The Land
of Trumpet, Roar and Song: JIM CORBETT
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Corbett National Park
has captured the imagination of many with its
diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. The natural uniqueness of the area
was recognised long ago and so in 1936 Corbett attained the distinction as the
first national park to be established in
mainland
Asia.
Corbett National Park lies in two districts – Nainital and Pauri – in the hill
state of Uttaranchal in northern India. It covers an area of 521 sq. km and
together with the neighboring Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary and
Reserve Forest
areas, forms the Corbett Tiger Reserve
over 1288 sq. km.
Its geographical location between the Himalayas and the terai, and the streams,
rivers and ridges
crisscrossing the terrain, present Corbett with a remarkable
variety of landscapes. This vivid mosaic of habitats – wet and dry, plain and
mountainous, gentle and rugged, forests and grasslands – supports numerous plant
and animal species, representing Himalayan as well as plains kinds. The most
famous of Corbett’s wild residents are the Bengal Tiger and the Asiatic
Elephant, but with about 600 species of avifauna Corbett is one of the richest
bird regions of India.
Landscape and Geology
Himalayas and Shiwaliks
Mountains offer a great diversity
of habitats due to variation in altitude, relief, and temperature. Consequently,
mountain plant and animal communities have unique characteristics.
Corbett National Park is
characteristic of the Himalayan mountain system. Corbett’s northern areas are
lined by the
Lesser Himalayan chain, which extends from Pakistan, through Jammu
and Kashmir, Himachal, Uttaranchal, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, and to Arunachal. The
Lesser Himalayas are quite high, with an average altitude of 1800 m and are made
up of crystalline rocks. The vegetation includes cold-climate tree species like
pine, oak, and rhododendron. The Forest Rest House at Kanda at 1300 m is the
highest point in the Park and is representative of the Lesser Himalayas.
However, most of the Park lies in
the
Outer-Himalayan
or
Shiwalik
region. The Shiwaliks are the southernmost of
the Himalayan
ranges
and are much lower than the Lesser Himalayas. They are formed of
sedimentary rocks and are hence crumbly and unstable. The Shiwaliks form the
largest ridge across the park, running east to west from Dhangarhi to Kalagarh.
These ridges are clothed by sal forests and other associates.
Duns
Between the Himalayan and
Shiwalik mountain ranges lie elongated valleys called duns. Unlike
typical river valleys, duns are formed not due to erosion but have a structural
origin. They are covered with boulders and gravel originating from the erosion
of the Himalayas and the Shiwalik uplands. One such dun occurs in the northern
half of Corbett. This is the
Patli Dun
and is most visible from Dhikala. Kanda,
being higher in the Park, presents a panoramic view of this valley.
Terai-bhabar
The southern boundary of Corbett
flanks the ecologically important
terai-bhabar region, a strip of land
skirting the southern part of the Shiwaliks. It consists of the bhabar
region, a narrow belt of sloping land located at the outer margin of Shiwaliks,
and the terai swamplands that lie further south of bhabar.
The
bhabar
tract is porous
because it consists mainly
of
gravel and boulders. It is devoid of streams or
springs and water table is quite low. In contrast, the
terai
is swampy
and humid, and contains many springs and slow-flowing streams. Most of the terai
once held dense vegetation and was feared for malaria. It has been cleared for
agriculture and is one of the most fertile grain production areas of India.
Together, the Terai-bhabar
is a distinct ecological region, home to endangered wildlife such as the tiger,
rhino, elephant, sloth bear, and vital habitat for for over 500 bird species.
RIVERS
For the survival of such a
remarkable gamut of floral and faunal species in Corbett National Park,
water
is
a crucial factor. The
Ramganga river
forms the most prominent hydrological
resource, supplemented by tributaries, most prominent of which are the
Sonanadi,
Mandal
and
Palain
rivers. The river
Kosi
runs proximate to the Park and is also
a significant water resource for nearby areas.
Wildlife is dependent on rivers,
more so in the dry season, for they provide drinking water and also form home to
several key aquatic species.
Ramganga
Without the Ramganga river
there would be no Corbett. It is the largest of the precious few perennial
sources of water in the Park. In fact, for a brief period (from 1954 to 1957)
the Park was known as Ramganga National Park.
A rain-fed river originating
near Gairsain in the Lesser Himalayas, the Ramganga traverses more than 100 km
before entering Corbett near Marchula. Inside the Park it flows roughly from
east to west for 40 km till Kalagarh where it enters the plains.
During this run through the Park it gathers waters from the Palain, Mandal and
Sonanadi rivers.
A dam on the Ramganga at
Kalagarh (built in the mid-1970s) forms a reservoir of about 80 sq. km. area,
the backwaters of which reach till Dhikala. Downstream from Kalagarh the river
meanders for another 300
km through the Indo-Gangetic plains and finally drains
into the Ganga near Farrukhabad in Uttar Pradesh.
The Ramganga is inhabited by
key aquatic species like mahseer fish, the endangered gharials, mugger
crocodiles, otters and turtles. Many species of birds, like kingfishers,
fish-eagles, terns and storks depend on the Ramganga. During winters the
Ramganga reservoir attracts many migratory bird species, especially waterbirds
from Europe and Central Asia.
The road from Dhangarhi to
Dhikala runs along the Ramganga for most of its length. Forest Rest Houses at
Gairal, Sarapduli, Khinanauli and Dhikala are situated alongside the Ramganga.
