Alarming: Bandhavgarh Reserve left with only 2 to 3 pc grassland

By Ankita Garg :

In its habitat management exercise involving development of grassland was implemented at Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve about three years back that tackled growth of fodder base for herbivores by six per cent. Currently, the reserve is left with 2 to 3 per cent of grassland. Experts said for appropriate habitat, grassland of jungle should be maintained minimum at 13 per cent of the total area.

During 2017, the Reserve left with only 2 to 3 pc grassland management conducted religious programmes in nearby villages to drive off animals in core area. Loud voice and vibration of instruments used in the programme helped to drive off animals inside the jungle. After animals entered the core area, field staff started sowing grassland in vacant areas. Out of 748 sq km of core area of Bandhvagarh, 2100 to 2300 hectare of land was filled with grassland. The religious programme was conducted to drive off animals from villages like Kallavah, Milli, Melvah, Magadhi and Kumharwah. Reserve Field Director Vincent Raheem said, “Grassland was developed around reserves in a scientific way.

Religious programme was conducted to drive off animals in the jungle and vacant nearby villages. Grassland has a significant role in tiger conservation. Population of herbivores grows with good grassland and then big cats prey upon them for survival. This is food chain for wildlife. In lack of grassland, herbivores move towards villages and big cats too stray out in residential areas.” He further added that soon practice of developing grassland around the reserve will begin.