Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary
Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is located in Ballari district in Karnataka. This is Asia's first sloth bear sanctuary. It is spread over 82.72 km2 (31.94 sq mi). The sanctuary was created exclusively for the conservation of the sloth bear. It is about 50 km from Ballari and about 15 km from the World Heritage Site Hampi. The area between Daroji in Sandur taluka and Ramasagar of Hospet Taluk is host to numerous sloth bears.
| Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary | |
|---|---|
A female sloth bear with cubs in the sanctuary | |
| Location | Ballari district, Karnataka, India |
| Nearest city | Ballari, Ballari district |
| Coordinates | 15°14′N 76°31′E |
| Area | 82.72 km2 (31.94 sq mi) |
| Established | 1994 |
| Governing body | Kamalapura Wildlife Subdivision, Karnataka Forest Department |
In October 1994, the Government of Karnataka, declared 5587.30 hectares of the Bilikallu Forest Reserve as Daroji Bear Sanctuary. 15 years later, in October 2009, the government added 2685.50 hectares of the Bukkasagara Forest Reserve to the sanctuary. This resulted in the overall area to increase from 5587.3 hectares to 8272.8 hectares.
The sanctuary is open between 14:00 and 18:00 every day. There is a watchtower within the sanctuary, opposite Karadikallu Gudda, that provides a vantage point to view the bears descending from the adjacent hillocks during evening hours.