The Dhikala watchtower is an ideal spot to view the Ramganga in the Patli Dun
valley. At Crocodile Pool, High Bank and Champion’s Pool visitors can dismount
from their vehicles and see the Ramganga closely. Kanda FRH, the highest rest
house of the Park, provides a bird’s eye view of the Ramganga.
Kosi
The Kosi is a perennial river
like the Ramganga and its catchment lies partially in Corbett NP. From Mohan
through Dhikuli till Ramnagar, the Kosi forms the eastern boundary of Corbett
National Park. Even though the Kosi does not enter the Park boundary, wild
animals from Corbett use it for drinking especially during pinch periods.
Its bed is strewn with
boulders and its flow is erratic and often changes course. Kosi is notorious for
its unpredictable and damaging torrents during monsoon.
Like Ramganga, the Kosi too is
inhabited by mahseer and attracts migratory birds. At places Kosi has steep
cliffs flanking its banks. At such spots one can see goral, the goat-like
creatures, grazing on precipitous slopes.
Sonanadi
The Sonanadi is an important
tributary of the Ramganga. Named after this river the Sonanadi Wildlife
Sanctuary adjoins Corbett National Park and forms an important part of the
Corbett Tiger Reserve. The Sonanadi enters the Park
from the northwest direction and meets the Ramganga at the reservoir.
The name ‘Sonanadi’ means
‘river of gold’. At one time grains of gold, found in the alluvial deposits
washed down from the higher areas, were extracted from the bed sand by sieving,
washing and mercury treatment.
Mandal and Palain
The Mandal rises in the
eastern heights in Talla Salan in Chamoli district. Forming a part of the
northeastern boundary, Mandal flows for 32 km and joins the Ramganga at Domunda
a little distance above Gairal. During the dry season, the Mandal contains very
little water but during the monsoons it turns into a furious torrent. It forms a
vital breeding ground for the endangered mahseer.
The Palain is the third
important tributary of the Ramganga and enters the Park from a northern
direction. It meets the Ramganga about 3 km north of the submerged Boxar
settlement at the Ramganga reservoir.
Sots
‘Sot’ is the local name for a
seasonal stream. While traveling across the park you may cross several of these
bouldery dry streams. Though most of them appear dry and lifeless, they are very
important for
the Park ecology. Animals depend on these sots for their drinking
water requirements for a good part of the year. There are some sots in Corbett
that are perennial, important ones being Paterpani, Laldhang, Kothirao, Jhirna,
Dhara and Garjia. Since water is a limiting factor, these perennial sots provide
water to wildlife during pinch periods.
Sots also form passageways for
animals. Many of these sots are covered with thick growth of evergreen shrubs
and bamboo clumps which form ideal shelter for many animals including the tiger.
During
monsoons, water flows in the sots in a powerful deluge and washes away forest
roads and temporary bridges. This is the main reason that Corbett remains closed
during the rainy season since roads and bridges have to repaired by the Forest
Department after each monsoon.
Habitats and
Ecosystems
The matrix of diverse
geological features of Corbett has given rise to an equally varied set of
communities of life forms that live in them. Such habitats, along with their
resident flora and fauna, form distinct ecosystems that are recognizable when
you travel through Corbett.
Mountains
Mountains
are different from other landforms because they have an unusual variation in
altitude, relief, temperature, slope and the amount of sunlight received.
Therefore, there is
great diversity in mountain habitats
and mountain plant and animal communities have unique characteristics. However,
mountain ecosystems are also
delicate
and
unstable. Owing to the
thinness of soil and the high propensity to erosion deforestation degrades
mountains much swiftly and more irreversibly than other areas.
Mountain habitats show a
zonation
of floral and faunal patterns in terms of altitude. While ascending mountains, a
number of different types of plant communities can be seen. The lower areas are
usually broadleaved forests but higher up, coniferous trees appear. This zonation can also be seen in
Corbett. The lower areas consist of
sal
and associated forests while as you go
higher you encounter progressive belts of mixed forests, chir pine, oak and
rhododendron. Accordingly, the fauna also varies and the higher reaches have
animals like the Himalayan black bear and serow, which are absent lower down.
This zonation is perhaps most evident in the kinds of birds encountered as you
go higher.
Sal
Forests
Sal (Shorea rubusta) is a handsome
tree that grows up to 35 m tall and has a majestic, shining foliage. Sal is the
main tree species of Corbett and often grows as dense forest. Sal forests
represent tropical monsoon type of climate that occur in areas with 100-200 cm
rainfall annually and grow at 200-1200 m
above sea level.
These sal forests forms an
important wildlife habitat
throughout northern and central India. Being tall and
robust sal trees allow several layers of vegetation to grow under or alongside
them. Hence the sal forest ecosystem has a wide variety of trees, shrubs, herbs,
climbers, fungi, lichens and mosses. Naturally, the life of many mammals, birds,
reptiles and amphibians is linked to sal forests directly or indirectly – for
food or shelter.
In Corbett the sal forests are
found around Panod nallah, Amgadi sot, Sajgadi sot, Gajar sot and Sultan, and
also near Dhikala, Khinanauli, Bijrani and Mailani.
Khair-sissoo forests
Even though the sal forests
dominate the Corbett landscape, there occur another distinct ecosystem near
rivers and streams. This consists of
Khair
(Acacia catechu) and
Shisham
or
Sissoo
(Dalbergia sissoo) trees which grow on sandy, gravelly areas
all along the Ramganga and other streams.
