Bisle Reserve Forest: A Biodiversity Hotspot in the Western Ghats

Bisle Reserve Forest is a significant protected area located east of Bisle village. It shares its borders with several other important forests and wildlife sanctuaries: Kagneri Reserve Forest to the north, Bhagimalai Reserve Forest of Dakshina Kannada district to the west, and the Kukke Subramanya forest range to the southwest. Its southern boundary merges with the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary of Kodagu district.

A prominent scenic spot within the Bisle area is Bisle Betta or Bisle View Point, situated approximately 24 km from Bisle towards Kukke Subramanya. This vantage point offers breathtaking panoramic views of the mountain ranges spanning three districts:

• Dakshina Kannada district: Kumara Parvatha (1319 m)
• Kodagu district: Pushpagiri (1712 m) and Dodda Betta (1119 m)
• Hassan district: Patta Betta (1112 m) and Enni Kallu (900 m)

A key feature of this view is the valley carved by the Giri River, which separates the viewpoint from these majestic mountain ranges. The forest department has thoughtfully erected a shelter here, providing a place for visitors to sit and immerse themselves in the stunning scenery.

Despite its status as a reserve forest, the stretch of land from Kulkunda to the Bisle gate remains largely undisturbed by human activities, with the exception of the following constructions by the forest department:

• A check post and associated residential hutments at Budi Choudi.
• A reception room located on the roadside, three kilometers ahead of Budi Choudi.
• Down by the riverside of Addahole, a few dormitories accessible via a rope bridge.
• An inspection bungalow situated at the Addahole bridge.
• A round sunshade at a viewpoint and a watchtower at the Bisle View Point.

The reserve forest is an integral part of the North Western Ghats montane rain forests ecoregion, a region renowned for its rich biodiversity.

This dense forest is a vital habitat for a diverse array of wildlife, including king cobras, tigers (though rarely sighted), Sambar deer, peacocks, numerous bird species, Spotted deer, brown fox, and Mahasheer fish. It also harbors a significant number of flora and fauna species that are endemic to this region of the Western Ghats. Elephants frequently traverse this area, highlighting its importance as an elephant corridor of the Western Ghats.[2] Notably, the Nilgiri marten (Martes gwatkinsii), one of the largest and rarest Indian mustelids, was recently sighted in the Bisle forest.[3]