faqs

Jayamangali Blackbuck Conservation Reserve (Maidenahalli), Tumkur Dist.

Information on the Grasslands of Tumkur district

Why are blackbuck important?

Blackbuck is one of the most endangered mammals of India. Its population in India, once estimated at 40 lakhs is now estimated between 25 - 35 thousand.

What is the importance of Jayamangali Blackbuck Conservation Reserve?

Jayamangali Blackbuck Conservation Reserve neighbours Maidenahalli, a small village in Madhugiri Taluk, at the north-eastern tip of Tumkur district of Karnataka state. It has the largest contiguous population of Blackbuck in Karnataka, next only to Ranibennur sanctuary. Apart from blackbuck, this area abounds with birds of prey and wildlife - typical of grasslands.

Where is the area? How can I reach it?

Details on how to reach the venue along with a printable map are available at: http://maidenahalli.googlepages.com/go

I am coming from Bengaluru/ Tumkur, I do not have a car or bike. Can I reach the place by a bus/ public transport?

No. The area is not accessible by public transport. You can pool with other nature lovers and arrange your own transportation.

Can I buy food here?

Food is not available here. The nearest hygienic restaurant is at either Madhugiri or Hindupur towns. Please carry your own food and more importantly drinking water. Please do not litter the area with plastic and remember to take away packaging of all your eatables.

Is there accommodation available here?

Basic accommodation in rooms is available in the forest bungalow here WITH PERMISSION OF THE FOREST DEPARTMENT. Please carry your own supply of floor mat, bed spread, a bed sheet to cover yourself as well an air pillow. Taking along an odourless inspect repellent will be a good idea as well.

Can I camp in my own tent?

You can camp in your own tent if you have one. There are three tent bases that can accommodate 6 persons each. You need permission of the forest department to camp here.

How will the weather be there right now?

From mid-January the day temperatures start to rise in this area. The nights will still be cold till late February.

From March to May end, the areas sees high day temperatures (40 degrees centrigrade plus) and warm nights.

The weather is moderate, both during days and nights, from June to mid-January.

What clothes should I wear?

Please wear full sleeved shirts/ tops. Wear full pants

What foot wear should I wear?

Wear comfortable shoes. The soil here has pebbles- avoid high heeled shoes. Dark/ dull coloured sneakers should be fine.

What colours should I wear?

During monsoons, from June to October end, dark green colours are preferred.

After monsoons, from November till May end, preferably wear earth or dried grass colours.

Can I walk around in the area?

You can walk inside area ONLY WITH permission from the forest department.

Is first aid available here?

Please carry your own small first aid kid for common ailments and injuries. The nearest medical aid is available at Kodigenahalli village along Hindupur - Madhugiri highway, 11 km from the venue. The nearest hospitals with admission facilities are either at Madhugiri and Hindupura towns, around 22 - 25 km from here.

Can I charge my cell phone here?

Please note that the points for recharging cell phones here are limited and the electric power supply is erratic. Carry a fully charged spare battery for your cell phone, if you have one.

What cell phone network is available in the area?

All the major cell phones have network coverage in the area including Airtel and BSNL. Since this is a remote area, BSNL is supposed to have a wider coverage. Please note that, since this area borders Andhra Pradesh, you may be charged for roaming, even though you might technically be inside Karnataka boundaries.

I plan to stay overnight. Can you please tell me where/ from whom to get the required permission?

Please see this page for contact details of the authorities https://sites.google.com/site/maidenahalli/go

I want to contact some one to know more about the wildlife of the area and the NGOs working for it:

WILDLIFE AWARE NATURE CLUB (WANC)

Nisarga, Nisarga Layout

Near Hotel Vaishali,

Tumkur 5721 03

Karnataka, INDIA

wildlifeaware (at) gmail (dot) com

Ameen Ahmed: tumkurameen (at) gmail (dot) com; Cell: +91 9035 888 429

TVN Murthy, Honorary Wildlife Warden, Tumkur District: raiseinfo (at) gmail (dot) com

Mallikarjun: tumkur.mallik (at) gmail (dot) com

Please provide me a few more resources on blackbuck and organisations working to protect blackbuck

BBC - Science & Nature - Wildfacts - Blackbuck

Blackbuck - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Blackbuck pictures on India Nature Watch website

Blog on Jayamangali Blackbuck Conservation Reserve

Website of Wildlife Aware Nature Club

Devarayana Durga State Forest (by WANC member)

Birds of Karnataka (by WANC member)

Stories on Wildlife and Travel (by WANC member)

Official Website of Karnataka Forest Department

Wildlife Aware Nature Club (WANC), Tumkur