Khair and Sissoo are the first
trees to come up on freshly exposed ground and newly deposited alluvium. They
have special nodules on their roots that add nitrogen to the soil and improve
fertility. Once khair-sissoo are established, they improve soil, add nutrients
and control temperature and winds, and thus help more advanced vegetation to
grow. The climax of this gradual process is the formation of sal forests and
takes many decades, even centuries to culminate.
Khair-sissoo forests provide shade
and cover to large mammalians
like
sambar deer and also tiger and leopard. They also
provide roosts and nesting places for birds.
These forests are found on sandy,
gravelly areas all along the Ramganga and other streams, and are quite visible
near Dhikala, Phulai, Patairpani and on Kanda road.
Chaurs
Probably
the most unique vegetation habitat of Corbett is the chaur, a local name for extensive
savannah grasslands.
Chaurs are
manmade clearings that were once used for agriculture but presently form a rich
growth of various species of medium to tall grasses. These areas are favoured by
elephants and deer and provide shelter to many grassland birds e.g. partridges.
The presence of deer attracts tigers to chaurs. Hence, they are the best places
to look for tigers.
Since chaurs form
vital wildlife habitat, their maintenance is an important activity undertaken by
the Park authorities. This is done during winter by a careful exercise of
artificial burning. This induces a fresh growth of grasses that deer and other
grazers feed upon.
The major chaurs
of Corbett occur mainly in the Patli Dun area of the Park. The most
important ones are: Dhikala, Phulai, Khinanauli, Paterpani, Mohanpani, Bijrani
and Bhadhai. Another noted chaur, Boxar, now lies submerged under the Ramganga
reservoir.
Rivers
and Streams
The Ramganga and its tributaries, and the numerous
sots form an important segment of the Corbett
habitat. Besides providing water
they form home to many plant and animal communities. Many species of fish live
in the perennial waters of the Ramganga and its tributaries. The most celebrated
among them is the mahseer, with other known ones being the goonch, and several
species of carps and loaches. These fish form an important food resource to many
other animals higher up in the food chain.
Among fish feeders are otters that
live on riverbanks and hunt fish in the Ramganga, Palain, Mandal and Sonanadi.
Fish is also the staple diet for the endangered Gharials, crocodilians that are
specialised fish-eaters. They live in deep, fast-flowing waters of the Ramganga.
Another crocodile, the mugger inhabits still waters of the Ramganga reservoir.
Corbett’s rivers attract specialist birds of prey like Pallas’ Fish Eagle and
the rare Tawny Fish-owl. Other water dependent birds like kingfishers,
cormorants, storks, terns, shanks, sandpipers, dippers, forktails etc. also
frequent the Park’s rivers. During winters many long-distance migrant birds
throng the Ramganga reservoir. These are mainly storks, herons, sandpipers,
plovers, waterfowl (ducks and geese) and ospreys.
FLORA
The different habitat types
of Corbett i.e.
mountains, sal forests, chaurs, khair-sissoo forests, and rivers have their
distinct assemblage of plants. More than 600 species of trees, shrubs, herbs,
bamboos, grasses, climbers and ferns have been identified in the Park.
Trees
The most visible trees found in Corbett are sal,
khair and sissoo (see
Habitats
and Ecosystems). Many other species that
contribute to the diversity, are found scattered throughout the park.
Chir pine
(Pinus roxburghi) is the only conifer
of the Park and is found on ridge-tops like Chir Choti but comes quite low in
Gajar Sot. The upper reaches near Kanda have Banj Oak (Quercus leucotrichophora)
growing which is essentially a Himalayan species.
Palms include Khajur or Date-palm (Phoenix
sp.)
that occurs in open areas. Wallachia densiflora is a rare palm characteristic of
Eastern Himalayas but is found in Corbett near Sultan.
Kanju (Holoptelia integrifolia), Jamun (Syzygium
cumini) and Aamla (Emblica officinalis) are found scattered throughout the lower
areas while Tendu (Diospyros tomentosa) occurs in moist areas. Other major tree
species are Bel (Aegle marmalos), Kusum (Schleichera oleosa), Mahua (Madhuca
indica) and Bakli (Anogeissus latifolia).
Flowering trees lend colour to the forests in
Corbett. The main ones are Kachnaar (Bauhinia variegata) with pink to white
flowers, Semal (Bombax ceiba) with big red blooms, Dhak or Flame-of-the-forest (Butea
monosperma) with bright orange flowers, Madaar or Indian Coral (Erythrinia
indica) with scarlet red flowers and Amaltas (Cassia fistula) with bright yellow
chandelier like blooms.
Some species of trees that do not occur
naturally in the Park have been artificially planted in and around habitation.
These include Teak (Tectona grandis), Eucalyptus, Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosaefolia), Silver Oak (Gravillea robusta) and Bottlebrush (Callistemon viminalis), and can be seen in and around forest rest houses.
Shrubs
Shrubs dominate the tree
understorey and scrub
areas. There are several species of Ber (Zizyphus sp.) in open areas and provide
food and habitat to many birds and animals. Maror phali (Helicteres isora) is an
easily noticeable shrub. Its fruits are in the form of twisted spiralling pods.
Karaunda (Carissa sp.), with pinkish-white flowers and sour fruit, is found under
sal. Hisar (Rubus ellipticus) has yellow, juicy, mulberry-like fruits that are
savoured by animals.
