Uttarakhand is known for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. It is home to several tiger reserves aimed at the conservation of the Bengal tiger. Here are the tiger reserves in Uttarakhand:
1. Corbett Tiger Reserve
- Corbett Tiger Reserve is located in the Nainital district of the state of Uttarakhand in northern India.
- It is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas and Kumaon and Pauri-Garhwal Regions of Uttarakhand State.
- It was the first national park in India.
- In 1936, Hailey National Park was established, primarily to protect the Bengal tigers. It was named after Sir Malcolm Hailey, the Governor of the United Provinces in British India.
- In 1954, the park was renamed Ramganga National Park, reflecting the significant role of the Ramganga River that flows through the region.
- In 1956, the park was renamed again as Jim Corbett National Park. It was named after renowned hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett, who played a vital role in raising awareness about tiger conservation and establishing the park.
- In 1973, it was declared a tiger reserve. It was the one of the first nine tiger reserves to be included in Project Tiger.
- In 2019, the Uttarakhand state government announced the Pakhro Project. It is a part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve.
- Area: The total area of the Corbett Tiger Reserve is approximately 1288.31 square kilometers (about 497.50 square miles).
- Core/critical tiger habitat : 821.99 sq.km.
- Buffer/peripheral area : 466.32 sq.km.
- Total : 1288.31 sq.km.
- Zones: There are various safari zones within the Corbett Tiger Reserve. These zones include:
- Bijrani
- Jhirna
- Dhikala
- Durgadevi
- Dhela
- Sitabani
- Hills: The entire area of the tiger reserve is mountainous and falls within the Shivalik and Outer Himalaya geological provinces. The Shivalik Hills is also known as the Lesser Himalayas,
- River: The major rivers that flow through the Corbett Tiger Reserve:
- Ramganga River
- Sonanadi River
- Mandal River
- Palain River
- Kosi River
- Valley: The Corbett Tiger Reserve is located in the Patlidoon Valley. This valley is an important valley through which the Ramganga River flows.
- Patlidoon Valley
- Flora: North Indian Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests (Moist Shivalik Sal, Moist Bhabar Dhun Sal, Moist Mixed Deciduous, and Alluvial Savannah Woodland), Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests (Dry Shivalik Sal, Dry Bamboo Brakes, Shivalik Chir Pine Forests, Grasslands, and Old Plantations), Open Meadows (Chaurs) etc.
- Fauna: Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephants, Leopards, Barking Deer, Sambar Deer, Hog Deer, Chital, Sloth Bear, Himalayan Black Bears, Himalayan Goral, Indian Pangolins, Great Hornbill, Brown Fish Owl, Black Francolin, Gharial, Mugger Crocodile etc.
2. Kalagarh Tiger Reserve
- Kalagarh Tiger Reserve is located in the Lansdowne Division of Pauri Garhwal district in Uttarakhand, India.
- It is part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve.
- The Kalagarh Tiger Reserve is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas.
- It is named after the Kalagarh dam, which was constructed on the Ramganga River.
- In 1974, the Kalagarh Wildlife Sanctuary was established.
- In 1973, the Indian government launched Project Tiger. As part of this project Kalagarh Wildlife Sanctuary were merged to form the Corbett Tiger Reserve.
- Area: It covers an area of approximately 301 square kilometers (116 square miles).
- River: The Kalagarh Tiger Reserve is bordered by the Ramganga River, which flows through the reserve. The Ramganga River is a major tributary of the Ganges River.
- Flora: Moist Deciduous Forests (sal, semal, kusum, and rohini), Riverine Vegetation (eucalyptus, babul, sissoo), Grasslands etc.
- Fauna: Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Asian Elephants, Chital, Barking Deer, Goral, Sambar, Hog Deer, Vultures, Gharial, Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards etc.
3. Rajaji Tiger Reserve
- Rajaji Tiger Reserve is spread over three districts: Haridwar, Dehradun and Pauri Garhwal of Uttarakhand. India.
- It is situated between the Shivalik ranges and the Indo-Gangetic plains.
- In 1948, the Rajaji Sanctuary was established to protect the tigers.
- In 1983, the Rajaji Wildlife Sanctuary was upgraded to the status of a national park and renamed as Rajaji National Park. It was named after C. Rajagopalachari, popularly known as Rajaji, who was a prominent freedom fighter and the first Governor-General of independent India.
- In 2015, the Rajaji National Park was declared as the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, encompassing the Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary, Motichur Wildlife Sanctuary and Rajaji National Park.
- Area: It covers an area of approximately 820 square kilometers (320 square miles).
- Core Zone (Rajaji National Park): 819.54 square kilometers
- Buffer Zone: 255.63 square kilometers
- Hills: The reserve is situated at the foothills of the Shivalik range of the Himalayas.
- River: Some prominent rivers that flow through the Rajaji Tiger Reserve:
- Ganga River
- Song River
- Suswa River
- Flora: Sal Forests, Mixed Broadleaf Forests (Sheesham, Amaltas, Semal), Riverine Vegetation (Khair, Kachnar, and Banyan), Grasslands (Imperata cylindrica, Saccharum spontaneum, and Cymbopogon spp.) etc.
- Fauna: Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Leopard, Himalayan Black bear, Sloth Bear, Marten, Goral (Mountain Goat), Sambhar, Spotted Deer (Cheetal), Barking Deer (Kakar), Black Napped Hare, Great Hornbill, Crested Serpent Eagle, Gharial, Indian Python, Monitor Lizard etc.