Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary
| Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary | |
|---|---|
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area) | |
  Kappatagudda WS Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary (in Karnataka)  Kappatagudda WS Kappatagudda WS (India) | |
| Location | Gadag district, Karnataka, India |
| Nearest city | Gadag |
| Coordinates | 15°24′18″N 75°34′16″E / 15.4050°N 75.5710°E[1] |
| Area | 244.15 km2 (94.27 sq mi)[2] |
| Established | 16 May 2019[3] |
| Governing body | Department of Forest, Ecology & Environment, Government of Karnataka |
Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located in Gadag district in the Indian state of Karnataka. It was formed in 2019 and it spans 244.15 km2 (94.27 sq mi) over dry deciduous hills across Gadag, Mundargi, and Shirahatti taluks.[4][5]
Biodiversity
Flora
The sanctuary features dry deciduous vegetation dominated by teak, Butea monosperma, acacia scrub, and native grasses like Cymbopogon spp. Riparian patches exist alongside seasonal streams.[6]
A SACON–WII study confirmed the presence of 18 mammal species, including wolves, striped hyenas, jungle and rusty-spotted cats, small and large antelopes (blackbuck, chinkara, four‑horned antelope), and wild boar.[7]
Over 180 bird species have been documented. Notable species include Indian peafowl, plum-headed parakeet, crested serpent eagle, and larks and pipits typical of arid habitats.[8]
In February 2025, the rare White‑Naped Tit (Parus nuchalis) was observed, highlighting the sanctuary's scrub‑thorn habitat importance.[9]
Conservation and threats
In October 2024, the Karnataka Wildlife Board deferred 28 mining licence applications within 10 km of the sanctuary, following objections and environmentalist concerns over buffer-zone violations.[10][11]
Local activists rallied in November 2024 against buffer-zone reduction proposals, citing violations of the Wildlife Protection Act and lack of public consultation.[12]
In early 2025, forest officials launched phase‑2 of a survey using camera‑traps and grid-based monitoring, successfully confirming presence of wolves, leopards, porcupines, and various carnivores—also helping deter illegal activity.[13]
Tourism
In December 2023, forest authorities released an annual wildlife-themed calendar featuring local species—an initiative to boost awareness and tourism.[14]
Plans for jungle lodges and safari facilities by mid-2024 aim to replicate models from Bandipur and Dandeli, though infrastructure development is being paced to minimize ecological impact.[15]
References
- ^ "Kappatagudda forest is now a wildlife sanctuary". The New Indian Express. 17 May 2019. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
- ^ "Karnataka Protected Areas Database". Wildlife Institute of India. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
- ^ "Kappatagudda forest is now a wildlife sanctuary". The New Indian Express. 17 May 2019. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
- ^ "Kappatagudda forest is now a wildlife sanctuary". The New Indian Express. 17 May 2019. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
- ^ "De-notified and notified protected area: Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary and its importance for the conservation of mammals ..." ResearchGate. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ Murthy, Y. S.; Kulkarni, A. R. (2021). "Vegetation analysis of Kappatagudda forests". Journal of Dryland Biodiversity. 2 (3): 45–53.
- ^ "Kappatagudda now home to 18 mammals". The New Indian Express. 15 November 2024. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
- ^ "Bird list – Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary". eBird. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
- ^ "Rare White‑Naped Tit spotted in Kappatagudda Sanctuary". Green Minute. 8 February 2025. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
- ^ "Wildlife Board defers new mining licences around protected forest areas". The Hindu. 8 October 2024. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
- ^ "Kappatagudda: No nod for mining now, greens rejoice". The New Indian Express. 9 October 2024. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
- ^ "Citizens rally against proposal to shrink buffer zone for mining". The Times of India. 29 November 2024. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
- ^ "Phase‑2 of wild animal study afoot in Kappatagudda". The Times of India. 15 December 2023. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
- ^ "Forest dept brings out 2024 calendar featuring wild animals of Kappatagudda". The Times of India. 27 December 2023. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
- ^ "Kappatagudda to have jungle lodges soon to attract tourists". ET TravelWorld. 14 December 2023. Retrieved 5 July 2025.