India, April 8 -- By Arun Kumar Raj Urs

Rapid urbanisation is steadily transforming the landscape of the heritage city of Mysuru, with its vital lung spaces shrinking at an alarming pace.

The need to conserve natural heritage, the flora and fauna that play a crucial ecological role in sustaining a city like Mysuru, has never been more urgent. One such ecologically significant zone is the tropical deciduous scrub forest of Chamundi Hill and its surrounding areas, which provides an ideal habitat for mammals, birds and butterflies to thrive.

A glimpse into the past

Historical accounts indicate that as late as the 1890s, the forests around Chamundi Hill supported wildlife such as tigers, leopards, hyenas and several smaller mammals.

Fami...