KODAGU

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Picture Courtesy: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/climate-change/drought-grips-kodagu-cauvery-river-runs-dry-posing-threat-to-wildlife-and-livelihoods-95931 

Context: Kodagu district in Karnataka, which is well-known for its coffee estates, is facing an unusual drought.

About Kodagu District

• Kodagu district is situated on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats in Karnataka.
• It has three wildlife sanctuaries;
  • Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in the northern part of Kodagu, this sanctuary is known for its biodiversity and is a part of the Western Ghats UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is situated around Talakaveri, the origin of the river Kaveri, and is an important habitat for various species.
  • Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in the Brahmagiri Hills, this sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes.
• Nagarahole National Park, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is a prominent wildlife reserve bordering Kodagu district and famed for its tiger, elephant, and other wildlife populations.
• SAI (Save Animals Initiative) Sanctuary is India's only private wildlife sanctuary, dedicated to the conservation of wildlife, particularly elephants.
• Kodagu's economy is primarily dependent on agriculture. The major crops grown in the district include:
  • Coffee: Karnataka accounts for over 70% of total coffee production in India, with the Kodagu district contributing 33% alone.
  • Pepper: Kodagu produces roughly one-quarter of India's black pepper.
  • Other Crops: Apart from coffee and pepper, other crops grown in Kodagu include paddy (rice), rubber, cardamom, Coorg oranges, honey, tea, ginger, and cocoa.
• The Kodagu district is also known for its large elephant populations. According to the 2023 elephant census, the district is home to roughly 1,013 elephants, making it an important area for elephant conservation activities in Karnataka.

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Source:

Down To Earth

Wikipedia.