Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: DTE
Context: The Dandeli forest in Karnataka, India, renowned for its unique grasses, bird species, and cattle herders, is facing a climate crisis due to rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns.
Concerns:
| Issue | Description |
| Loss of Grasses | Decline in the abundance of the 100 different types of grasses in the forest, affecting herbivores’ food source. |
| Eupatorium Weed | The invasion of eupatorium weed, which is not consumed by herbivores and is prone to fires, replaces native grasses. |
| Changing Forest Character | The transition from semi-evergreen to moist deciduous forests over time is influenced by historical factors and human interventions. |
| Uncontrolled Forest Fires | The ban on controlled fires during British rule has led to an increase in uncontrolled forest fires, posing risks to the ecosystem. |
| Decline in Herbivore Pop. | Reduction in herbivore populations due to the loss of grasses, impacting the prey base for big cats such as leopards and tigers. |
| Impact on Villagers | Local cattle herders have seen a decrease in the number of cattle per household due to predation by big cats and the loss of grasslands. |
| Changes in Fruit Availability | Altered flowering and fruiting patterns of fig trees affect bird populations like the Malabar pied hornbill, which rely on fig fruits. |
| Decline in Honey Collection | Reduction in honey collection as ficus trees, a source of honey, are not flowering properly. |
About Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary:
It lies within the Kali Tiger Reserve (KTR) (Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka) along with Anshi National Park.
KTR is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and global biodiversity hotspot. The reserve derives its name from the Kali River, which flows through the region. The ecoregions found here, namely the North Western Ghats montane rainforests and North Western Ghats moist deciduous forests.
