By The News Observer Desk,
Dandeli (Uttara Kannada): In an exciting breakthrough for wildlife conservation, a rare striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), locally known as "katte kiruba" or "donkey-eared scavenger," has been spotted near the Ganeshgudi bridge within the Kali Tiger Reserve in Uttara Kannada district.
The elusive nocturnal mammal, captured on video by a local resident during Wednesday morning's early hours, marks the first documented sighting in this lush Western Ghats region. Previously unrecorded in Dandeli's dense forests, the hyena's appearance has sparked curiosity about its migration path—possibly wandering from drier North Karnataka habitats like Dharwad due to food scarcity or seasonal dispersal.
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Forest officials, alerted to the footage, confirmed the identification and emphasized that striped hyenas pose no danger to humans. "This solitary creature is a vital scavenger, helping clean up carrion and maintain ecological health by controlling disease spread," said a reserve spokesperson. While the exact route remains a mystery, experts speculate climate-driven shifts or connectivity through wildlife corridors may have guided it here. Monitoring teams are now tracking the animal non-invasively via camera traps to ensure its safety and study potential population expansion.
Kali Tiger Reserve: A Thriving Sanctuary for Rare and Endangered Species
Spanning over 1,300 square kilometers of biodiverse terrain in the Western Ghats—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—the Kali Tiger Reserve (formerly Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve) is a critical refuge for India's endangered wildlife. Established in 2007, it features a mosaic of tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests, nourished by the perennial Kali River, cascading waterfalls, and annual monsoons exceeding 3,000 mm. This connectivity to neighboring sanctuaries like Bhimgad and Mhadei fosters natural migration, supporting over 700 plant species and a robust food web that sustains apex predators and underappreciated scavengers alike.
The reserve's success stems from rigorous anti-poaching measures, habitat restoration, and community eco-tourism initiatives, including jeep safaris from hubs like Ganeshgudi and Kulgi. These efforts have boosted tiger numbers and created safe havens for rarer denizens. Notable inhabitants include:
- Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris): With 30-40 individuals, the reserve's core predators are monitored via camera traps, aiding India's Project Tiger goals.
- Indian Elephant (Elephas maximus): Seasonal herds of up to 50 traverse valleys, protected under the Dandeli Elephant Reserve to minimize human-elephant conflicts.
- Black Panther (Panthera pardus): Melanistic leopards, a genetic rarity, are frequently sighted, symbolizing the reserve's genetic diversity.
- Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus): These insectivorous bears forage in bamboo thickets, with conservation focusing on habitat preservation amid encroaching agriculture.
- Indian Gaur (Bos gaurus): Massive wild cattle roam open grasslands, serving as key prey for carnivores.
- Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena): Newly confirmed here, this near-threatened species scavenges nocturnally on remains, bones, and insects, promoting nutrient recycling. Typically found in arid scrublands, its Ghats incursion highlights adapting ecosystems.
- Malabar Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica): Endemic to the region, these colorful arboreal rodents thrive in the canopy, indicating forest health.
- King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah): The longest venomous snake in the world slithers through undergrowth, preying on fellow reptiles.
- Avian Riches: Home to over 300 bird species, including the endangered Great Hornbill and Malabar Trogon, with recent hyena activity potentially signaling balanced predator-prey dynamics.
Amid threats like habitat fragmentation and climate variability, such sightings underscore the reserve's resilience. Officials encourage eco-conscious tourism—reporting observations via the forest department app—and warn against off-trail ventures. As one expert noted, "The hyena's arrival is a reminder: our forests are alive, evolving, and worth every effort to protect." Visitors can join guided safaris to witness this dynamic world responsibly.
(Reporting and Video by Saikiran Babrekar)