Jhau (Tamarix dioica) is found along the
Ramganga basin on sandy or rocky soil. Colebrookia oppsitifolia and Adhatoda
vasica are found in nallahs.
Bamboo
In some parts of Corbett the vegetation is
dominated by bamboo forest. The main species is Male Bamboo (Dendrocalamus
strictus) having clustered stout stems and shining papery stem sheaths.
Bamboos follow a peculiar flowering
process.
All bamboos in a forest flower together at the same time once in several
decades. After flowering, fruiting and dispersal of seeds, all individuals die
together.
Herbs
Herbs include many species of wildflowers
belonging mostly to Pea and Aster families. They are most visible on grasslands
or chaurs and on open areas.
Drymaria diandra is a spreading annual herb
with heart shaped leaves and occurs in moist shady places. Bhilmora (Rumex
hastatus) is a sour tasting herb used for making chutney. Other species
encountered in Corbett are Euphorbia hirta, a hairy herb, Indigofera liniofolia
with bright red flowers, Clover (Oxalis sp.) with three leaflets, Solanum
sp. and
Leonotis nepatafolia (orange flowers and spiky round fruits).
Grasses
Grasses form the
largest group of plant species
in Corbett with more than 70 species recorded. They occupy different habitats,
especially chaurs.
They include Kansi (Saccharum
sp.), Themeda
arundinacea, Baib or Bhabar (Eulaliopsis binata), Narkul (Arundo donax), Tiger
Grass (Thysanolaena maxima), Khus Khus (Vetiveria zizanioides), Cymbopogon
flexuosus (a tufted grass with pleasant aromatic leaves), Aristida cyanantha
(found amidst boulders), Neyraudia arundinacea (with light brown inflorescence)
and Heteropagon contortus (Spear Grass with conspicuous sharp blades that adhere
to clothes and penetrates skin).
Woody climbers
Woody climbers found in the park are
Milletia
auriculata, Crypotepris buchanani, Porana paniculata (dense canopy with profuse
white flowers), Clematis gouriana (shrubby twiner with tendril like branches)
and Bauhinia vahlii (flat rusty hairy pods, large leaves used for making pattal)
Epiphytes and orchids
Epiphytes are plants that grow above the ground
on other plants, and derive nutrients and water from rain, the air, dust, etc.
They are found on sal and other trees in the park.
They include Dendrophthoe falcata
(scarlet red
flowers), Scurrula cordifolia (hairy coating on shoots and leaves), Vanda
testacea (orchid with flat keeled leaves and beautiful spike flowers), Cuscuta
reflexa (or ‘Dodder’, with interlaced yellow cord like habit, growing on
shrubs).
Wetland vegetation
The semi aquatic species which inhabit marshy
areas of Corbett include Polygonum, Veronica, Hypericum and
Ranunculus etc.
Non-flowering plants
Non-flowering plants include
ferns, mosses and
lichens. Ferns occur in cool shady moist areas along streams. They include
Adiantum, Pteris, Ophioglossum reticulatum (Snake-tongued Fern which occurs
below Sal), Equisetum (found growing on sandbanks along streams). Many kinds of
fungi are found on rotting trunks and accumulating debris. These include
mushrooms, brilliantly patterned toadstools, and puffballs. The presence of
lichens symbolises good air and environment and many kinds of colourful lichens
grow on mature tree trunks and boulders all over Corbett. Liverworts and
mosses are found on moist trunks.
Tiger
|
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Photo :
Rajiv Bhartari
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The tiger (Panthera tigris) is perhaps the most
celebrated of the wild animals of India. It is symbolises the power of Nature
and finds an important place in our culture, mythology and legends. It has been
worshiped as the guardian and ruler of the forest.
Tigers are believed to have evolved in East
Asia (China) about 2 million years ago. They then dispersed to other parts of
Asia. There existed eight subspecies of tiger, out of which three have gone
extinct.
Today this perfect carnivore is a critically
endangered species, though once it roamed freely in most of Asia. India is home
to the largest population of wild tigers in the world. There are estimated to be
only 5000 to 7500 tigers surviving in the world. Out of these, the subspecies
found in the Indian subcontinent, the Bengal tiger has 3000 to 4500 surviving
members, more than three-fourths of which are in India.
The terai-bhabar region, including Corbett, was
once the best place to find tigers but this habitat has reduced tremendously due
to development-induced land use changes.
The tiger has always had a close association
Corbett National Park – earlier through the writings of Jim Corbett and other
shikaris and later because of the launch of Project Tiger, India’s tiger
conservation programme, initiated from the Park’s soil on 1st April 1973.
Tigers hunt deer (preferably sambar but also
chital and barking deer) and wild boar. They choose the largest of the prey
species since larger prey represents more energy for the effort spent. For
this reason the sambar population density is believed to be a good indicator of
the presence of tigers. Occasionally, tigers will also attack young of elephants
and take smaller species, including monkeys, birds, reptiles and fish.
Adult tigers are usually solitary, except for
females with cubs. However, sometimes several are sometimes seen together.
Generally, both female and male tigers maintain
home ranges that do not overlap with the home range of another tiger of the same
sex. Females have home ranges of approximately 20 sq. km while those of males
are much larger, covering 60-100 sq. km. Male home ranges cover the territory of
many smaller female home ranges. The male protects his territory and the females
within it from competing males.
