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