This earth is not inherited by us, we merely borrow it for a while. And it behoves us to return borrowed things in good condition. It is in our own interest to stem the mindless destruction of our environment.

Every year the first week of October is celebrated as the Wildlife Week to spread public awareness about the need to save our precious flora and fauna. The Karnataka state forest department, in coordination with various nature clubs and organisations, arranges a wide range of activities throughout the week.

The Bannerghatta National Park was planning to inaugurate the new herbivorous enclosure on the occasion, but this did not materialize. This sanctuary, located 22 km south of Bangalore on the Anekal Road, is the nearest safe haven for wildlife. A large arch welcomes you to the lush green abode of Bannerghatta National Park. Now, exercise caution and refrain from entering because this is not the entry point. Make sure you ask for directions from the friendly villagers.

Coming down the narrow metalled road, one sees the vast compound wall of the park enclosure running deep into the forest. Though the entire national park stretches across 104.27 sq km, only a small portion in the north has been carved out for tourism. This portion has the lion and tiger safari, herbivore safari, a mini zoo, a reptile park, a museum and also a picnic corner. The mini zoo contains exotic species like the white peacock, fantail pigeon, great Indian pied hornbill, iguanas, porcupines and leopards among others. The reptile park has pythons, crocodiles, vipers, cobras and other snakes.

The tour of the safari is the most exciting part. Tourists are accommodated in large well equipped vans managed by Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC). The safari takes us into dry deciduous forest and thorny scrub, with moist deciduous bamboo p atches along the streams. The guide tells to watch out for the sight of the magnificent felines roaming freely. A flash of black and yellow stripes among the thicket brings a group of fearsome Panthera Tigris, the Indian Tiger, into view. A 300 kg, six foot long bundle of energy comes a bit too close to the van for our comfort. We cringed in the safety of our well barricaded vehicle.

The entourage now takes us to the Lion enclosure where the king of animals can be glimpsed in all his glory. These ferocious creatures have to be kept apart to avoid bloody confrontation. Even tigers belonging to different families are kept apart for the same reason. The enclosures have a deep trench dug along the boundary and solar electric fencing for added safety. At present, there are 25 adult tigers and 10 lions in the park and their numbers are growing.

Now a new Herbivorous enclosure is coming up in a separate 80 hectare area where indigenous species like elephants, spotted deer, sambhar and black buck will be kept. This lovely getaway place is ideal for the time harried city dweller and it also provides much needed safety for these endangered species.

Levine Lawrence Photos by: Vinod Chandra BV

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