Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary
| Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary | |
|---|---|
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area) | |
   | |
 Interactive map of Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary | |
| Location | Mandya district, Karnataka, India |
| Nearest city | Melukote |
| Coordinates | 12°42′00″N 76°39′43″E / 12.700°N 76.662°E |
| Area | 49.82 km² |
| Established | 17 June 1974 |
| Governing body | Karnataka Forest Department |
Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area situated in the Mandya district of Karnataka, India. Established on June 17, 1974, it was primarily created to provide a refuge for the Indian wolf. The sanctuary is named after the historic Melkote pilgrimage town and its prominent temples, which border the protected zone.[1][2][3]
Geography
The sanctuary covers an area of 49.82 square kilometres and is divided into two non-contiguous blocks Mudibetta and Narayandurga.
The terrain of the sanctuary is predominantly rocky with an elevation ranging from 800 to 1127 metres. The highest peak is Gavikallu Betta.[4]
Flora and Fauna
The sanctuary's vegetation is classified as tropical dry deciduous and scrub forest.
Flora
A botanical highlight is the presence of Cycas swamyi, a rare and endangered gymnosperm endemic to this region. Other significant flora include Sandalwood (Santalum album).
Fauna
- Mammals other than the wolf, it hosts leopards, sloth bears, and striped hyenas.[5]
- Birds Recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA), it hosts nearly 200 species, including the vulnerable Yellow-throated bulbul.[6]
References
- ^ "Mysore Nature - Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary". www.mysorenature.org. Retrieved 2026-01-04.
- ^ "Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary - WildTrails | The One-Stop Destination for all your Wildlife Holidays". wildtrails.in. 2017-09-23. Retrieved 2026-01-04.
- ^ "3 hours from Bangalore lies Melukote, a traditional town favoured even by Bollywood | Times of India Travel". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 2026-01-04.
- ^ "Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary". Learn UPSC. Retrieved 2026-01-04.
- ^ "Karnataka Wolves: No Census for 2 Decades Amid Decline". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2026-01-04.
- ^ GIRISH, M. B. (2016-08-01). "Are there any Grey Wolves in Melkote? | Are there any Grey Wolves in Melkote?". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 2026-01-04.