Description

Source: The Hindu
Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.
Context
- Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) inaugurated South India's first and the country's largest leopard safari, highlighting leopards' conservation.
- The park is implementing several initiatives to enhance animal welfare, visitor experience and educational outreach.
Details
Key Points
- Inauguration of South India's first and the country's largest leopard safari by Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre.
- Safari spans 20 hectares with eight leopards in an open forest area, created at a cost of ₹4.5 crore.
- The safari adheres to Central Zoo Authority guidelines, featuring natural rocky outcrops and semi-deciduous forest.
- The park addresses human-animal conflict by rescuing and raising leopard cubs for the safari.
- New initiatives include a renovated elephant weaning centre, electric buggies, and skywalks connecting the zoo and butterfly park.

About Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP):
- Location and Size:
- Located in Karnataka, BBP is a major wildlife park with diverse flora and fauna.
- Inauguration and Facilities:
- Inaugurated South India's first leopard safari, covering 20 hectares.
- Cost and Construction:
- Built at a cost of ₹4.5 crore, featuring naturalistic enclosures and a high chain-link mesh.
- Conservation Efforts:
- Focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating leopard cubs, addressing human-animal conflicts.
- New Initiatives:
- Includes renovated facilities, electric buggies, and proposed new enclosures for various species.

About Features of Leopards (Panthera Pardus):
- Species Classification:
- Belongs to the Panthera genus, known for its adaptability and elusive nature.
- Habitat:
- Inhabits a range of environments from forests to grasslands, showing high adaptability.
- Physical Characteristics:
- Recognizable by their spotted coat, powerful build, and keen hunting skills.
- Diet and Hunting:
- Carnivorous, primarily preying on smaller mammals, birds, and sometimes livestock.
- Behaviour:
- Solitary and territorial, often nocturnal, and excellent climbers and swimmers.
- Conservation Status:
- Classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict.
- Role in Ecosystem:
- Apex predators, playing a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance by controlling prey populations.
Sources:
The Hindu
PRACTICE QUESTION
Q. Consider the following statements regarding leopards (Panthera pardus):
1.Leopards are exclusively nocturnal and are never active during the day.
2.They are known for their adaptability to a wide range of habitats.
3.Leopards play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance by controlling prey populations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: b)
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