To mark their territories, tigers use several
means of advertising this fact. Urine and anal gland secretions are sprayed on
trees, bushes and rocks in various places throughout a particular area. They
also make claw marks on trunks of trees. Such markings help avoid physical
confrontation since any intruders in the territory recognise the owner’s scent
and generally keep out.
Among the large cats in India tigers have the
greatest reputation as man-eaters. Several legendary man-eating tigers have been
known, especially during the terai-bhabar region. Such tigers have been
immortalised through the writings of Jim Corbett. For example, the Champawat
tiger is said to have killed 434 people before Corbett finally succeeded in
killing it. However, in recent times, with the huge decline in the numbers of
tigers, attacks on humans have been relatively rare. Man-eating is usually the
result of a tiger’s inability to catch usual prey when it is too old to hunt or
if it has an injury.
Being a carnivore and a master predator, the
tiger lies on top of the food pyramid. It keeps the population of ungulates
under control and thus maintains the ecological balance.
The tiger is an indicator of a healthy
wilderness ecosystem. If the tiger is protected, our forests will also live. And
forests mean good air and plenty of freshwater, both of which affect our own
survival.
The elephant, largest of the land mammals, has
been an integral part of the history, mythology, tradition, culture and religion
of India. There are three surviving species of elephants in the world, one in
Asia and two in Africa. The Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) is distributed in
the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Unlike the African species, Asian
elephants have been domesticated for thousands of years and have been used in
medieval warfare, for temples, and as a working animal.
The Asian elephant was once found throughout
south and southeast Asia but now it has been reduced to several scattered
populations because of human activities like conversion of forest areas to
farming, construction of dams and civil works like roads and canals. Apart from
habitat constriction, these wide-ranging animals also face obstruction of their
traditional migration routes. Poaching of elephants for ivory is another serious
problem that elephants face.
Elephants are notable for their remarkable
intelligence and a sharp memory. This is because elephants have the largest
brains in the animal kingdom. Males have tusks and such elephants are commonly
called “tuskers”. There are also some tuskless males, called “makhnas”. The
trunk of an elephant is a most distinct and versatile organ and can be used for
feeding and drinking, breathing, trumpeting, herding the young ones and
sometimes even for fighting.
Asian elephants live in a variety of habitats.
They prefer a combination of grassland, shrubbery, and forest.
Elephants are strictly vegetarian and prefer
grasses, leaves, stems of trees, vines, bamboos and shrubs. Sometimes they also
enter fields in the villages located near forests and raid crops.
Owing to its large size, and high forage
requirements elephants are constantly on the move, searching for food. They
undertake long-distance migrations and follow the same seasonal migratory routes
generation after generation. However, in recent times the migratory routes have
been encroached upon by human activities which has seriously affected their
movement.
Elephants are social and live in groups
consisting of females and their young and are led by the eldest and most
experienced female. Living in herds is useful for collective defence, better
care and teaching of young ones and increased mating opportunities. Adult males
usually travel alone and associate with female herds for mating.
Corbett Tiger Reserve has about 700 Asian
elephants. They are part of the migratory population that also lives in Rajaji
National Park. Earlier, there were much fewer elephants in Corbett but their
population in the park has increased significantly in recent decades. Although,
present throughout the Park, elephants are most easily sighted in Dhikala chaur,
Phulai chaur, and near the Saddle Dam.
Corbett has four species of deer. They are the
most frequently sighted large mammals in the Park.
Chital (Axis axis) or Spotted deer is the
commonest of deer species of Corbett. It is also the most beautiful, with
characteristic white spots on its reddish-brown body. Only male chital have
antlers that may grow up to 1 m length. These antlers are periodically shed and
a new set developed every time.
Chital live in large herds and are usually seen
in open grasslands. Grasses form the main food for chital but they also depend
on fallen fruits, flowers and leaves from forested areas. They prefer to graze
in short grasslands without much cover because in such areas they can watch out
for predators like tigers. Tree cover is also required as shelter and source
of food.
Chital are most active in early morning and
evening and rest in cool places during the heat of the day. They give alarm calls to warn the herd when a
potential threat or predator is sensed.
Chital are ecologically important because they
form an important prey base for carnivores like leopards and tigers. They also
help in dispersal of plant seeds including grasses and also tree and shrub
species like amla, ber, etc.
Para or Hog Deer (Axis porcinus) is the rarest
of Corbett’s deer. It is closely related to the chital but is smaller in size.
Unlike most other deer, the hog deer is not given to leaping over obstacles but
instead, it escapes its predators by crouching low, ducking under obstacles. Its
limbs are short and its hind legs are longer than the fore legs. This anatomy
raises its rump to a higher level than the shoulders.
This species mostly inhabits grasslands, swampy
areas and clearings and is usually nocturnal. Unlike chital, hog deer are
solitary animals but sometimes feed in small groups. Hog deer face the threat of
habitat destruction, especially draining of swampy areas and change in water
regimes.
Sambar (Cervus unicolor) is the largest deer
found in Corbett. Its body is largely a uniform greyish-brown in colour, except
for the creamy white on the backsides and under-tail areas. Males have antlers
up to 1 m long that are periodically shed and replaced. Male sambar also
have dense manes on their necks.
Sambar are mostly found in dense forests with a
gently sloping to steep topography. They are known to reach altitudes as high as
3,700 m. Sambar browse on leaves, berries, fallen fruit, leaves and tender bark
of young trees, and also graze on grasses and sedges. These deer are mostly active
solitary
but may be found in small groups during the mating season.
They let out a loud, repetitive alarm call when
they sense a threat. These signals are used by trackers to locate tigers.
Sambar is the most important prey species for
the tiger and presence of sambar usually indicates a good tiger habitat.
Kakar or Barking Deer (Muntiacus muntjak) is
the smallest of Corbett’s deer.
The body colour is golden tan on the dorsal
(upper) side and is lighter on the undersides. Male kakar have short antlers
growing on long, bony projections called burrs. In place of antlers, females
possess only bony knob-like burrs on their head. Males also have tusk-like upper
canine teeth curving sharply outwards from the lips.
Kakar are mostly found in areas having dense
vegetation and hilly terrain. They prefer to be close to water-sources. Kakar
are omnivorous and feed on herbs, fruit, grass, tree-bark and also birds’ eggs
and small animals. They are solitary and quite territorial.
Kakar emit a typical dog-like alarm “bark” when
they sense the presence of a predator. Barking may carry on continuously for up
to an hour. They are active both during daytime and at night.
They are a prey for tigers, leopards, jackals
and pythons.
The Leopard (Panthera pardus) is the other
large cat found in Corbett. Compared to the tiger leopards are smaller, more
graceful and have a long agile body that has rosettes instead of stripes. It
also has the ability to limb trees. Leopards are quite versatile, adaptable to a
variety of terrains as well as to a broad range of prey that includes everything
from insects and rodents up to large ungulates. Leopards mostly hunt during
twilight hours and at night. They also ambush their prey by jumping down from
trees.
The leopard’s call is termed as ‘saw’. Sawing
can be described as a short rasping vocalisation.
When living near populated areas leopards will
attack and kill livestock and domestic dogs. Sometimes, they also attack humans.
In spite of leopards being highly adaptable,
they face many problems in survival. This includes habitat destruction, poaching
for their skins, and persecution as killers.
There are two species of primates found in
Corbett. The Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta) is the
commonest monkey of the
Indian subcontinent. It lives in a wide range of habitats – from plains to the
Himalayas at elevations up to 3000 m – and is quite adaptable to humans. Its
body is earthy brown in colour and buttocks are reddish. The Rhesus is quite a
lively and vocal animal. It lives in large troupes of up to two hundred
individuals. Large dominant males (called alpha males) lead these groups. It is
omnivorous, and often eats roots, herbs, fruits, insects, crops, and small
animals.
Hanuman or Common Langur (Semnopithecus
entellus) has an unmistakable appearance - a light body, dark face and a very
long tail. It is considered to be sacred in many parts of India and is found in
many environments, from desert edge to forests.
Langurs are vegetarian and feed mainly on
leaves, buds, flowers, fruit, and seeds. Feeding activity is generally in the
early morning and late afternoon.
Like monkeys, langurs too live in troupes led
by dominant males. In the trees, they are remarkably agile and can make
horizontal leaps of 3-5 m.
Himalayan Goral or Ghural (Nemorhaedus goral)
is a goat-like animal that occurs in the Himalayas between 1,000 to 4,000 m. It
lives in small groups on sparse mountainous slopes and cliff faces with
crevices. It is remarkably sure footed and can move at high speeds even over
near vertical terrain. Goral are active at dawn and dusk when they come to feed
on grasses, leaves, twigs, nuts and fruit.
Mostly grey to brown in colour, the goral has a
lighter coloured ‘bib’ at the base of the neck and sports short, conical,
backward-curving horns having irregular ridges. Goral are well camouflaged, and
thus are very difficult to spot, especially when they are still.
Wild boar (Sus scrofa) is the ancestor of the
domesticated pig that lives in moist forests and scrub. It has long, curved
canine teeth (called tusks) that are used for digging food and as weapons. Wild
boar feed on roots, tubers, fruits, shrubs, bird eggs, insects, mice, snakes,
frogs and carrion. They usually move in groups both at day and night.
The Asiatic Jackal (Canis aureus) is a member
of the dog family. It is found in open country, short grasslands and has also
adapted to living near human settlements.
It comes out during the night to forage for
food. Its omnivorous diet consists of deer fawns, rodents, hares, birds, eggs,
reptiles and amphibians and various fruits especially ber and jamun. The jackal
is also an opportunistic scavenger, readily raiding garbage bins.
Corbett is one of the few places in India where
three species of otter are found existing together. Otters are an important
component in the ecology of the Park, especially the Ramganga and its
tributaries. Otters are indicators of a healthy river ecosystem. These small
carnivores are a part the aquatic food chain and live mostly along riverbanks,
spending a lot of their time in water. They make dens among rocks and boulders
along perennial streams and rivers.
The species of otters occurring in Corbett Park
are Eurasian or Common otter (Lutra lutra monticola), Smooth-coated otter
(Lutra
perspicillata) and Small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinerea). Fish forms the majority
of the otters’ diet, except in case of Small-clawed otter, which primarily feeds
on insects and other invertebrates.
Otters face threat of elimination of habitat
due to construction of dams, intensive fishing, quarrying in rivers for stone
and gravel and land use changes for agriculture or prawn cultivation. Poaching
in the hilly regions of India for otter skins is also a threat.
Birds
The great variety of habitat in Corbett is
reflected in its impressive diversity in the bird life. Over 600 species, many
of them rare and endangered, have been recorded in and around the park. these
include nearly fifty kinds of birds of prey that provide a unique character to
the avifauna.
