Uttarakhand is a precious biodiversity heritage with over 65% of its area covered by forests, making it a hotspot for wildlife diversity. Due to this unique biodiversity, Uttarakhand houses numerous wildlife conservation projects, including 6 National Parks, 7 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 4 Conservation Reserves, a high-altitude animal park, and a biosphere reserve.
Wildlife Conservation in Uttarakhand
As per the 2008 wildlife census, the most populous wildlife species in the state is the spotted deer (Chital) with a count of 53,623, while the least populated is the sloth bear. Uttarakhand's first wildlife conservation center, Motichur Wildlife Sanctuary, was established in 1935 in Dehradun and later merged with Rajaji National Park in 1983.
1. Corbett National Park
Established: 1936
Area: 520.82 sq. km
Districts Covered: Pauri Garhwal (312.76 sq. km) and Nainital (208.8 sq. km)
Corbett National Park Originally named Hailey National Park, it is India's and Asia's first national park. Post-independence, it was renamed Ramganga National Park, but in 1957, it was rechristened Jim Corbett National Park in honor of the legendary nature lover Jim Corbett.
This park hosts a wide range of wildlife, including 570 bird species, 25 reptile species, and 75 mammal species. It is also part of the Project Tiger initiative, which has significantly increased the tiger population in the region.
2. Govind National Park
Established: 1980
Area: 472 sq. km
Location: Uttarkashi District
Govind National Park Located in Uttarkashi, this park is famous for its diverse wildlife, including the brown bear, musk deer, Himalayan snow leopard, and the state bird Monal. The flora here includes birch, deodar, and oak forests, offering an enriching experience for nature enthusiasts.
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3. Nanda Devi National Park
Established: 1982
Area: 624 sq. km
Location: Chamoli District
Nanda Devi National Park Situated at an altitude of 5,431 meters, this park is home to rare species like the Himalayan bear, snow leopard, and musk deer. The park headquarters is located in Joshimath, making it a hub for adventure seekers and wildlife lovers.
4. Valley of Flowers National Park
Established: 1982
Area: 87.5 sq. km
Location: Chamoli District
Valley of Flowers National Park Nestled between the Nar and Ghandhamadan mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its thousands of flower species and rare animals. It was discovered by mountaineer Frank Smythe in 1931, who documented it in his book The Valley of Flowers.
5. Rajaji National Park
Established: 1983
Area: 820.42 sq. km
Location: Dehradun, Haridwar, and Pauri Garhwal
Rajaji National Park Named after C. Rajagopalachari, this park is known for its Asian elephants, tigers, and leopards, alongside 313 bird species. Its headquarters is in Dehradun, and it is a favorite spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
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6. Gangotri National Park
Established: 1990
Area: 390 sq. km
Location: Uttarkashi District
Gangotri National Park This park is home to the rare snow leopard, alongside other species like the black bear, brown bear, and the Himalayan tahr, which is endemic to the Himalayan ranges.
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Uttarakhand's wildlife conservation initiatives highlight its commitment to preserving its rich biodiversity. From Corbett National Park, the pioneer in wildlife conservation, to the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Uttarakhand offers a glimpse into the wonders of nature.
Focus Keywords: Wildlife Conservation in Uttarakhand, National Parks in Uttarakhand, Uttarakhand biodiversity, Corbett National Park, Valley of Flowers, rare species in Uttarakhand.
This entire article was originally written by Deepak Bisht for wegarhwali.com. With his permission, it has been translated into English. If you find any errors, please feel free to let us know. :)