Covering an area of 690 sq km of comparatively dry and rocky highlands of the state of Karnataka, the Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary lies at an altitude of 1000 m above mean sea level. The degraded forest consists of good quality teak, sandal and other species of trees.

Overview

It was the personal shooting block of the ex-Maharaja of Mysore. The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu adjoins the Bandipur sanctuary, and the forest in continuous. Only the inter-state boundary separates them. The wild animals do not, obviously, respect the inter-state boundary and cross over unchecked to areas that offer more food and water. Today, more than fifty percent elephants in the forests of south India are found in Bandipur.

Asian elephant, Bonner Macaque, Jungle Cat, Wild Boar, Indian Palm Squirrel, Golden Jackal, Indian Grey Mongoose, Bengal Fox, Ruddy Mongoose, Indian Elephant, Indian Pangolin, Langur, Tiger, Chital, Grizzled Indian Squirrel, Dhole, Sloth Bear, Leopard Cat, Stripe-necked Mongoose, Gaur, Lion-tailed Macaque, Leopard and Four-horned Antelopechitals, Wild Boars, Gaur etc are a few other mammal species that inhabit the area.

The Kabini Dam and backwaters of the Kabini River, which flows north of the Bandipur National Park, attract huge flocks of birds like Serpent Eagle, Scops Owl, the yellow-legged Green Pigeon, Parakeets, Woodpeckers, Barbets, Hornbills, Drongos, Scarlet Minivets, and Warblers.

Sightseeing

The roads in Bandipur have been named after the wild animals, probably to generate a feeling of closeness with them. More than 30,000 tourists visit Bandipur every year. Regarded as one of the most beautiful and the better-managed national parks of India, Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary also offers picturesque views of the towering Western Ghat Mountains on the Mysore-Ooty highway.

Background

Located at a distance of about 80 km from Mysore & Ooty and 215 km from Bangalore, this preserved land was established in 1930′s from the hunting lands of maharaja Voodiyar. It was later expanded in 1914 to adjoin the Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary of Tamilnadu, the Wayanad Sanctuary of Kerala and the Nagarhole National Park to create the India’s biggest biosphere reserve popularly known as the ‘Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve’. It was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1973 and was brought under the Wildlife Protection Act in 1974.

Tourists from far off places visit the place to enjoy wonderful safaris. These factors make Bandipur National Park an exotic paradise for wildlife lovers. March-July and September-November is considered as the best time to visit Bandipur.

Karnataka wildlife travel guide takes you to the best of jungle safaris and lets you have a closer look at the divine dense greens of Kernataka. South India tour is simply not worth without exploring the wildlife of Karnataka. It will surely leave you mesmerized.

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The following is a statement by the World Wildlife Fund on their web site: WWF safeguards hundreds of species around the world, but we focus special attention on our flagship species: giant pandas, tigers, endangered whales and dolphins, rhinos, elephants, marine turtles and great apes. These species not only need special measures and extra protection in order to survive, they also serve as umbrella species: helping them helps numerous other species that live in the same habitats.

The truth of the matter is that the disappearance is wildlife is of great concern. Here is one species that the WWF might add to their special list of flagship species: Homo sapiens. Perhaps we fit under the current umbrella.

We humans fit into the picture as mammals. That is we have mammary glands and give birth to live critters rather than lay eggs. We are also vertebrates having back ache when we get old or we lift too much. We are fragile and disruption of the environment of other animals disrupts our environment. Species now extinct can not be resurrected by man. The endangered species MUST be preserved.

Giant Panda

WWF is trying to save the giant panda because they are so cute. They have been working with China for some time. WWF says there are only about 1600 pandas in the wild. The rest are in the Washington Zoo.

I visited the pandas at the Washington Zoo back when they were first loaned to us by China. I have not seen the current pair loaned to us for 10 years by China, Mei Xiang, now 6, and Tian Tian, 7, who arrived from China in 2000. See http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A25057-2005Mar10.html?nav=rss_metro.

The pandas have had trouble breeding, as reported in the URL above, the males are particularly dumb. Artificial insemination doesn’t work too well either. Read about the rash of panda births last year at http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/NewsEvents/babyboom.cfm. The survival rate is not high.

It seems that pandas do better in the wild then in zoos. China has made major advances on how to feed them and breed them. Let’s hope that progress continues. The real solution is to preserve the panda’s habitat. One note: The cute little buggers can be dangerous. They are not all that cuddly. Got pepper spray?