This inherent richness in bird life increases
even further during winter with the arrival of numerous migrants – some, like
osprey and ducks, coming all the way from East Africa, Europe and Central Asia.
Winter also brings many Himalayan birds from higher regions who come to take
refuge in Corbett to escape the extreme conditions in the mountains above. These
include many flycatchers, great barbet and the wallcreeper.
Corbett has two of India’s three crocodilian
species. It is considered to be one of the best spots to see the Gharial (Gavialis
gangeticus), one of the largest and most endangered crcodilians of the world. It
is found only in the Indian subcontinent. It gets its name from the ‘ghara’ or
pot like structure on the snout that is present only in males.
The gharial’s slender snout is adapted to eat
fish so it does not attack humans or larger mammals. Young gharials may eat
invertebrates and insects.
About 100 gharials live in the Ramganga and can
be seen swimming in its deep pools or basking in the sun on its banks. These
were released as part of the conservation programme for gharials. Though it has
been saved from extinction, the gharial is still critically endangered.
The main threats are – loss of habitat (fast-flowing rivers) and nesting sites
(sandbanks) due to construction of dams and barrages which changes the flowage
of water and exploitation of fish by humans (depletion of prey species).
The still waters of Corbett, especially the Ramganga reservoir, are home to the Mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris).
Muggers are more general carnivores and take a variety of animals as food.
Muggers are also found in Nakatal, Corbett’s only lake.
Corbett is home to many species of freshwater
fish. The Ramganga, Palain, Sonanadi and Mandal rivers, provide vital habitat
and breeding grounds for them because of moderate temperature, low gradient,
presence of deep pools and boulders and gravel on stream beds, and negligible
pollution. Fish form a fundamental link in the food chain for many key species
like the gharial, otters, fish-eagles, kingfishers, ospreys, storks, fish-owls,
egrets, darters and pelicans.
The most celebrated of the fishes is the Golden Mahseer
(Tor putitora), a large freshwater river fish belonging to the carp
family. It has a magnificent appearance – sap green body with bright orange
scales. Mahseer is considered to be one of the most prized fish for anglers all
over the world.
Clean water, which is increasingly becoming
rarer, is the prime habitat requirement for the mahseer. Its population has
declined due to loss of habitat. Loss of breeding grounds also poses a threat
because mahseer require shallow, clear, well-oxygenated water for spawning,
which again is hard to find these days. Decline of mahseer is also due to
construction of dams on their migratory routes, obstructing access to favoured
spawning areas upstream. The Ramganga is one of the best-preserved
rivers for mahseer in India. Other important fish species of Corbett are
Goonch (Bagarius bagarius), Indian trout (Barilius bola) and
Rohu (Labeo rohita)
Sustainable angling, as opposed to intensive
fishing, benefits conservation of prized fishes like mahseer. Angling is allowed
in certain areas in the buffer region of Corbett after taking permits from the
Forest Department.
Reptiles live in a great variety of habitats.
But apart from the gharial and mugger the other reptiles of Corbett have not
been studied in great detail. Several species of snakes have been reported from
here, including the King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) and Indian Cobra
(Naja naja).
Indian Rock Pythons (Python molurus) are frequently sighted and there also exist
several kinds of vipers, kraits and boas.
The Bengal Monitor (Varanus bengalensis) is the
most imposing of Corbett’s lizards. The list includes nine other species of
Agamas, Geckos and Skinks
Amphibians occupy a wide range of niches from
forest floor to freshwater swamp, and from urban areas to mountain torrents. As
of now, there are seven species of toad and frog occurring in the Park.
A BLEND OF NATURE AND CULTURE
Corbett
isn’t just about Nature. It is also a rich treasure of history and cultural
heritage. The park has a
long tradition of conservation.
The fact that it is the oldest National Park of the Asia and India’s first Tiger
Reserve itself symbolises that Corbett is a pioneer in efforts at preserving our
natural heritage.
The great naturalist-writer
Jim Corbett
needs little introduction. His
writings have fascinated generations of wildlife enthusiasts and he still
commands no less appeal nowadays. The areas in and around the present day
Corbett National Park were the stage for his exciting adventures in wilderness.
Most of his man-eater hunting expeditions also took place in the same areas. Jim
Corbett lived in Kaladhungi, where his house has been made into a Museum
dedicated to his life and times.
Besides being located at a
biogeographic confluence, Corbett National Park is situated at the junction of
two distinct hill regions of Uttaranchal –
Garhwal
and
Kumaon.
Hence, the Park represents a synthesis of cultures of both these mountain areas.
information FOR VISITORS
Corbett
has been a haunt for tourists and wildlife lovers for a long time.
Tourism
is allowed in
selected areas
of Corbett Tiger Reserve so that people get an opportunity to see its splendid
landscape and the diverse wildlife living here.
In recent years the number of
people coming here has increased dramatically. Presently, every season more than
70,000 visitors come to the park from India and abroad.
General
Information
-
Altitude: 385-1100 m above mean sea
level
-
Annual rainfall:
1400-2800 mm.
-
Temperature range:
4°C
in winter to 42°C
during summer.
When to
Visit
Corbett remains open to tourists
from
15th November to 15th June. The main reason for closure of the Park during
the rest of the year is that during the monsoons most of the roads get washed
away. Repair work starts after the rains end and it is only by November that
roads are back in motorable condition.
Getting
there
The town of
Ramnagar
forms
the headquarters of
Corbett Tiger Reserve. It is well connected to important places by road and
rail.
