-tourism is uncertain. However, it is important to manage these activities in a sustainable way so that they can continue to benefit people and the environment.
Sure, here are some MCQs without mentioning the topic Karnataka Wildlife and eco-tourism:
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Which of the following is the largest national park in India?
(A) Kanha National Park
(B) Bandhavgarh National Park
(C) Nagarhole National Park
(D) Periyar National Park -
Which of the following is the largest tiger reserve in India?
(A) Kanha Tiger Reserve
(B) Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
(C) Nagarhole Tiger Reserve
(D) Periyar Tiger Reserve -
Which of the following is the largest bird sanctuary in India?
(A) Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
(B) Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary
(C) Keoladeo National Park
(D) Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary -
Which of the following is the largest mangrove forest in India?
(A) Sundarbans
(B) Bhitarkanika National Park
(C) Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary
(D) Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary -
Which of the following is the largest biosphere reserve in India?
(A) Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
(B) Nokrek Biosphere Reserve
(C) Manas Biosphere Reserve
(D) Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve -
Which of the following is the largest national park in the world?
(A) Yellowstone National Park
(B) Denali National Park and Preserve
(C) Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
(D) Greenland National Park -
Which of the following is the largest tiger reserve in the world?
(A) Sundarbans Tiger Reserve
(B) Kanha Tiger Reserve
(C) Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
(D) Nagarhole Tiger Reserve -
Which of the following is the largest bird sanctuary in the world?
(A) Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
(B) Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary
(C) Keoladeo National Park
(D) Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary -
Which of the following is the largest mangrove forest in the world?
(A) Sundarbans
(B) Bhitarkanika National Park
(C) Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary
(D) Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary -
Which of the following is the largest biosphere reserve in the world?
(A) Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
(B) Nokrek Biosphere Reserve
(C) Manas Biosphere Reserve
(D) Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve