The Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary

Key Features:

1. Sloth Bears:
   • The sanctuary is home to a significant population of sloth bears, which are native to the Indian subcontinent. These bears thrive in the rocky terrain and scrub forests of Daroji, which provide ideal conditions for their lifestyle and diet, including fruits, termites, and honey.
2. Other Wildlife:
   • In addition to sloth bears, the sanctuary also supports various other species of fauna, including:
     • Leopards
     • Hyenas
     • Jackals
     • Wild boars
     • Porcupines
     • Birdwatchers can spot numerous bird species such as peacocks, partridges, and parakeets.
3. Flora:
   • The vegetation in the sanctuary primarily consists of dry deciduous and scrub forests, with hardy species like neem, tamarind, and flame of the forest.
4. Proximity to Hampi:
   • The sanctuary is located near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi, making it a convenient addition for tourists interested in combining cultural exploration with wildlife experiences.
5. Conservation Efforts:
   • Daroji is the first sanctuary in India exclusively created for sloth bears. Efforts have been made to maintain a safe environment for the bears, including the preservation of natural food sources and creating awareness among local communities.

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Ecological Features of Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary

The Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary represents a fascinating example of a dry deciduous forest ecosystem in the Deccan Plateau region. Its ecological setup is particularly suited to the survival and thriving of the sloth bear and other species adapted to arid and semi-arid conditions.

1. Habitat:

• Rocky Terrain: The sanctuary’s landscape consists of rugged granite outcrops, caves, and boulders, which are ideal for sloth bears to rest, rear their cubs, and escape predators.
• Scrub Forests: The dry scrub vegetation offers a wealth of food sources, such as berries, fruits, and insects.
• Water Sources: Artificial waterholes have been created to supplement the natural water availability, especially during the dry season.

2. Key Fauna:

• Sloth Bears (Melursus ursinus): The flagship species of the sanctuary, sloth bears are nocturnal and insectivorous. They are particularly known for their long, curved claws and a shaggy coat.
  • Diet: Includes termites, ants, honey, fruits like ber (Indian jujube), and sap from trees like palmyra and mahua.
  • Behavior: Sloth bears are solitary animals, except during the mating season or when mothers rear cubs.
• Other significant mammals include:
  • Leopards (Panthera pardus)
  • Indian pangolins (Manis crassicaudata)
  • Civets
  • Mongoose

3. Birdlife:

• The sanctuary is a haven for birds, hosting species such as:
  • Painted spurfowl
  • Stone curlew
  • Indian roller
  • Parakeets
  • Sunbirds
• Birds benefit from the diverse fruiting trees and waterholes.

4. Reptiles and Amphibians:

• The sanctuary is also home to several reptiles like Indian rock pythons, rat snakes, and star tortoises.
• Amphibians are less abundant due to the dry conditions but can be spotted around water bodies during the monsoon.

5. Flora:

• Dominated by thorny shrubs and drought-resistant trees, the flora includes:
  • Acacia species: Provide shade and attract insects.
  • Tamarind: A key food source for sloth bears.
  • Neem: Known for its medicinal properties.
  • Flame of the Forest (Butea monosperma): Adds vibrant color during the flowering season.

6. Ecosystem Dynamics:

• Food Web: The sanctuary supports a balanced food web with sloth bears at the top as omnivorous consumers. Smaller animals and insects form the base of the web.
• Role of Sloth Bears:
  • Seed Dispersal: Bears contribute to forest regeneration by dispersing seeds from fruits they consume.
  • Pest Control: By consuming termites and ants, they help control pest populations.

7. Human-Wildlife Interaction:

• The sanctuary borders agricultural lands, leading to occasional human-wildlife conflicts. Conservation efforts focus on mitigating these conflicts through community engagement and compensation schemes for crop losses.

8. Conservation Challenges:

• Habitat Fragmentation: Expansion of human activities poses threats to the contiguous nature of the forest.
• Climate Change: Changes in rainfall patterns and temperature could affect the availability of water and food sources.

9. Ongoing Conservation Measures:

• Reforestation: Planting native species to enhance habitat quality.
• Monitoring: Regular tracking of sloth bear populations using camera traps and field surveys.
• Community Involvement: Education and eco-tourism initiatives to foster coexistence between humans and wildlife.

The Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary serves as an excellent example of how targeted conservation efforts can help protect a vulnerable species while maintaining a biodiverse ecosystem.

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From Hampi Village Resort to Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary

A journey from Hampi Village Resort to the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary offers an exciting blend of cultural charm and natural beauty, making it a perfect day trip for wildlife enthusiasts and travelers. The sanctuary, located about 15 kilometers from Hampi. From our resort via SH 49 it takes around 45 minutes (25.5 km) to reach the sanctuary.

We can organize a convenient day tour by car or rickshaw for our guests, providing a comfortable and flexible way to explore the scenic countryside en route to the sanctuary. Along the way, you might catch glimpses of rural life and Hampi’s timeless allure, making this short trip a memorable adventure for all ages.