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.