ADVENTURE & WILDLIFE
Conservation efforts
Various conservation activities are in progress to protect the biodiversity present in Karnataka . These activities are mostly done by the Forest Department of the State of Karnataka and other voluntary organisations .
Relocation of human population
The presence of human habitation within the core area of reserved forests poses many problems like man – animal conflict and destruction of habitat due to agriculture and cattle grazing . Systematic efforts have been made to relocate some of this population into proper zones outside the protected area . An example is the relocation of some villagers from Bhagawathi and Nassehalla habitations within the Kudremukh National Park to safer regions outside it .
Recently discovered species
Many areas of Karnataka , especially in the forests of Malnad region are unexplored and new species of flora and fauna are discovered periodically . Some of the new species of flora discovered in Karnataka include Paracautleya bhatii ( a ginger ) and Isachne veldkampii ( a grass ), both of which were discovered near Manipal in Udupi district . Two species of algae , Cosmarium bourrellyi and Cosmarium desikacharyi were discovered in a paddy field in Belgaum . Other new species of flora discovered in Karnataka
Usage of technology New scientific methods are being used to protect the flora and fauna . Some of these are :
• Usage of satellites to detect forest fires so that they can easily be extinguished .
• Radio tracking of animals and usage of techniques like remote camera sampling to estimate the animal population .
• Installation of wireless stations and using wireless sets for easy communication among individuals involved in field trips and anti-poaching activities .
Staff empowerment
It is highly important to keep up the morale of forest wardens and other staff members involved in antipoaching activities and field trips . It is also necessary to keep them up-to-date on the technology and wildlife related laws . The following steps were implemented to address this issue :
include Isoetes udupiensis ( a flowering plant ) and Pisolithus indicus ( a fungus ).
Some of the new species of fauna discovered include two species of ants , Dilobocondyla bangalorica which was discovered on the campus of Indian Institute of Science , Bangalore and Discothyrea sringerensis which was discovered near Sringeri .
Three new species of frogs ; Philautus luteolus , Philautus tuberohumerus and Nyctibatrachus petraeus have been discovered in Karnataka .
• Field kits were provided to the staff consisting of boots , rain gear and uniforms .
• Conservation related award programs were announced to boost the morale of the staff .
• Training programs were undertaken for the staff in the use of firearms against poachers , field craft and Indian wildlife laws
Explorations in the Sharavathi river have yielded new fish species like Batasio sharavatiensis ( a bagrid catfish ), Schistura nagodiensis and Schistura sharavathiensis . Another fish species , Puntius coorgensis has been discovered near Bhagamandala in the Kaveri river .
Vol 1 | Issue 5-6 | Nov 16 - Jan 17 17