Conservationist urges habitat restoration in Bhimgad sanctuary

Belagavi: Wildlife conservationist Giridhar Kulkarni urged the state forest department to take immediate steps to restore the ecological balance of Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary. In a detailed representation submitted to deputy conservator of forests (DCF) NE Kranthi of the Belagavi division, Kulkarni called for the systematic removal of non-native Acacia auriculiformis plants and recommended postponing proposed safari activities until significant habitat restoration was achieved.Kulkarni pointed out that Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary, spread across 3,363 hectares, was significantly affected by Acacia auriculiformis. According to him, the widespread presence of non-native trees degraded native vegetation, altered soil conditions, and disrupted the area's natural hydrology. He noted that the sanctuary's Management Plan for 2018–19 to 2028–29 clearly discouraged plantation activities in grasslands and natural forest ecosystems due to their ecological importance. The presence of large-scale Acacia auriculiformis plantations, he said, contradicted these guidelines and threatened the delicate prey–predator balance within the sanctuary. Kulkarni highlighted the growing concern of human–wildlife conflict in surrounding villages. Habitat degradation reduced the availability of fodder and water for herbivores, leading to a decline in prey populations. As a result, wildlife increasingly ventured into nearby fields and settlements in search of food and water. Drawing attention to successful conservation efforts elsewhere, Kulkarni cited the example of the Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary, where the removal of non-native plants helped revive native grasslands and significantly improved habitat conditions for wildlife. He suggested that similar restoration measures could help rejuvenate the ecosystems of Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary. Kulkarni recommended a phased removal of Acacia auriculiformis. He suggested beginning with a fresh enumeration and spatial mapping to assess the exact extent of the affected areas. After extraction, he advised that no new plantations be introduced and that the focus should instead be on natural regeneration and soil conservation measures. Kulkarni also recommended deferring the introduction of safari activities in the sanctuary until the ecological restoration process was substantially completed. Launching tourism activities in a degraded habitat, he argued, was premature and could undermine conservation objectives. He noted that the removal of non-native plantations could provide employment opportunities for local communities. The extracted timber and firewood could be auctioned, generating revenue that could be reinvested in habitat restoration, anti-poaching initiatives, and other conservation activities. Kulkarni urged the forest department to review and, if necessary, modify the sanctuary's management plan in accordance with provisions under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. MSID:: 129458504 413 |