Shettihalli wildlife sanctuary

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has told the state government to resolve within six months the issues that have led to the delay in the notification of eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) status for the Shettihalli wildlife sanctuary.
• The draft notification for the sanctuary was issued in 1974 and the final notification came in 1977. However, confusion over the boundaries of the sanctuary has led to delay in the identification of the ESZ.
  • ESZ is a designated area around a protected area where certain activities are regulated to minimize human impact and protect the surrounding environment.
• The delay has led to an increase in the change of land use with the area under encroachment increasing from 616.18 hectares to 2,000 hectares.

About Shettihalli wildlife sanctuary

• It is located in Shivamogga, Karnataka.
• Area- 395 sq km
• Mandagadde Natural Bird Sanctuary, is also a part of this Sanctuary.
• The Tunga Anicut Dam is situated within the sanctuary and provides shelter for otters and water birds.
• Terrain- The area is plain to undulating with a few pockets consisting of very steep and undulating terrains and hillocks along with perennial nalas and a number of small streams.
• Vegetation ranges from tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests on the western side to eastern and central parts being mostly covered by dry and moist deciduous forests.
  • Tree species including silver oak, teak, Indian Thorny Bamboo, Sandal, Rosewood, Honne and Nandi are found.
• Fauna includes- Tiger, Leopard, Wild Dog, Jackal, Gaur, Elephant, Sloth Bear Sambar etc.