Source: TH
Context: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) recommends declaring the Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary, adjoining Bandipur Tiger Reserve, as a core critical tiger habitat.
The recommendation is based on the ecological significance of Nugu, supporting diverse flora and fauna, including a high-density elephant population, tigers, leopards, and other wildlife species.
About Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary:
| Description | |
| Location | North of Bandipur National Park, Mysore District, Karnataka |
| Nugu Reservoir | Occupies the northern part of the sanctuary, built across the Nugu River (a tributary of the Cauvery) |
| Declaration | Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1974; Added to Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in 2003-2004 |
About Bandipur Tiger Reserve:
| Description | |
| Establishment | Established in 1973 under Project Tiger; Enlarged in 1985 and named Bandipur National Park |
| Location | Contiguous districts of Mysore and Chamarajanagar, Karnataka; Tri-junction of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala |
| Bandipur Tiger Reserve is surrounded by Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu) in the South, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) in the Southwest, and Kabini Reservoir in the North West, separating it from Nagarahole Tiger Reserve | |
| Biosphere Reserve | Part of Mysore Elephant Reserve; Component of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve |
| Biodiversity | Recognized as one of the Mega Biodiversity Areas; Rich floral and faunal diversity |
| Rivers and Highest Point | Between Kabini River (north) and Moyar River (south); Nugu river runs through; Highest point: Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta |
Q1. Consider the following protected areas: ( UPSC 2012)
- Bandipur
- Bhitarkanika
- Manas
- Sunderbans
Which of the above are declared Tiger Reserves?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: B
Q2. From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes importance in being a good link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats? (UPSC 2017)
(a) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
(b) Nallamala Forest
(c) Nagarhole National Park
(d) Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve
Ans: A
