The area occupies 798 acre patch of grassland with Eucalyptus and Acacia auriculiformis. Jayamangali Reserve has the largest contiguous population of Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) in Karnataka, apart from Ranibennur Blackbuck Sanctuary.
History
The open grasslands, across the Deccan Plateau have shrunk to patches owing to the cultivation, human habitation, and over afforestation in the period of Post- independence, the forest department of Tumakuru Division in 1987, have been protecting the area when the blackbuck’s presence was brought to their notice. With persistant efforts of the forest department in 1992, the jurisdiction of the area was handed over from the Revenue Department to the Forest department.
The Forest Department have protected this reserve by fencing a portion of the area and started a nursery. A concrete watchtower was erected along with two wood houses and watchmen sheds to keep a vigil over the area and the status of a Protected Area, like a wildlife sanctuary has been issued.
In 1997, the Tumakuru-based Wildlife Aware Nature Club (WANC) submitted survey report, which helped the wildlife wing of Karnataka Forest Department to source data and proposed the area to be declared a 'Conservation Reserve'. Accepting the Government of Karnataka proposal, in February 2007, Government Order No: FEE 342 FWL 05, 798.33 acres of the area was finally notified as Conservation Reserve. Though the original area proposed was 893 acres. Thus, Tumkur District's Jayamangali Blackbuck Conservation Reserve was born.
Jayamangali (Maidanahalli) Blackbuck Conservation Reserve
has the second largest contiguous population of Blackbuck in Karnataka, after Ranibennur Blackbuck Sanctuary. Department along with the WANC members conducted a joint study in the area on 15 November–16 November 1997, during which a population of 408 Blackbuck was recorded. Subsequently on 1 - 2 October 2002, which revealed a population of over 600 blackbuck.
In total, 19 species of mammals belonging to 11 families have been recorded in the area, including the endangered Blackbuck. Apart from the blackbuck, other mammals present in the area include wolf, Bonnet macaque, Jungle cat, Small Indian Civet, Indian Gray Mongoose, two species of bats, and six species of rodents.
There are about 125 species of birds belonging to 37 families have been recorded in the area, of which 22 are migratory. As expected of grasslands, the area is rich in ground birds, shrikes, larks and raptors. The Indian Courser (Cursorius coromandelicus) and Painted Sandgrouse (Pterocles indicus indicus) have been seen in this terrain.
One can find about 26 species of reptiles in this dry areas/plains. About have been recorded in the area, including 14 different species of snakes.
This place is the home for more than 80 species of plants have been recorded from this area. Many of these plants have medicinal value. Mainly this is grassland with Eucalyptus and Acacia auriculiformis. there are sixty-seven species of butterflies belonging to seven families have been sighted in the area. Most of the species recorded are common throughout the Indian Peninsula and some are typical of the arid regions.
Climate
The climate varies greatly according to the seasons- from a minimum of 8 degrees Celsius in winter to a maximum of 43 degrees Celsius in summer. The rainy season is from late June to mid-October. The average rainfall is approximately 300 to 350 mm. The geographical co-ordinates of the forest watch tower inside this area are 13 44’ 20” N and 7 19’ 41” E.
When to go
One can visit this place anytime of the year. The weather is pleasant throughout the year. In Summers, it is very dry with temperatures raising upto 40 degrees centigrade during day. It better to reach the place early morning or late evening.
How to Reach :
By road : about 138 km from Bangalore via Tumkur, 23 km from Madhugiri
Route taken from Bangalore City -> Dobbespete - >Tumkur -> Koratgere -> Madhugiri
Nearest Town :
- Madhugiri (23 km)
- Across border in Andhra Pradesh: Hindupur (apx. 20 km)
Nearest Airport : Devanahalli/Bangalore International Airport (163 km)
Nearest Rail : Hindupur (apx 20 km): along the Guntakal Junction - Bangalore line
Tumkur (68 km) : along the Bangalore - Arasikere.
What to eat : Food is not available here, hotels in nearby towns of Madhugiri or Hindupur.
Where to stay :There are no lodges in the area. Visitors can request forest department to give them permission to camp in the area.
Jayamangali Blackbuck Reserve, Contact Personnel
- Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF)
Tumkur Territorial Division,
Kunigal Road,Tumkur - 5721 01
Telephone: + 91-816-2278407 - Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF)
Madhugiri Territorial Sub-Division,
Forest Office, Madhugiri Town,Tumkur District
Telephone: + 91-8137-324777 - Range Forest Officer (RFO)
Madhugiri Territorial Range,
Forest Office,
Madhugiri Town,Tumkur District
Telephone: + 91-8137-283004
