BANNERGHATTA BIOLOGICAL PARK (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Environment Minister inaugurated South India's first and the country's largest leopard safari at Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP). This new attraction aims to boost wildlife tourism and conservation efforts in the region.

Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBBP)

• Location: It is located in the state of Karnataka, India.
• Establishment: In 2004, BBBP was carved out of the Bannerghatta National Park (BNP) and brought under the Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK).
• National Park Status: BNP was declared a national park in 1974.
• Divisions: BBBP has four divisions: the zoo, the safari, the butterfly park, and the rescue centre.
• Geography: The valley of Champakadhama hills is inside the park.
• Vegetation Types: There are three types of vegetation that can be found: Dry Deciduous Scrub Forests, Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests, and Southern Tropical Moist Mixed Forests.
• Flora: The flora includes Narcissus latifolia, Schleichera oleosa, Sandalwood, Neem, Tamarind, Bamboo, Eucalyptus, etc.
• Fauna: The park is a prime habitat for several species, including the endangered Asian Elephant, Indian Gaur, Tiger, Sambar deer, Spotted deer, Leopard, Wild dog, Wild pig, Sloth bear, Common mongoose, Pangolin, Slender loris, and Black-naped hare, etc.