Template:Infobox protected area
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 Template:Convert over dry deciduous hills across Gadag, Mundargi, and Shirahatti taluks.[1][2]
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.[3]
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.[4]
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.[5]
In February 2025, the rare White‑Naped Tit (Parus nuchalis) was observed, highlighting the sanctuary's scrub‑thorn habitat importance.[6]
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.[7][8]
Local activists rallied in November 2024 against buffer-zone reduction proposals, citing violations of the Wildlife Protection Act and lack of public consultation.[9]
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.[10]
Tourism
In December 2023, forest authorities released an annual wildlife-themed calendar featuring local species—an initiative to boost awareness and tourism.[11]
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.[12]
References
- ↑ Kappatagudda forest is now a wildlife sanctuary(17 May 2019). Retrieved 5 July 2025.
- ↑ De-notified and notified protected area: Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary and its importance for the conservation of mammals ....
- ↑ Vegetation analysis of Kappatagudda forests. Journal of Dryland Biodiversity({Template:Year).
- ↑ Kappatagudda now home to 18 mammals(15 Nov 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 Feb 2025). Retrieved 5 July 2025.
- ↑ Wildlife Board defers new mining licences around protected forest areas(8 Oct 2024). Retrieved 5 July 2025.
- ↑ Kappatagudda: No nod for mining now, greens rejoice(9 Oct 2024). Retrieved 5 July 2025.
- ↑ Citizens rally against proposal to shrink buffer zone for mining(29 Nov 2024). Retrieved 5 July 2025.
- ↑ Phase‑2 of wild animal study afoot in Kappatagudda(15 Dec 2023). Retrieved 5 July 2025.
- ↑ Forest dept brings out 2024 calendar featuring wild animals of Kappatagudda(27 Dec 2023). Retrieved 5 July 2025.
- ↑ Kappatagudda to have jungle lodges soon to attract tourists(14 Dec 2023). Retrieved 5 July 2025.