Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

BIODIVERSITY IN KANAN PENDARI ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN OF CHHATTISGARH

Bharti Kori and D.P. Kori

Abstract

Biodiversity is a Natural resources, which fulfill all necessity of life. Year 2010 was declared International Biodiversity year. In Biodiversity all creatures are divided into ecological component. All animals are related by food chain and food web by which biotic potential is continuous. Kanan Pendari Zoological Garden is the best example for biodiversity in Chhattisgarh. Kanan Pendari Zoological Garden, Bilaspur is situated 9 km from Bilaspur on Jabalpur – Bilaspur highway. The Bilaspur is the second largest city of the state. It is situated on the rain fed Arpa river which originates from the high hill of the Maikal range of central India. In 1975, this area was being used as nursery for forest department. Later on it was converted into wild animal rescue centre wherein rescued animals like – deer, bear, jackal etc. were kept. This Centre started attracting people and was developed as a breeding Centre for chital. In 1997, this centre was developed as small zoo. Slowly, the centre started receiving a number of animals as rescued one, therefore the population of species increased. In 2002, Central Zoo Authority granted recognition to Kanan Pendari Zoological Garden, Bilaspur as mini zoo there after CZA recognized it as a small zoo in 2008. The State Forest Department, Chhattisgarh manages this zoological garden since its inception. Kanan Pendari was established in the year 2005. In present times it is known as mini Zoo. It is spread over an area of about 114.636 hectares. There are about 70 species of wildlife here that attract tourists. It is a great example of how so many species are living together with balance and we can see biodiversity in there. Many types of fish, snake, birds, tigers, lion, bear and many more animals are living together , it also include ratity birds which complete the biodiversity. Veribet animals are found in this garden which mainly include fishes, reptiles, eves and mammals class. This garden is favorable for all the animals. Zoological garden is compatible for all animals. Though there is different type of animals, different type of living style but maintaining temperature, atmosphere create balance between each other and live together like family.