In a bid to protect one of India’s most elusive and endangered species, Belagavi forest officials are drafting a proposal to establish Karnataka’s first striped hyena sanctuary, as reported by the reporters. It will mark the state’s first protected area solely focused on conserving this scavenger species, which currently shares its habitat with other wildlife across a few sanctuaries nationwide.
The proposed sanctuary would span approximately 120 sq km of reserve forest, located on the border of Belagavi and Gokak taluks. Forest officials believe that creating a dedicated hyena sanctuary could play a vital role in conservation efforts, as the species is threatened by habitat destruction, human-wildlife conflicts, and a diminishing prey base.
Karnataka’s hyena population has been on a steady decline, with habitats in districts like Bagalkot, Bidar, Dharwad, Koppal, Tumakuru, Gadag, and Belagavi under significant strain. Conservationists have pinpointed dry deciduous forests in regions such as Savadatti, Gokak, Hukkeri, and Belagavi as some of the last safe zones for hyenas in the state.
By concentrating conservation efforts within this proposed sanctuary, authorities aim to halt the decline in hyena numbers and secure a future for the species in Karnataka.
