Wildlife of Hampi: A Living Heritage under Threat

Reminiscing History
1 day ago
4 min read

By K Niyaz Ahamed

When people think of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka, they often picture its majestic ruins, ancient temples, and the timeless flow of the Tungabhadra River. But beyond the stone-carved history lies another treasure, Hampi’s rich and vibrant wildlife. This Hampi heritage landscape is not just a relic of the past; it is a living ecosystem where wildlife and heritage coexist in Hampi, with nature and culture existing side by side.

Historically, the harmony between people and nature in this region can be traced back to the time of the Vijayanagara Empire, particularly under the reign of Sri Krishnadevaraya. His rule emphasized sustainable water management through an extensive network of canals, tanks, and reservoirs that not only supported agriculture but also created thriving habitats for wildlife. These traditional systems continue to sustain biodiversity in Hampi even today, highlighting an early understanding of sustainable heritage practices in India through coexistence.

Indian Peafowl perched gracefully on the timeless boulders of Hampi, where nature meets history.

From rocky boulder hills to riverine stretches and scrub forests, wildlife in Hampi supports a surprising diversity of life. Early mornings here are filled with the calls of birds like the Indian robin, white-throated kingfisher, and the River tern soaring above the Tungabhadra River ecosystem in search of fish. Along these riverbanks, the smooth-coated otter can often be seen gliding through the water, while the rare Leith’s soft-shell turtle rests along sandy banks, both species reflecting the health of the river ecosystems in India.

Smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) in its natural riverine habitat of Tungabhadra River Hampi — Smooth-coated otter (*Lutrogale perspicillata*) in its natural riverine habitat of Tungabhadra River.

As dusk sets in, the skies and ancient ruins come alive with bats emerging from caves and crevices, playing a crucial role in controlling insect populations and supporting plant regeneration. Hampi’s rocky outcrops, ruins, and canal embankments provide important nesting habitats for owls such as the spotted owlet, barn owl, Indian eagle owl, and brown fish owl. The banks of irrigation canals act as key breeding sites for Indian eagle owls and brown fish owls, offering relatively undisturbed and secure spaces within a human-dominated landscape.

Brown fish owl (Ketupa zeylonensis) nesting along canal banks in the Hampi landscape, and

Indian eagle owl (Bubo bengalensis) resting on the boulders of Hampi.

Among mammals, species like the Indian grey mongoose, Rusty spotted cat, Golden jackal, and Indian fox inhabit the surrounding scrublands. The landscape also supports large mammals like the sloth bear and leopard. However, increasing focus on these large mammals often overshadows the needs of smaller and less visible species, leading to a “push-over” effect where habitats for birds, reptiles, and small mammals receive less priority in wildlife conservation in India.

Indian fox around Joladrashi gudda in Hospet

What makes Hampi truly special is this coexistence; wildlife thriving within a UNESCO heritage site like Hampi.

Co-existence of Smooth-coated otter, Jungle cat, and Humans captured through camera trapping.

However, this balance is under increasing pressure. The Tungabhadra River, the lifeline of this Hampi ecosystem, is facing growing pollution from settlements, industries, and mining activities. Mining contributes to environmental degradation through dust, sediments, and toxic elements entering the river system via runoff, reducing water quality and impacting aquatic wildlife such as otters and soft-shell turtles. These contaminants can bio-accumulate within the food chain, affecting both wildlife and human health. A study by Ahamed et al. (2024) confirmed the presence of potentially toxic elements in smooth-coated otters, highlighting ecological risks in the region.

Sand mining further destabilizes riverbanks and destroys habitats, particularly nesting and basking sites for turtles. Destructive practices such as dynamite fishing damage the riverbed and disrupt the aquatic ecosystem. Habitat degradation is also driven by expanding tourism infrastructure, unregulated movement, and disturbance near riverbanks, affecting bird nesting and wildlife behavior. Rocky habitats, ruins, and canal systems supporting owls and bats are increasingly disturbed.

Human-wildlife conflict, particularly involving sloth bears, otters, and leopards, is increasing in the Hampi landscape. Forest fires, whether accidental or human-induced, further damage vegetation and alter ecosystem dynamics.

'Despite these challenges, there is hope!'

Common sand boa (Eryx conicus), resting in the rocky-scrub habitat of Hampi. — Common sand boa (*Eryx conicus*), resting in the rocky-scrub habitat of Hampi.

Hampi’s wildlife can be protected through responsible tourism, stricter regulation of mining and fishing practices, habitat restoration, and involvement of local communities. Conservation must ensure attention to lesser-known species and microhabitats such as canal banks, river islands, and rocky crevices.

Local communities, especially fisherfolk and farmers, play a vital role in safeguarding this ecosystem. Their knowledge and participation can strengthen conservation efforts. As visitors, small actions like maintaining silence, avoiding littering, respecting wildlife, and staying on designated paths can make a difference.

Hampi is not just a story of kings and empires, it is also a story of rivers, birds, and wild creatures that continue to call this place home. Protecting its wildlife of Hampi, a living heritage, is essential to preserving the true spirit of Vijayanagara Dynasty for generations to come!