Mysuru:  Kukkarahalli Kere Ulisi Samithi has organised a Photo Exhibition on ‘Kukkarahalli Lake Biodiversity’  at Chai Patthe, #46, Vishwamanava Double Road, Saraswathipuram, here from Jan.26 to 28 between 10.30 am and 6 pm. Wildlife photographer duo Krupakar-Senani will inaugurate the expo tomorrow at 10.30 am. The expo has some interesting photographs of common as well as rare birds, a rare frog recorded for the first time in the lake, mugger-fresh water crocodile, spider, etc. all found in the Kukkarahalli Lake.

EVENING TALKS (6 pm to 7 pm)

Jan.26: Talk on ‘Kukkarahalli Lake Flora’ by S.J. Srinivas; Jan.27: Talk on ‘Kukkarahalli Lake Biodiversity’ by P. Guruprasad; Jan.28: Talk on ‘Kukkarahalli Lake Conservation’ by Prof. U.N. Ravikumar.

Entry is free. For details, contact Mob: 82148-51535 or 94805-66516.

About the Lake

Kukkarahalli Lake, a landmark in Mysuru, is important on many fronts. The lake has a history of over hundred and fifty years. The lake was initially constructed for irrigation and subsequently used to feed the Government Sandal factory. As the residential areas came up around the lake, the catchment area disappeared. In early 2000, with the aid from the Asian Development Bank, the lake was open to the public with walking path and since then the lake sees thousands of health conscious people walking the path. The lake holds a vast biodiversity in it. Since early 1980s the flora and fauna of the lake is meticulously documented. The lake has about 184 species of birds, which includes 45 species of migratory birds. 14 mammals of which 6 are bats and breeding Golden jackals,  7 frogs, 20 reptiles, 85 species of butterflies, 37 species of spiders and about 400 species of flora. A lake well inside the heart of a town with such vast life, which includes many under the Wildlife Act of 1972, needs to be appreciated and protected.

The lake is listed under IBA, Important Bird Area, with a  tag   IN197. The tag is important as it internationally   recognises  and implies the importance of the lake and the protection it deserves.