Nagarahole- A Treasure Trove of Rich Biodiversity

By JAGAT [09/Jan/23] Nestled within two districts of South eastern Kodagu and Southwestern parts of Mysore in Karnataka, the Nagarahole National Park is sprawled over an area of 848 sq. km. forming the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

Lush Green Vegetative Cover

Backed by the Brahmagiri Mountains of the Western Ghats covered with Bamboos, Sandalwood and Teak Trees, Kabini is the land of majestic landscape and wildlife. The Forest comprises the shallow clayey valley bottoms containing swamp savannas locally known as ‘Hadlus’ with the Kabini River separating the Nagarahole and Bandipur Tiger Reserves and attracting a large number of Elephants and Tigers at the fertile banks of its backwaters. The Distinctive forest types here include Semi-Evergreen, Moist Deciduous Forest,Dry Deciduous Forest, and Montane Forests.
Also, Nagarahole lies in one of the richest biodiversity areas of our country representing the ‘5 B Western Ghats Mountains Biogeography Zone’ diversified by several streams and tributaries drenching the adjoining region and further joining the River Cauvery.

Sightings to Behold!

For the wildlife buffs, there are around 270 species of birds are found including the Malabar Pied Hornbill, Montagu’s Harrier, Malabar Trogon, Greater Spotted Eagle, Vulnerable Nilgiri Wood-Pigeon, and other rare bird species making it an Important Bird Area (IBA) in South India along with the distinctive vegetation cover of the major forest types like the Moist Deciduous Forest on the Western Ghats and leeward side while the Dry Deciduous Forest of the drier Deccan region providing the habitat to a large number of bird species along with the other diverse species of key fauna including the Bonnet Macaque, Langur, and other notable carnivores like Tiger, Leopard, Asiatic Dogs, Golden Jackal, Sloth Bears, Jungle Cat, Hyena, etc. and the Herbivores including around 300 species of Asian Elephants, Spotted Deer, Indian Muntjac or Barking Deer, Four-horned Antelope, Sambar, Mouse Deer, Gaur, and more. Small Mammals include the Common Palm Civets, Small Indian Civets, Brown Moongoose, Common Otter, Black-napped Hare, Common Giant Flying Squirrel, Pangolin, Indian Giant Squirrel, and Porcupine with reptile species including the Indian Monitor Lizard, Crocodile, Rock Python, and various other.

Thus, Nagarahole Tiger Reserveis a treasure trove of rich biodiversity enticing wildlife enthusiasts to visit again and again for memorable adventurous safari experiences!