Tigers

WWF says that tigers are mean but pretty. Not many more than 7500 now exist in the world, mostly in India. They are scarce or extinct in many areas of previous habitat. The encroachment of large populations and loss of habitat are major contributors to their demise. I know from experience in Korea that the fantastic Siberian tiger is not resistant to 30 caliber machinegun fire. They shouldn’t rattle those cans in the bobbed wire.

One thing about tigers is that they fit in nicely in zoos. Unlike the panda that can’t seem to reproduce when fertility experts are watching, the tiger does quite well. A tiger will even mate with a lion creating a tiglion or liger, depending on who is daddy. We had a liger at the Salt Lake City Zoo years back. I think the male was the lion.

WWF is fighting a battle against poachers and traders in “tiger parts.” This is true of other animals endangered by mankind. Read about the WWF efforts at http://www.worldwildlife.org/tigers/.

Whales and Dolphins

We want to keep our whales and dolphins. They are very smart and fun to watch. Their language contains many more bits of information than ours so we can’t understand them when they describe their great voyages of thousands of miles under the sea. We can only guess at what they are saying. Whales sing like birds and better than some people. They sing and sing and sing.

Hunting is still a hazard to whales, especially if they are being shot at by harpoon cannon from a big floating butcher shop. Swimming around in waters infested by fast moving ships is bad enough.

Our ship hit a whale when it was on its way to Korea. We knew because the ship’s crew told us so. It was on the crossing before our crossing. They said it made a big THUMP.

WFF says that fishing nets are a big problem for dolphins. I can’t imagine a Blue whale getting into that kind of fix, but maybe a small whale could. You better read about that at at http://www.worldwildlife.org/cetaceans/.

We need those whales. When the petroleum gives out, what are we going to use for lamp oil? (Just Kidding! Don’t write in. Surmising: If we had not discovered petroleum would there be any whales swimming in our oceans today?)

I’m going to quit here. I can’t think about what has happened and is happening to elephants, rhinos, and the big apes.

Each of us should take an interest in wildlife and its preservation. Cough up a little dough to WWF. It will make a difference to those critters we all love. Just get a signed statement from WWF that they won’t be out there tromping down the flora and scaring the hell out of the fauna.

I’m glad the Ivory Billed Woodpecker is back. I knew he was out there somewhere.

John T. Jones, Ph.D. (tjbooks@hotmail.com), a retired college professor and business executive, Former editor of an international engineering magazine. To learn more about Wealthy Affiliate University go to his info site. If you desire a flagpole to Fly Old Glory, go to the business site.

More info: http://www.InternetBusinessToolCenter.com

Business web site: http://www.AAAFlagpoles.com

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Imagine a world without wildlife. A world without elephants; a world without tigers; a world without monkeys; or a world without lions. Almost impossible isn’t it? We’ve all grown up taking our wild animals for granted and knowing that, although we don’t get to see them all that often, they’re out there somewhere; where they’re supposed to be, doing what they’re supposed to do. But as more and more of our precious animals become endangered or threatened through loss of habitat, pollution, human interference or disease, the chances of losing some species of animals forever are becoming more and more real. Wildlife conservation is, thankfully, a high profile cause in many parts of the world. However, the responsibility lies with all of us to do our bit, no matter how small, to ensure the preservation of every member of the animal kingdom. So, how can you help?

Make Tracks for Malawi

In the centre of one of the poorest regions in the world, is one of the most uplifting and heart warming wildlife conservation projects in the world. The ‘Bornwild’ program covers three areas; conservation, community and sports. The conservation part of the program incorporates the rehabilitation and maintenance of the environment, as well as assisting in research and tracking of wildlife, and education within the community to understand and promote conservation and organic farming. There are short and long term projects to get involved with, and it can be extremely rewarding to see your efforts pay off in the form of local participation and greater understanding of the importance of wildlife conservation.

An Indian Interaction

Cotiago Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa is as peaceful as the delightful Goan people themselves. The work that the staff of the sanctuary undertakes is vital to the survival of the numerous endangered species that live within, including, amongst others, panthers and leopards. If you choose to volunteer at Cotiago you will become involved in all aspects of the sanctuary’s work, particularly the rehabilitation of sick or injured animals. You may assist the vets with their care and treatment, and witness their return to their habitat once recovered.

If you like your wildlife conservation work to be a little tamer, there is also a Turtle Preservation Program in Goa. As well as helping keep the turtles’ habitat safe and clean in their 24 hour beach watch, you can also become involved in educating the local community of the dangers that threaten the turtles, such as litter and human interference.

