Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary

Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
Show map of Karnataka Show map of India
Interactive map of Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary
Location	Mandya district, Karnataka, India
Nearest city	Melukote
Coordinates	12°42′00″N76°39′43″E / 12.700°N 76.662°E / 12.700; 76.662
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

1. "Mysore Nature - Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary". www.mysorenature.org. Retrieved 2026-01-04.
2. "Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary - WildTrails | The One-Stop Destination for all your Wildlife Holidays". wildtrails.in. 2017-09-23. Retrieved 2026-01-04.
3. "3 hours from Bangalore lies Melukote, a traditional town favoured even by Bollywood | Times of India Travel". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 2026-01-04.
4. "Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary". Learn UPSC. Retrieved 2026-01-04.
5. "Karnataka Wolves: No Census for 2 Decades Amid Decline". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2026-01-04.
6. 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.