Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve UPSC
The Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve, also known as BRT Tiger Reserve or BR Hills Tiger Reserve, is a protected area located in the state of Karnataka, India. It is named after the Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, which is situated within the reserve.
The tiger reserve encompasses the Biligiri Ranganatha Hills, which are part of the Eastern Ghats. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and serves as an important corridor between the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats.
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Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve Location
The Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve (BRT) is located in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka State. This unique Bio-geographical habitat is in the middle of the bridge between Western and Eastern ghats in South India. It is located approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) south of Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka.
Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to the Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve is the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It is the major international airport serving the region and is approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) away from the reserve.
Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to the Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve is the Chamarajanagar Railway Station, which is located in Chamarajanagar town. It is about 55 kilometers (34 miles) away from the tiger reserve.
Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve History
The history of the Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve (BRT Tiger Reserve) is intertwined with the cultural and ecological significance of the region. Here are some key points about its history:
1. Ancient Temple: The Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, located within the tiger reserve, is believed to have a history dating back several centuries. It is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple holds religious significance and attracts pilgrims from far and wide.
2. Wildlife Sanctuary: The area surrounding the Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1974 to protect its diverse flora and fauna. The sanctuary aimed to safeguard the natural habitats of various species, including the Bengal tiger, which is an endangered species.
3. Tiger Reserve Status: In 2011, the wildlife sanctuary was upgraded to the status of a tiger reserve, becoming the Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve. This recognition highlighted the importance of the reserve in tiger conservation efforts, as it provides a critical link between the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats.
Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve Area
The Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve (BRT Tiger Reserve) covers an area of approximately 574.82 square kilometers (221.99 square miles). This includes both the core area and the buffer zone of the reserve.
Core Area: The core area of the BRT Tiger Reserve covers an area of 359.10 square kilometers (sq km). This is the primary zone within the reserve that is given the highest level of protection for the conservation of wildlife and their habitats.
Buffer Area: The buffer area of the BRT Tiger Reserve spans an area of 215.72 sq km. This area serves as a transition zone between the core area and the surrounding human settlements. It allows for certain sustainable activities and provides additional protection to the core area.
Total Area: When the core area and buffer area are combined, the total area of the Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve is 574.82 sq km. This figure represents the overall extent of the reserve, including both the protected core area and the buffer zone.
- Core Area : 359.10 sq kms
- Buffer Area : 215.72 sq kms
- Total : 574.82 sq kms
Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve Hills
The Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve (BRT Tiger Reserve) is located in the Biligiri Ranganatha Hills, which are part of the Eastern Ghats mountain range.
The Biligiri Ranganatha Hills have an average elevation ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 meters (3,300 to 4,900 feet) above sea level. The terrain is characterized by forests, deep valleys, and steep slopes, making it an ideal habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna.
The hills not only contribute to the biodiversity of the reserve but also offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy stunning panoramic views and engage in activities like trekking and nature walks.
Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve Flora
The Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve (BRT Tiger Reserve) is known for its diverse and rich flora. The reserve is located in the Eastern Ghats and encompasses various forest types, including moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests, and grasslands.
Here are some of the prominent flora species found in the BRT Tiger Reserve:
(1) Southern Tropical Evergreen Forests:
These forests are characterized by dense tree canopies and a high diversity of species. They typically occur in areas with high rainfall and are dominated by species such as Anogeissus latifolia, Dalbergia paniculata, Grewia teliaefolia, Terminalia alata, Terminalia bellirica, Terminalia paniculata, Stereospermum personatum, and Syzygium cumini.
(2) Southern Tropical Semi-evergreen Forests:
These forests have a mix of evergreen and deciduous characteristics, with a moderate density of tree canopies. Some of the major species found in this forest type include Buchanania lanzan, Careya arborea, Hymenodictyon excelsum, Kydia calycina, Schleichera oleosa, and Sterculia villosa.
(3) Southern Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests:
These forests experience a distinct dry season, leading to the shedding of leaves by many tree species. The tree species in this forest type include Cassia fistula, Phyllanthus emblica, Raderma cheraxylocarpa, Boswellia serrata, Commiphora caudata, Givotia rottleriformis, Gsyrocorpus asiatica, Sterculia urens, Lagerstroemia parviflora, and Pterocarpus marsupium.
Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve Fauna (Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve Animals)
The Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve (BRT Tiger Reserve) is home to a diverse range of fauna, including several species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Here are some notable fauna found in the reserve:
Mammals:
- Tiger
- Leopard
- Wild dog
- Lesser cat
- Civet cat
- Giant flying squirrel
- Sloth Bear
- Wild Boar
- Common Langur
- Bonnet Macaque
- Elephant
- Gaur
- Sambhar
- Spotted Deer
- Barking Deer
- Four Horned Antelope
Birds:
- Yellow Throated Bulbul
- Nilgiri Wood Pigeon
- Rufous Bellied Hawk Eagle
- Peregrine Falcon
Reptiles:
- Indian Rock Python
- King Cobra
- Malabar Pit Viper
- Indian Rat Snake
- Green Vine Snake
- Fan-throated Lizard
- Monitor Lizards
Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve?/ BRT tiger reserve in which district?
A. The Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve (BRT) is located in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka State.
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