Bengaluru: The state government, through a gazette notification dated December 11,  has renamed the Anshi-Dandeli tiger reserve, which is the youngest tiger reserve, as the Kali tiger reserve.

The government order was signed by S P Patil, the under secretary of the Forest, Ecology and Environment department. The two forests were declared as one tiger reserve on January 4, 2007.

Srinivasalu, Chief Conservator of Forests, Dandeli wildlife circle speaking to sources said that River Kali is the lifeline of the people of Uttara Kannada district and integrates Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary (DWS) which is spread across 400 sq km and Anshi National Park (ANP) spread across 500 sq km. The river cuts across the whole park.

River Kali is 185-km long and passes through the DWS and ANP, before joining the Arabian Sea. The river is very popular for the hornbills breeding around it, for the crocodiles and white water river rafting.

It is not the first tiger reserve to be named after water bodies, there are several others such as Bhadra, Nagarahole, Pench and Kanha.

Among all, Nagarahole and Bandipur tiger reserves are popular for wildlife tourism while the Kali tiger reserve is famous for nature tourism.

According to sources, the first bird festival called ‘Hakki Habba’ from January 8 to 10 next year will be held at the Kali reserve.