By Road:
Ramnagar is connected by
road to Delhi, Moradabad, Bareilly and Naintial. State transport buses ply
regularly from Delhi, Moradabad, Haldwani to Ramnagar. The approach routes are:
Delhi-Gajrola-Moradabad-Kashipur-Ramnagar
(240 km)
Bareilly-Kichha-Haldwani-Ramnagar
(160 km)
By Rail:
A direct train to Ramnagar
runs from New Delhi. Alternatively, one can come upto Haldwani/Kashipur/Kathgodam
and come to Ramnagar by road.
Tourism
zones
For the convenience of visitors
and streamlining tourism management Corbett Tiger Reserve has been divided into
five mutually exclusive
tourism zones,
each having separate gate for entry.
Tourism
zone
|
Gate
|
Bijrani
|
Amadanda
|
Dhikala
|
Dhangari
|
Jhirna
|
Khara, Kalagarh
|
Domunda
|
Durgadevi
|
Sonanadi
|
Vatanvasa
|
Travelling inside the Park
Visitors can move about in
vehicles inside the park area after making entries at the respective gates.
Tourists are not allowed to use their own vehicles inside the park.
Walking or trekking inside the park is not allowed
except at certain places.
Specific
trails
for vehicles are maintained to enable visitors to watch wildlife at Corbett.
Driving off track it is not allowed for reasons of safety. It is to be noted
that driving after sunset is strictly prohibited.
The distance to various places in
Corbett from Ramnagar are:
Place
|
Distance
(km)
|
Amdanda Gate
|
2
|
Bijrani
|
11
|
Malani
|
23
|
Dhangarhi Gate
|
18
|
Sultan
|
23
|
Gairal
|
36
|
Sarpduli
|
38
|
Khinanauli
|
46
|
Dhikala
|
51
|
Durgadevi Gate
|
26
|
Lohachaur
|
43
|
Rathuadhab (via Durgadevi)
|
70
|
Kanda (via Durgadevi)
|
63
|
Vatanvasa Gate
|
|
Halduparao
|
95
|
Khara Gate
|
|
Jhirna
|
25
|
Kalagarh
|
45
|
Kaladhungi
|
28
|
Nainital (via Kaladhungi)
|
63
|
FACILITIES for visitors at corbett
Food and
Canteen
Canteens
are located at Dhikala,
Gairal and Bijrani. However, at other places where this facility is not
available cooking utensils and crockery
are
have been provided for visitors to carry their rations and cook
their own
their own meals. Consumption of
non-vegetarian food
and
alcohol
is
strictly prohibited
inside the park.
Interpretive Facilities and Services
For the purpose of directing
visitors and showing them around Corbett, trained
Nature Guides are available
at their service. These registered guides help tourists spot wildlife and make
sure that they do not lose their way inside the forest. Taking a Nature Guide
with each vehicle is compulsory.
The authorities at Corbett Tiger
Reserve have maintained a Visitor Centre and Museum at
Dhangarhi Gate. This
complex is equipped with displays, exhibits and models for the benefit of
visitors to orient them and enable them to understand the history and
biodiversity of Corbett. This facility is accessible to everyone, even if they
don’t go inside the park, and remains open throughout the year.
Elephant
rides are offered at
Dhikala, Khinanauli, Bijrani, Gairal and Jhirna during mornings and evening so
that tourists can get a closer view of the jungle, its wildlife, and landscape.
There are
watchtowers
at Dhikala, Phulai and Jhirna, and
several machans near Dhikala, Bijrani and
kothirauKothirau
to facilitate the viewing of wildlife.
During evenings the lodgers at
Dhikala and Bijrani can enjoy films on wildlife
that are screened to provide an educative entertainment to visitors.
Dhikala also has a well-stocked
library,
which has a fine collection of books concerning wildlife and general topics.
DO'S AND
DON'TS
-
Please enter the Park only after
taking the necessary permits and follow all the rules.
-
Please obtain services of Nature
Guides that the Park has trained for your benefit. They are of great help to
you in spotting wildlife and ensuring that you do not lose your way in the
forest.
-
Drive slowly in the Park. In
this way you can see, observe and enjoy the most, without disturbing wildlife.
-
Keep to the specified roads and
trails. Driving off track you may trample growing trees and cause
disturbance to resting animals and their young.
-
Respect the wild animals and
maintain a safe distance from them. Remember, you are in their home and they
get first priority.
-
Listen to the music of the
forest instead of your car stereo or transistor. The quieter you are, the more
the chances of your seeing wildlife.
-
Wear dull-coloured clothes.
Bright colours alarm most wild animals and they flee.
-
Don’t carry guns. Feel free to
shoot with a camera instead.
-
Do not smoke or light campfires
in the forest. Accidental fires can destroy this wonderful jungle in no time.
-
Don’t get off your vehicle at
any point in the Park except where it’s allowed. This is for your own safety
and the safety of wildlife.
-
The Park is not a zoo; so don’t
expect to see wildlife everywhere. Corbett is breathtaking even in its
scenery.
-
Do not be disappointed if you
don’t see a tiger. There are many other interesting creatures that are to be
seen and cherished.
-
Having alcohol and non vegetarian food is not
allowed.
-
Help keep the park pollution-free. While inside the park, please put your
entire
non-biodegradable litter (tin cans, plastic, glass bottles, metal foils etc.)
into the bag provided and dispose of it on your way out.
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