Mythili Susarla

LA4004

The Northernmost part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve’s elephant corridor lies at Bannerghatta National Park, just south of Bengaluru. This forest stretches across thirteen Reserved Forests and beats, across the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. It supports the movement of resident and migratory elephants, sloth bears, wild boars, and several other native species. However, the forest is under increasing pressure from human activities—degradation caused by eucalyptus plantations, quarrying, soil erosion, agricultural encroachment, and the expansion of roads and positioning of fences. Management boundaries and fragmented forest management make the landscape more complex. During the dry season, limited access to perennial water sources forces animals to move outside the forest, often leading to conflict. Existing fences and barrier roads further restrict movement. Habitat fragmentation is made worse by under-storey loss in plantations, invasive lantana growth, and drying ponds. This project focuses on identifying crucial habitat patches and movement paths within the corridor, with specific attention to the needs of elephants and sloth bears. Through analysis of movement patterns and ecological layers, the project proposes interventions that aim to restore forest health and improve connectivity, while minimizing disturbance to the existing landscape.