Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP)

About Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP):

• It has been an integral part of Bannerghatta National Park and emerged out as an independent establishment in 2002.
• It is in order to meet the growing demand for eco-recreation, eco-tourism, and conservation, an area of 545.00ha of forest from the National Park was set aside to constitute a biological park originally and later extended to 731.88ha.
• It is located about 22kms south of Bengaluru city, Karnataka.
• It has different units such as Zoo, Safari, Butterfly Park, and Rescue Centre (Conservation of Captive animals).
• It is the first biological park in India to have a fenced, forested elephant sanctuary. 

Key Facts about Bannerghatta National Park:

• Location: It is located near Bangalore, Karnataka, in the hills of the Anekal range.
• It was declared a National Park in 1974. 
• In 2006, India's first butterfly enclosure was inaugurated at the park.
• River: The Suvarnamukhi stream, the main source of water for the animals in the park, runs through the centre of the park.
• Vegetation: There are three types of vegetation that can be found: Dry Deciduous Scrub Forests, Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests and Southern Tropical Moist Mixed Forests.
• Flora: Include Narcissus latifolia, Schleichera oleosa, Sandalwood, Neem, Tamarind, Bamboo, Eucalyptus, etc.
• Fauna: Prime habitat for several species, including the endangered Asian Elephant, Indian gaur, Tiger, Sambar deer, Spotted deer,Leopard, Wild dog, Wild pig, Sloth bear, Common mongoose, Pangolin, Slender loris, Black-naped hare, etc.

Q1: What is Eucalyptus?

Eucalyptus is a large genus of more than 660 species of shrubs and tall trees of the myrtle family (Myrtaceae). Some of the tallest trees in the world are eucalypti. It is native to Australia, Tasmania, and nearby islands. In Australia, the eucalypti are commonly known as gum trees or stringybark trees. Many species are cultivated widely in many areas of the world as shade trees or in forestry plantations.

Source: South India’s first leopard safari opens at Bannerghatta Biological Park