Sri Lanka – Two Species Worth Saving

In Sri Lanka, you can become involved in the wildlife conservation work of two very different animals. On the surface, the elephant and the leopard don’t have much in common, but in truth, both are facing an uncertain future. Due to excessive loss of habitat, vital work is being undertaken to conserve the remaining numbers of the Sri Lankan Elephant, and the endemic sub-species of the leopard that lives in the island’s jungles. You will work closely with the experienced rangers and researchers on a variety of exciting projects, focusing heavily on the human/animal conflict in Sri Lanka. As well as work out in the field, monitoring elephant and leopard numbers and maintaining their habitat, you will become involved in the education programs already running in local communities.

Whichever way you choose to do your part will not only play an important role in world wildlife conservation, it will also be a wonderful adventure that you will never forget.

Mark Bottell is the General Manager for Worldwide Experience, an online tour operator offering extended breaks in wildlife conservation holidays and various adventurous gap years for adults.

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Here are some of the more commonly heard FAQs relating to gap year breaks that you may find useful as you head off for your once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Where can I find opportunities to work in wildlife conservation?

Assuming that you are talking about a gap year break as opposed to a career, you may have some great opportunities to choose from. There are specialist providers of such opportunities that could result in you working in places such as India and southern Africa, in some of their magnificent game reserves. Not all the work is based on dry land either! There are, for example, some great opportunities working alongside tiger shark populations.

How is it is structured?

That depends upon the break you have selected. Some will typically include all travel arrangements and virtually all will cover accommodation, training and supervision while you are there. Accommodation may not be described as being exactly ‘luxurious’ but it will typically be comfortable and hygienic.

How fit do you need to be?

Gap year wildlife conservation breaks are, by their nature, associated with rural environments. This may involve considerable walking and/or driving. You may also need to be relatively mobile and capable of undertaking some forms of moderate physical work. For example, you may find yourself involved in helping rehabilitate work elephants back into their natural environments in India which might include helping to wash and feed them.

These types of activities may not be easy if you are in poor health or suffer from very restricted mobility, however, it may be worth discussing your situation with the gap year opportunities providers, as there may be some options for people with reduced mobility.

Are these types of experience entirely safe?

Very few things in life can be guaranteed to be entirely safe – including conventional beach-type holidays in Europe. If you are working with wild animals in their natural environment, then by definition there may be a degree of risk. Fortunately, you will be supervised and assisted by local professionals and experts such as game reserve rangers and tour leaders. Your safety and enjoyment will be their highest priority.

What sort of work will be involved?

There are many, many answers to this question, depending upon your personal interests and the break you select. A point above makes reference to working with elephants in India on a gap year. You might also, for example, find yourself snorkelling in the Indian Ocean making surveys of local coral reefs to check and document the progressive effects of pollution. Alternatively, you may find yourself in the bush, somewhere in southern Africa, following migrating herds of wildebeest by way of helping to take population number surveys. One such break actually had people counting and weighing small dung pellets in the bush as a way of trying to assess the health of a herd of deer!

Do I get time off?

Yes. Not only will you be doing some productive and worthwhile work but you’ll also be given the opportunity to see, and participate in, aspects of local culture.

How much does it cost?

That’s impossible to answer without knowing the specifics of your interests. What you may find though, is that costs of a gap year that involves working with wildlife may be far lower than you would imagine.

Mark Bottell is the General Manager for Worldwide Experience, an online tour operator offering extended breaks on gap year and other wildlife conservation holidays for adults.

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This great country of ours is so blessed with rich landscapes and awe-inspiring terrain from the southern most tip of Florida to the northern tip of Alaska. Nowhere else in the world is there such a diverse array of grandeur, readily available for viewing, within short distances of almost any part of the country. Where once the land was almost barren of many species of wildlife, through wildlife conservation efforts, most of those species have been restored to a naturally healthy population.

Most of us probably think of radical, fanatical behaviorist when we hear the term wildlife conservation, but nothing could be further from the truth. Sure, there are those that take conservation much too far in trying to force their ideals on the rest of us. But true conservationist are concerned with the overall, long-range concept of conservation, not just protecting the lives of the immediate population. Only through proper wildlife management efforts is it possible to maintain a healthy population, no matter what the species.

There are many forms of wildlife conservation available in today’s society. One of the most well-known organizations is Ducks Unlimited. Back in 1937, a group of sportsmen decided it was time to do something about the dwindling waterfowl population in North America. Their mission was then, and still today, is “wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever”. According to a January 1, 2010 report from Ducks Unlimited, over 12 million acres of waterfowl habitat has been conserved as a result of the organization’s efforts. These efforts keep waterfowl millions of acres of habitat on which to thrive.

