Jim
Corbett National Park, one of the greatest National
Parks of Asia. Five hundred and twenty acres of forests,
hills and grasslands, fed by a frisky river. A bio-diversity
that is rich, rare and precious. The perfect habitat
for the tiger, elephant, hog deer, birds and other
wildlife species fast vanishing from the earth. The
Corbett National Park is an excellent and largely
inviolate specimen of the rich sal and mixed woodland
that spans the outer Himalayas. Because of its rich
biogeographic diversity, the Park is a natural haven
for the flora and fauna of the plains, the sub mountainous
regions and high altitude areas.
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At
the lower level are winding strips of alluvial grasslands
or chaurs (beloved to many species of deer) crossed
by numerous water courses. The lifeline of the Park
is the sparkling Ramganga river which provides safe
harbour to mahaseer fish, crocodile and otter. Stately
stands of sal and diverse mixed forest cover hills and
valleys, fodder and foliage for large herds of elephants.
Sharp spurs in the terrain make it an idyllic habitat
for shy species like the tiger. The incredible variety
of mammals, birds and vegetation at Corbett reveals
one of the healthiest 'food chains' this side of the
world. Almost all the major groups of animals known
to exist in the Himalayan Terai and the Bhabar foothills
region are found here. The abundance of the prey species
determines the presence and survival of the predators.
As the abundance of diverse vegetation supports myriad
species, from avian to mammal. Corbett is a delightful
education. Of nature in a superabundant, undisturbed
state. An image of a vanishing world.
Birds The
park, with its rich biogeography diversity, is home
to more than 600 species of birds - about half of the
total species found in the entire Indian subcontinent!
You can see parakeets, owls, orioles, drongos, thrushes,
babblers, bulbuls, cuckoos, doves, bee eaters, rollers,
flycatchers, warblers, robins, chats, finches, fork
tails, hornbills, kingfishers and many many more. It
is also possibly one of the best places in the world
for observing birds of prey. About 50 species out of
the total 70 odd species found in South East Asia live
in the park. The numerous water bodies provide an ideal
habitat for ducks and waders.
Wildlife Viewing Chital,
Sambar, and various other Deer species find refuge in
the Savannah grasslands known as the Maidan, behind
the campsite to the south, and Tigers are occasionally
drawn in looking for prey. Two hour elephant rides,
explore this sea of grass, rarely penetrating far into
the deep jungles beyond; try to convince your Mahout
or Elephant driver to venture in, as they can be quite
magical. Come at dusk or dawn; in the heat of the day
you probably won't come across much more than deer among
the tall grass. Tiger-sightings are few and far between,
but you may be rewarded with fresh pug marks. |
