Bhimgarh (Dist: Belgaum) now wildlife sanctuary

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Bhimgarh-now-wildlife-sanctuary-/articleshow/5541334.cms

BANGALORE: A decade’s struggle has paid off. The ministry of environment and forests gave its consent to declare Bhimgadh in Belgaum district as a wildlife sanctuary. Goa is probably heaving a sigh of relief as it had locked horns with Karnataka over the Mahadayi river valley diversion project.

Bhimgadh was in the eye of a storm for two reasons. While it was a political issue between Goa and Karnataka over sharing of Mahadayi water, wildlife enthusiasts were keen on saving this unique habitat. Chief wildlife warden B K Singh confirmed that the Centre had given its consent for declaring 138 sqkm of forest as a wildlife sanctuary and the government issued the order three days ago.

UNIQUE HABITAT
Bhimgadh shelters two rare bat species — Wroughton free-tailed bats and Tomb bats. In India, Barapidi in Bhimgadh has the only colony of Wroughton free-tailed bats. Their only other habitat in the world is Brazil. Tomb bats are found in West Bengal. B K Singh said the Barapidi caves were part of the sanctuary. Wildlife enthusiast Ajay Desai said the forest was also a triangular corridor for tigers and elephants, which migrate between Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra.

MAHADAYI RIVER
State wanted water share
 
Bangalore: Bhimgarh, a unique habitat for two rare bat species, had been caught in a political wrangle with Goa even as wildlife enthusiasts fought to save it.
Karnataka wanted to build two check dams at Kalasa and Banduri to tap 7.5 tmcft water for supplying drinking water to Hubli-Dharwad. The project involved submerging 323 hectares of forest and the issue had been referred to the forest advisory committee for clearance.

The main Mahadayi project involved three dams at Potli, Alsara and Harinala. Karnataka argued that its catchment contributed 45 tmcft water to the Mahadayi river and over 200 tmcft of river water flowed into the sea.

Karnataka wanted a share of this water, to which Goa objected. The Goa government even favoured forming a tribunal to settle the dispute.

The issue was politically hot till 2004 during Congress rule. Subsequent coalition governments didn’t show much interest in this issue. Now, if the government wants to take it up, it has to obtain clearance under Wildlife Protection Act (1972).

Ballari nala plays host to bat migrants

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Hubli/Ballari-plays-host-to-bat-migrants/articleshow/4590380.cms

BELGAUM: As the sun sets, the Ballari nala on the outskirts of the city turns into a tourist spot as people rush to watch bats glide in by the thousands from the Western Ghats region. Trying to settle down for the night, the bats shift from branch to branch and the moonlight captures their swift movements. However, during the day, these very same bats look rather lifeless as they hang upside down in the trees.

These fruit bats, also called megabats, are mammals and look like rats when their wings are folded. Bats generally keep away from humans, thought people often do not extend them the same courtesy, shining torch beams or throwing stones at them. With the onset of the monsoon, these bats will migrate elsewhere in search of food. Most bats feed on insects and fruits and are generally harmless. However, they are carriers of rabies and in case of a bite, medical attention must be immediate. Speaking to TOI, Girish Hosur, deputy conservator of forest, Belgaum division said, "These bats are largely seen in the Western Ghats area of Khanapur region. Until now, we have not had a single case of bat bite and hopefully the bats will soon migrate once the rain starts."