Bhadra situated in the midst of Western Ghat in Chikmagalur and Shimoga districts of Karnataka is surrounded by lofty hill ranges of Mullaianagiri, Hebbegiri, Gangegiri & Babaudangiri. and also the picturesque Bhadra river and its tributaries. Somavahini, Thadabehalla and Odirayanahalla. A dam has been constructed across Bhadra river near Lakkavalli. The reserve consists of two main areas, Muthodi and Lakkavalli.
The area was declared as "Jagara Valley Wildlife Sanctuary" by the Government of Mysore in 1951, vide Government Notification No. A & F. 6175/90/10 FT-112-40-2, dated 21.2.51 covering an area of 77.45 sq. miles. After a systematic survey and census of the entire area including animals, birds and plants, it was thought to bring some more area under the Jagara Valley Forests.
The adjacent area, which were rich in wildlife was surveyed and the Sanctuary was reconstituted in the year 1974, as Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary", vide Notification No. AFD-25-FWL-74, dated 6.9.74, covering an area of 492.46 sq. km. as per section 18 of Wildlife Protection Act 1972 (Intention), and confirmed under section 26 of Wildlife Protection Act 1972, vide notification Fee-58-FW-96, dated 9.3.98.
Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Gaur, Spotted deer, Sambhar, wild boar, Muntjac
Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Gaur, Spotted deer, Sambhar, wild boar, Muntjac