Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary

Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

The state govt's decision to open the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) in Khanapur for a wildlife safari has sparked controversy and is facing backlash from environmentalists.

About Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary

• It spans over the Western Ghats in Belgaum district of the south Indian state Karnataka.
• It was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in December 2011. 
• The sanctuary has been named after the Bhimgad Fort, constructed and commanded by Shivaji in the 17th century as a defence from Portuguese troops. 
• It shares its boundary with the north of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, north-west of the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, north of Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary and east of Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary.
• BWS forms the headwaters of a number of rivers like Tillari, Malaprabha and Mhadei and several perennial streams.
• The forest is also famed for its Barapede caves which serve as the only known breeding area of a threatened species on the verge of extinction called Wroughton's free-tailed bat.
• Flora: It mainly comprises a combination of tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests and grasslands. It also hosts a number of medicinal plants. 
• Fauna: It has a rich biodiversity and shelters animals like Elephants, King Cobras, Wild Dogs, Foxes, Chitals, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Sloth Bear, Gaur, Leopards and Tigers. 

Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary FAQs

Q1. Which is India's first wildlife sanctuary?

Ans. India's first wildlife sanctuary is the Hailey National Park, now known as Jim Corbett National Park, located in Uttarakhand. I

Q2. Who constructed the Bhimgad Fort?

Ans. Bhimgad Fort was constructed and commanded by Shivaji in the 17th century.

Q3. What is Wroughton's free-tailed bat?

Ans. Wroughton's free-tailed bat (Otomops wroughtonii) is a species of bat found in parts of India and Sri Lanka. 

Source: TOI