Bandipur Tiger Reserve is part of the larger Bandipur National Park. Located in the Chamarajanagar District of the Karnataka state. It was finally declared a full fledged tiger reserve as part of Tiger reserve in 1973.

The Bandipur Tiger Reserve is not only home to just tigers but also other species of flora and fauna. This article will give facts about the Bandipur Tiger Reserves as well as the importance of the national parks in general

History of Bandipur Tiger Reserve

The Bandipur Tiger Reserve was established by the Maharaja of Mysore Kingdom in 1931. It was first established as the Venugopala Wildlife Park numbering around 90 sq km. It was in the year 1973 that around 800 sq kms was established as the Bandipur Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger.

As time went on the Bandipur National Park was combined with its neighbouring parks such as the Nagarhole National Park, Mudumalai National Park and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary to form the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, making the entire region one of the largest wildlife preserves in the country.

Flora and Fauna in Bandipur Tiger Reserve

The flora found in the Bandipur Tiger Reserve are as follows:

• Teak (Tectona grandis)
• Sandalwood (Santalum album V)
• Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia)
• Indian Kino Tree (Pterocarpus marsupium)
• Giant clumping bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus)
• Indian-laurel (Terminalia tomentosa)
• Clumping bamboo (Bambusa arundinacea)
• Grewia tiliaefolia

• Indian Gooseberry (Emblica Officinalis)
• Kadam Tree (Adina Cordifolia), Crape-myrtle (Lagerstroemia Lanceolata)
• Axlewood (Anogeissus latifolia)
• Black Myrobalan (Terminalia chebula)
• Schleichera Trijuga
• Odina Wodiar
• Flame of the Forest (Butea Monosperma)
• Golden Shower Tree (Cassia fistula)
• Black Cutch (Acacia catechu)
• Shorea Talura (E)
• Indigo Berry (Randia uliginosa)
• Satinwood (Chloroxylon Swietenia)

The fauna (wildlife) found in Bandipur Tiger Reserve:

• Bonner Macaque Nilgiri Langur (adjoining areas)
• Dhole, Common Palm
• Civet, Smooth-coated Otter
• Stripe-necked Mongoose
• Jungle Cat
• Tiger
• Wild Boar
• Chital, Gaur
• Grizzled Indian Squirrel
• Liontail Macaque
• Indian Palm
• Giant Flying squirrel
• Golden Jackal
• Sloth Bear
• Indian Grey Mongoose
• Striped Hyaena
• Ratel
• Indian Spotted Chevrotain
• Rusty-spotted Cat
• Sambar
• Nilgiri Tahr (adjoining areas)
• Indian Porcupine
• Hanuman Langur
• Bengal Fox
• Eurasian
• Otter Small Indian Civet
• Ruddy
• Leopard
• Cat Leopard
• Indian Elephant
• Four-horned Antelope
• Indian Muntjac
• Indian Pangolin
• Mongoose
• Indian Hare Red
• Indian Giant Squirrel

Importance of National Parks and Biosphere Reserve

Both Biosphere Reserves and National Parks play an important role in the ecological balance of the environment. Some of those important factors include:

Preservation of Wildlife: Since ancient times to the present age, many species of animals have gone extinct and the ones that remain are steadily being pushed in the same direction. This is where national parks come into play. It safeguards habitats and provides a safe space for wildlife to breed and survive. National parks and Biosphere reserves like the Mahendragiri Biosphere also help in preserving plant species as well while at the same time they also help in providing a safe area for wildlife to bring up their numbers.

Protection of Landscapes: As mentioned earlier, animals are not the only ones who need protection from extinction. Plant species as well as the landscapes they inhabit, such as mountains, rainforests, gorges are also in need of protection. Due to human action as well as certain natural processes, many landforms are at risk from pollution and degradation. If an area is designated as a National Park or a Biosphere reserve, these landscapes have a better chance of survival as they will be protected from destruction and pollution.

Preservation of Historical Monuments: It so happens that certain historical monuments happen to be located in areas designated as National Parks. Such historical and cultural monuments can be better preserved as a result and it will enable people to learn more about their past cultures in a better way.

Preservation of Tribal Cultures: Certain national parks are home to tribes who have lived from civilization. Their culture is preserved and protected due to their residence in a national park. By setting up these areas, it would better protect indegenous peoples who would otherwise struggle in a setting that would be alien to them. The culture of the tribes would be better preserved and protected as a result.

Improvement for a Healthy life: National Parks give chances for people at a healthy life as it creates an area for exercise and recreation. It is important to conserve places where the natural environment is intact. For example many national parks in the US have established trail systems that offer extensive routes for exploration on foot. People benefit from cleaner air to breathe and the chance to relax and combat the stress of busy lives