Anshi National Park

Infobox_protected_area | name = Anshi National ParkLocation map|India
label= Anshi National Park
position=right
background=
lat=15
long=74.5
float=left
width=300
iucn_category = II
location = Dandeli, India
nearest_city = Dandeli
lat_degrees = 15
lat_minutes = 01
lat_seconds = 00
lat_direction = N
long_degrees = 74
long_minutes = 23
long_seconds = 00
long_direction = E
area = 84,000 acres
(340 km²)
established = 2 September, 1987
visitation_num =
visitation_year =
governing_body = [http://www.karnatakaforest.gov.in Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Karnataka]

Anshi National Park is located in Uttara Kannada district, in the Indian state of Karnataka, bordering the state of Goa. The 340 square kilometre park adjoins the Dandeli wildlife sanctuary, and together with six other protected areas in the states of Goa and Maharashtra, forms a protected forest area of over 2200 square kilometres.

The park is a habitat of melanistic leopards, tigers and elephants, amongst other fauna.

History

The forest in the area was declared the Dandeli wildlife sanctuary on 10 May, 1956. The state proposed carving out a section of the sanctuary to form the Anshi national park, and the proposal was implemented on 2 September, 1987.Wildlife Institute of India [http://www.wii.gov.in/envis/envis_pa_network/karnataka_main.htm Protected Areas in Karnataka state] , (June 2000), URL accessed 02 April 2007] . The initial proposal covered 250 square kilometres. When the final notification of the park area was issued in 2002, it was extended by another 90 square kilometres.

Anshi and Dandeli were granted the status of Project Tiger sanctuaries in January 2007Rajendran, S [http://www.thehindu.com/2007/01/17/stories/2007011708120600.htm Karnataka gets its fourth Project Tiger sanctuary] , (2007), URL accessed 06 March 2007] .

Geography

Located in the Western Ghats range, Anshi's altitude varies from 200m to 925m above sea level. The park is situated in the North Western Ghats montane rain forests and North Western Ghats moist deciduous forests ecoregions, both of which are deemed endangered by the World Wildlife FundWWF [http://www.worldwildlife.org/wildworld/profiles/terrestrial/im/im0134_full.html North Western Ghats moist deciduous forests] , URL accessed 06 March 2007] .

Park management

The management of National parks and sanctuaries in the state is the responsibility of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wild life). Anshi National Park and the adjoining Dandeli wildlife sanctuary together form the Dandeli Wildlife Division of the Karnataka Forest Department, headed by a Deputy Conservator of Forests.

Wildlife and ecology

Flora

The forests in the area are rich in flora and fauna. Trees and plants that can be found here include Bamboo, Bauhinia, Eucalyptus, Lantana, Silver Oak, Teak and Xylia xylocarpa.

Fauna

A variety of Bonnet Macaque, deer (barking, mouse and spotted), Indian bison, Malabar Civet, Malabar giant squirrel, pangolin and sloth bear make their home in the forests of the park. Besides, the black panther, elephants and tigers are rare species found in the park.

Reptiles spotted in the park include the King Cobra, Krait, Python, Rat snake and Viper.

Around 200 species of birds are recorded in the park. These include the Adjutant Stork, Ashy Woodswallow, Black-crested Bulbul, Blue-headed Pitta, Brahminy Kite, Broad-billed Roller, Crested Serpent Eagle, Great Hornbill, Golden-backed Woodpecker, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Sri Lanka Frogmouth and Yellow-footed Green Pigeon.

References