NEWS – Karnataka launched Leopard Safari at Bannerghatta

ABOUT

• First-of-its-kind initiative in South India.
• Launched by Karnataka Minister for Forests, Ecology, and Environment Eshwar B Khandre.
• Eight leopards released into a 20-hectare deciduous forest.
• Area secured with railway barricades and a 4.5-meter high chain link fence.
• Safari complies with Central Zoo Authority guidelines

Leopards in Natural Habitat

• Hilly and verdant terrain home to many leopards.
• Rescue centre at Bannerghatta currently houses 14 leopards.

OTHER INITIATIVES

Sapling Distribution – Raising Awareness and Promoting Eco-Tourism in Bannerghatta

• Saplings distributed to visitors at a low price.
• Initiative aims to conserve biodiversity and bolster afforestation efforts.
• Visitors encouraged to learn about 10 species of trees and buy saplings to plant at home.

Skywalk Construction

• Skywalk to connect zoo with Butterfly Park, offering closer view of the canopy and birds in Bannerghatta
• Facilities for breastfeeding mothers and infant care to be developed, with two centres planned for the next year.

Elephant Feeding Centre

• Elephant feeding centre built in Bannerghatta at the cost of Rs 10 lakh inaugurated.
• Objective to foster a closer connection between mahout and elephant calves.
• Centre helps mahouts and kavadis attend to calves round-the-clock.
• Bannerghatta is home to 26 elephants, with two to three births each year.