Hesaraghatta Conservation Reserve

3 May 2025

Hesaraghatta Conservation Reserve

The Government of Karnataka has officially notified the 5,678-acre Hesaraghatta grasslands near Bengaluru as the Greater Hesaraghatta Grassland Conservation Reserve

  • This move aims to protect the unique ecosystem, which has been under severe threat from urbanization and real estate development.

About Hesaraghatta Grassland

  • Location: Hesaraghatta Lake near Bengaluru in Karnataka.
  • Ecosystem Type: One of the last remaining savanna grassland and wetland ecosystems near Bangaluru.

Significance

  • Hydrological Role: Serves as a major catchment area of the Arkavathy River, aiding groundwater recharge and  sponge to soak up monsoon runoff.
  • Migratory Importance: Provides an essential stopover habitat for wintering migratory birds from Europe, Central Asia, and the Himalayas.

Flora and Fauna

  • It supports rich biodiversity, including:
    • Endangered mammals like leopards, slender lorises, jackals, Indian foxes, and smooth-coated otters.
    • Over 285 species of birds, including the critically endangered lesser florican, greater spotted eagle, and red-necked falcon.

About Conservation Reserve

  • Legal Status: Protected area under the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972.
  • Declaration Authority: Can be declared by State Governments or the Central Government to protect important landscapes, seascapes, flora, and fauna.
  • Purpose: Functions as buffer zones or wildlife corridors between national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and reserved/protected forests.
  • Governance: Managed through a Conservation Reserve Management Committee, appointed by the State Government, which advises the Chief Wild Life Warden on conservation efforts.

PWOnlyIAS Extra Edge: About Grassland Ecosystem

  • Definition: Grasslands are open terrestrial ecosystems dominated by grasses, typically found in warm, dry climates, with few trees or shrubs.
  • Global Coverage: Cover 20–40% of the global land area.
  • India’s Coverage: Approximately 24% of India’s geographical area.
  • Types of Grassland Ecosystem:
    • Tropical Savannas:  Found in tropical regions; characterized by scattered trees and seasonal rainfall  e.g. Shola grasslands (Western Ghats)
    • Temperate Grasslands: Found in temperate regions; dominated by grasses and shrubs; known for extreme seasonal temperature variations e.g. Prairies (North America)
    • Steppes:  Semi-arid, treeless grasslands typically found in temperate zones, marked by low rainfall e.g. Eurasian Steppes.

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Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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