·        Location: Bannerghatta National Park, located near Bangalore, Karnataka, in the Anekal range hills, was declared a National Park in 1974.

·        In 2002, a section of the park was designated as the Bannerghatta Biological Park, India’s first biological park with a fenced forested elephant sanctuary. This park also houses India’s first butterfly enclosure, inaugurated in 2006.

o   In 2004, the Bannerghatta Biological Park was established as a separate entity under the Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK), comprising the zoo, safari, butterfly park, and rescue center divisions. Notably, the park preserves wilderness in close proximity to a major city and encompasses the scenic Champakadhama hills valley.

·        Natural Features:

o   The Suvarnamukhi stream flows through the center of the park, providing crucial water sources for its diverse wildlife.

o   The park features three main types of vegetation: Dry Deciduous Scrub Forests, Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests, and Southern Tropical Moist Mixed Forests.

·        Floura and Fauna: The park is home to a rich variety of fauna, including the endangered Asian Elephant, Indian Gaur, Tiger, Sambar Deer, Spotted Deer, Leopard, Wild Dog, Wild Pig, Sloth Bear, Common Mongoose, Pangolin, Slender Loris, and Black-naped Hare. Flora within the park includes species such as Narcissus latifolia, Schleichera oleosa, Sandalwood, Neem, Tamarind, Bamboo, and Eucalyptus.

·        Objectives:

o   Conservation of Biodiversity: Enhance national efforts in ex-situ biodiversity conservation.

o   Protection of Endangered Species: Support the conservation of endangered species through specialized facilities and care.

o   Research and Documentation: Facilitate scientific studies, research, and database creation related to conservation.

o   Public Awareness and Recreation: Raise public awareness about wildlife conservation while providing recreational opportunities for visitors.

·        Scientific Name: Panthera pardus

·        Description:

o   The leopard, the smallest member of the Big Cat family (genus Panthera), is renowned for its adaptability across various habitats.

o   It primarily hunts nocturnally, preying on smaller herbivores like chital, hog deer, and wild boar within its range.

o   Melanism, a genetic trait resulting in a black coat with dark spots, is common among leopards.

Melanistic leopards are often referred to as black panthers, a misconception of being a separate species.

·        Habitat: Leopards inhabit a wide range from sub-Saharan Africa to small parts of Western and Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast to East Asia. The Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) is particularly widespread across the Indian subcontinent.

·        Threats: Major threats include poaching for illegal trade in skins and body parts, habitat loss, fragmentation leading to reduced roaming areas, and conflicts with humans in shared habitats.

·        Conservation Status:

o   IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

o   CITES: Appendix-I

o   Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule-I

·        Furthermore, skywalks are in progress to establish connectivity between the zoo and the butterfly park.