This atlas is in beta. I am still checking facts, ranges, and species lists, so some of it may be wrong or incomplete. It is here early so these places get seen. If you spot an error, write to me.
Bhadra Tiger Reserve
BetaAlso known as Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
A Western Ghats tiger reserve around the Bhadra river, restored to health after village resettlement.
Why this place matters
Western Ghats tiger reserve where habitat restoration and village resettlement have enabled the recovery of tigers and other large mammals in the Malnad landscape.
The wildlife
TigerENEndangeredWestern Ghats tiger reserve with a recovering tiger population in moist and dry deciduous forests.
GaurVUVulnerableLarge herds frequent riverine meadows and reservoir edges.
Sloth BearVUVulnerableRegularly recorded in forested hills and along fruiting slopes.
The wider field list, with current IUCN Red List status.
Mammals
- Bengal tigerPanthera tigris tigrisENEndangered
- Gaur (Indian bison)Bos gaurusVUVulnerable
Sambar deerRusa unicolorVUVulnerable- Sloth bearMelursus ursinusVUVulnerable
Chital (spotted deer)Axis axisLCLeast Concern
Indian leopardPanthera pardus fuscaNTNear Threatened
Indian muntjacMuntiacus muntjakLCLeast Concern
Birds
Grey junglefowlGallus sonneratiiLCLeast Concern
Malabar pied hornbillAnthracoceros coronatusNTNear Threatened
Malabar trogonHarpactes fasciatusLCLeast Concern
Reptiles
Bengal monitorVaranus bengalensisNTNear Threatened
Indian rock pythonPython molurusNTNear Threatened
Notable birds include Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Trogon and Grey Junglefowl. Reptiles include Indian Rock Python and Monitor Lizard.
Plan your visit
Post-monsoon offers lush forests, streams and active birdlife; summer concentrates animals around the reservoir and remaining water sources.
- Zones
- Muthodi Wildlife Range and Lakkavalli Wildlife Range
- Safari
- jeep safaris and occasional boat rides on the Bhadra reservoir
- Typical sightings
- Elephants, gaurs and deer near water, occasional tigers and leopards on forest tracks, rich woodland birdlife.
- Light and terrain
- Reservoir edges offer open light and reflections; forest interiors can be shaded; mist is common on winter mornings.
- Hides
- Viewpoints near the reservoir and forest rest houses; no general public hides.
- Good to know
- Safari bookings handled via the Bhadra Tiger Reserve office; timings and availability depend on season and water levels.