The National Wildlife Federation is another greatly publicized organization responsible for protecting and defending wildlife and the wild places they need to survive; restoring the health of our natural habitats and ecosystems; and educating and inspiring Americans to care for and protect our natural heritage. The National Wildlife Federation works to build coalitions with affiliates, sportsmen, Native American tribes, scientists and state wildlife officials to protect and restore wildlife habitat. The Federation does all this with a critical focus on species already being adversely impacted by the effects of environmental changes, and human population encroachment. All across America, wild spaces are being populated, polluted, or destroyed, leaving wildlife with fewer places to call home.

These are but two of the many popular organizations that serve to protect America’s wildlife. But there is another group of people in this country that is just as dedicated as any of the well-known organizations to wildlife conservation. Though they may not be as organized, and they may not have such a dynamic title, they are dedicated to the cause none the less. Who is this group? They are wildlife artists and through wildlife art, they are making a huge impact on conservation efforts.

Where do wildlife art and wildlife artists fit into the conservation scheme? Wildlife artists are some of the most dedicated people on the planet when it comes to the cause of conservation. Each artist truly loves the species they paint. They become intimately familiar with the habits, routines, habitat, and rituals of the species they love to portray in their art through in-depth study.

How does wildlife art contribute to wildlife conservation? There is an organization called Art for Conservation who sees the typical conservation campaign as a presentation of a bunch of facts and figures that, although critically important, gets really boring, really quickly. Art for Conservation believes this is where the power of imagery comes into effect.

Art for Conservation members believe that through partnerships with conservation photographers, artists and organizations, they create and market fine art prints in support of causes both large and small. To support that belief, the Art for Conservation organization pledged $509,810.00 to go to Ducks Unlimited through the sale of member’s artwork. Members allocate a percentage of each sale of their artwork to go to their conservation efforts and nationwide, this amounts to huge benefits to wildlife in general.

Now comes the big question. How can you get involved in this monumental effort to conserve wildlife? Here are just a few ideas that will go a long way toward achieving the goal.

Get Involved With a Specialized Conservation Organization

If you’re a hunter, join Ducks Unlimited, Quail Unlimited, or any of the other wildlife organizations aimed at conservation. Get involved with the goal in mind to make a difference.

Purchase Artwork Through an Organization That Supports Conservation

By purchasing your wildlife art through Ducks Unlimited, Art for Conservation, or other such organizations, a portion of your investment will go directly to wildlife conservation.

Make Donations

If you’re not a hunter, you can make donations to any of the conservation organizations without having to join or otherwise get involved. Your dollars will make a difference.

With the combined efforts of all the available organizations aimed at wildlife conservation, we can all play a role in the effective conservation of this country’s greatest natural wonders. So roll up your sleeves and let’s get started.

Randy C. Brown

Bring home the beauty of nature with wildlife art from North Forty Wildlife Art. Specializing in waterfowl art featuring ducks in their natural habitat found all around south Georgia’s many lakes, ponds and streams. We are dedicated to wildlife conservation through a commitment of 1% of the profit from the sale of our artwork allocated to Ducks Unlimited through Art for Conservation.

Also visit North Forty Wildlife Art’s Blog for information, news, tips, techniques, products, and much more.

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India is a prosperous land of several species of mammals, reptiles, animals, birds and insects. Still there are many species that are on the verge of extinction. It is not a one day cause, it has been a gradual disaster done by us only.

To fulfill our several dreams and projects we have totally neglected the pros and cons side of our deeds, which resulted as number of endangered species. Increasing urbanization has ruined the habitats of these innocent creatures. Many other causes like expansion of agriculture, rapid industrialization, trade and poaching are responsible for it. Continuous forest cutting has totally disturbed the eco system, that resulted out in the form of global warming and drastic climate change. Also the illegal hunting is one of the causes of extinction of wildlife species.

But as well said by scholars – ”it’s better now than never”, the Government of India has taken certain resulting efforts towards it. Many Government bodies have established numerous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks across the country, where this precious treasure of wildlife has been conserved.

The total wildlife Conservation in India is spread over a huge area of 3.29 million sq km. There are total 571 reserves park and wildlife sanctuaries, which are undertaken by Indian Government.

