Location and features
Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Karnataka, declared in 1987 and expanded to over 1,027 km² in 2013. It straddles the districts of Mandya, Chamarajanagar and Ramanagara and stretches along the Cauvery River on the border with Tamil Nadu. The sanctuary connects Bannerghatta National Park, Biligiri Ranganatha Tiger Reserve and Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, forming an important corridor for wildlife.
Habitat and species
- Landscape: Semi‑arid climate with dry deciduous and thorn forests, riverine patches and evergreen shola pockets. Tourist spots include Hogenakkal Falls, Mekedatu and Sangam.
- Flora: Dominant trees include Terminalia arjuna, Syzygium cumini, Hardwickia binata, Albizia amara and Tamarindus indica.
- Fauna: The sanctuary hosts tigers, Asian elephants, leopards, dholes and sloth bears. Other mammals include sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, wild boar and chevrotain. Notable birds include the critically endangered white‑rumped vulture, the Nilgiri wood‑pigeon and the yellow‑throated bulbul. It is also home to the endangered hump‑backed mahseer fish.
Significance
- Ecological role: By linking protected areas in the Western and Eastern Ghats, the sanctuary maintains genetic connectivity for large carnivores.
- Water security: Protects the catchment of the Cauvery River, which supplies drinking water and irrigation to south India.
The discovery of two dead tiger cubs and the disappearance of their mother in August 2025 drew attention to the challenges of conserving this important habitat.