Male Mahadeshwara hills
The Male Mahadeshwara hills are once again at the center of tiger conservation. A Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has recommended that the Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary be declared a Tiger Reserve, citing its ideal habitat and strong potential to sustain a thriving population. This follows the shocking deaths of five tigers in the Hoogyam Range, which triggered a detailed 55-page investigation report stressing the urgent need for a comprehensive conservation plan.
The Male Mahadeshwara hills, merged with Hanur and Yedeyaralli Reserved Forests, became a sanctuary in 2013. Covering 906 square kilometers, the landscape holds significant ecological value. The Karnataka Forest Department first submitted a proposal to the Indian tiger authority (NTCA) in 2017–18. While initially returned for details on human settlements, the revised proposal completed all procedural requirements by 2019.
With fresh backing from both the NTCA and the CEC, the push to upgrade Male Mahadeshwara hills into a full Tiger Reserve now carries unprecedented urgency for Karnataka’s tiger future. Support must also focus on functional tiger corridors, ensuring long-term survival beyond the reserve boundaries.
The Male Mahadeshwara hills article:
Based on Star of Mysore, India.
Photo credit: Star of Mysore.