Also the Government has worked a lot on several projects and programs to save the endangered species in India. Some of the most popular of them are:

Project Tiger: Project Tiger is amongst the best steps, taken by the Government of India. It is rather a conservation movement, started in 1972 to protect tigers. On account of this project numerous tiger reserves have been established in different regions to recover the number royal Bengal tigers. Till date more than 45 Project Tiger reserves have been covering an area of around 37,761 sq km.

Jim Corbett National Park, Ranthambore National Park, Tiger Reserves of India, Kaziranga National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Kanha National Park are some of the Tiger reserves in India.

Project Elephant: Project Elephant was started by the ‘Government of India Ministry of Environment and Forests’ in the year of 1992. The main aim behind this project is to provide financial and technical assistance to Wildlife management of states to protect and maintain the population of Asian elephants. The project has been implemented in the 13 states of India.

Except Crocodile Conservation, Eco Tourism in India etc are other steps taken in this direction. Also many NGO’s are working on Wildlife Conservation in India.

Plan Wildlife Tour in India to know more about Wildlife Conservations in India.

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Endangered Wildlife: A Global Issue

Across the globe, more and more animal species face extinction. From the rhinos and great apes in Africa, the elephants in Asia, to the tigers in India, animals are becoming increasingly endangered. Conservation organisers have now developed the concept of gap years for adults where people volunteer to do animal conservation work and take some time out from their jobs. Here are just 4 animals in need of a serious wildlife conservation strategy.

Where Have all the Tigers Gone?

It is estimated that there are only about 4000 tigers remaining in the wild worldwide, making them one of the most threatened species. The habitat of the tiger stretches across South East China, and from the Russian Far East all the way to Sumatra in Indonesia. However, tigers can mostly only be found in tiny isolated pockets.

Despite wildlife conservation efforts, tiger population numbers continue to decrease. Tigers are dying because they are being killed for use within the illegal wildlife trade. They are being shot, poisoned and trapped to sell on this market, and it will take the best efforts of those involved with animal conservation work to counter this effect.

The habitat of the tiger is also diminishing because of the expanding human population. The poor local communities also need the land to sustain themselves, and are depleting the vegetation and prey in the tigers’ habitat. Wildlife conservation projects will therefore need to carefully consider how to reduce the need of the local populations to depend on the environment in a destructive way.

Rhinos No Longer Roam in the Wild

Almost no rhinos are still found surviving in the wild. But not so long ago, these creatures were roaming across the entire African continent, and the Southern parts of Asia. There are five species of rhino in existence, two of which are indigenous to Africa, and three to Asia. Volunteers involved with animal conservation work are trying hard to preserve all of these species, some of which face imminent extinction.

The northern white rhino is now on the critically endangered list, and a subspecies of the black rhino is now thought to be extinct. There are some wildlife conservation success stories, however, with the populations of the southern white and northern Indian rhinos now on the increase.

The Great Apes Face Extinction

Found in both Africa and Asia, the great apes once had a mighty population. Now, these majestic creatures are under threat, and it will take concerted wildlife conservation efforts to save these gentle giants.

In Africa, bonobos, eastern and western gorillas face losing their habitat to humans. Human action is degrading and fragmenting their habitat, with civil wars making it difficult for volunteers doing animal conservation work to access the areas in need of protection. Poaching and disease is causing a serious threat to the populations, and wildlife conservation efforts need to be somehow increased.

The orang-utan is the only ape found in Asia, with its last remaining habitats being the Sumatran rainforests and the island of Borneo. These areas are diminishing rapidly, because of illegal logging, oil palm plantations and forest fires caused by human activity. A great way to give something back to nature and attempt to reverse human impact is to take a gap year for adults and help save animals such as these.

The Ivory Issue

Elephants were once the giants of the African and Asian continents, but now their numbers are dwindling, and in Asia and they face extinction. Wildlife conservation projects can only do so much to help these creatures, as people continue to illegally poach elephants for their ivory, meat and hides.

In Africa, elephants are primarily poached for their ivory, and poaching, alongside habitat loss, is placing them under threat. Wildlife authorities do not have the capacity to implement adequate wildlife conservation projects on their own, and volunteers to do animal conservation work are in high demand.

Elephants in Asia are nearing extinction, with the remaining elephant populations being small and fragmented. The biggest problem faced in Asia is the disruption and destruction of their migratory routes and habitat. Poachers also have their role to play, with poaching for ivory, meat and hides being widespread.

Mark Bottell is the General Manager for Worldwide Experience, an online tour operator offering extended breaks working on wildlife conservation projects, and gap years for grown-ups.

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