The Karnataka government has announced the expansion of the Bhadra Tiger Reserve (BTR) in Chikkamagaluru by 28 square kilometres. The decision, formalised on March 27, 2025, marks a key development in the state’s efforts to strengthen its tiger conservation initiatives, particularly in the face of declining tiger numbers across the region.
The expansion comes in the wake of the recently released tiger monitoring survey, which has highlighted the pressing need for more comprehensive conservation strategies.
The newly expanded area includes parts of the Chornadehalli State Forest and the Kaithotlu State Forest, which will now serve as a buffer zone for the reserve. Additionally, 15.6 square kilometres of the Kakanahosodi Reserve Forest was recently added to the core area of the BTR, increasing the reserve’s total area to 500.2 square kilometres. These changes aim to improve the continuity of wildlife corridors, which are essential for the movement and survival of tigers and other species within the region.
Forest officials have expressed confidence that the expanded buffer and core areas will significantly aid conservation efforts in the region. The new inclusion is expected to help mitigate the rising incidents of human-wildlife conflict, particularly between tigers and local communities. Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre emphasised that the areas added to the reserve would also support the establishment of a soft release centre for rescued wild elephants, further ensuring that the region maintains a balanced approach to wildlife management. This expansion is also seen as a resolution to a long-standing boundary dispute between the Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary and Shivamogga city, which had previously resulted in confusion over land demarcations. Conservationists from Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru have welcomed the addition, viewing it as a long-overdue solution to the issue. The inclusion of these previously disputed lands into the BTR buffer zone has helped resolve conflicts over urban encroachment in wildlife habitats.
K Srinivasulu, the additional principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), noted that adding more land to an existing protected area is always a positive step for conservation. “This expansion not only strengthens wildlife corridors but also enhances our focus and resource allocation for better conservation efforts,” he said. The expansion is expected to result in an influx of additional resources, including funding for the construction of anti-poaching camps, forest fire prevention measures, and the recruitment of more staff dedicated to monitoring and safeguarding the reserve. While the expansion of the BTR has been hailed as a positive step, it comes at a time when tiger populations are still struggling across Karnataka. The state’s tiger monitoring surveys have reported a decline in tiger numbers, which underscores the importance of bolstering protection efforts in key tiger habitats like the BTR. With this expansion, Karnataka has taken a proactive approach towards addressing these challenges, aiming to safeguard both the tiger population and the surrounding ecosystem.
The decision to add 28 square kilometres to the BTR was made following recommendations from the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) and the State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) in 2023 and 2024. The area, which includes 2,626 hectares in Chornadehalli and 170 hectares in Kaithotlu, will remain free from encroachment and activities that could disrupt its ecological integrity. Notably, land parcels designated for rehabilitation or revenue purposes have been excluded from the expansion zone, ensuring that conservation efforts are concentrated on high-priority areas.
As the state moves forward with its tiger conservation agenda, the expansion of the Bhadra Tiger Reserve is expected to have a lasting impact on the protection of tigers and other wildlife species in the region. The efforts to improve the reserve’s size and connectivity reflect Karnataka’s commitment to preserving its rich biodiversity while managing the challenges posed by growing human-wildlife conflict. The move is part of a broader strategy to ensure the long-term survival of endangered species and maintain the ecological health of the region
