Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP)

Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP)

News –

• Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) is constructing a 25-meter-high, eco-friendly public observation tower on Mirza Hill in collaboration with Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies

Key Features of the New Observation Tower:

• Location: Situated on Mirza Hill within the BBP premises.
• Structure: A 25-meter-high tower designed to accommodate 50–70 visitors
• Sustainability: The project will incorporate eco-conscious design elements, including solar energy systems and rainwater harvesting.
• Views: It offers a panoramic view of the Bannerghatta National Park, the surrounding forests, and the Bengaluru city skyline.
• Objective: To improve safety in wildlife observation and boost conservation awareness.

Additional Information – Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP)

• It is a major wildlife conservation and eco-tourism hub located about 22 km south of Bengaluru, Karnataka.
• It was carved out of the larger Bannerghatta National Park (BNP), which was declared a national park in 1974.

Key Facts

• Administration: BBP is governed by the Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK) and follows the guidelines of the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) of India.

Unique Features:

• India’s first Butterfly Park: Inaugurated in 2006, it features a conservatory with a polycarbonate roof, a museum, and a research laboratory.
• Fenced Elephant Sanctuary: It was the first biological park in India to have a dedicated, solar-fenced, forested elephant sanctuary.

Geography & Ecology:

• Location: Situated in the hills of the Anekal range.
• Vegetation: Includes Dry Deciduous Scrub Forests, Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests, and Southern Tropical Moist Mixed Forests.
• Hydrology: The Suvarnamukhi stream runs through the center of the park and serves as the primary water source for wildlife.
• Wildlife Corridor: BNP forms a vital corridor for elephants, connecting the Biligirirangan (BR) Hills and the Sathyamangalam forests.
• Key Fauna: Home to the endangered Asian Elephant, Bengal Tiger, Indian Gaur, Leopard, Sloth Bear, and the Southern Birdwing (Karnataka’s state butterfly).