Fauna
The
park has a very dense population of tiger (Panthera
tigris) (estimated 25 no in 75 sq km). The population
of the Great Indian One Horned Rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis)
was estimated 97 in 1993, second highest. However, due
to unbated poaching during 1994-1998 the number of rhino
has gone down to less than 50 in 2000. The park also
has estimated 45-60 Bengal Florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis).
Among other mammals Blind Gangetic Dolphin, Indian Pangolin,
Rhesus Macaque, Bengal Porcupine, Indian Fox, Small
Indian Civet, Otter, Leopard cat, Fishing cat are to
be noted. The Avian fauna of the park is also very rich.
It is represented by 47 families of which Anatidae,
Accipitridae, Addenda, Ardeiae are represented with
maximum number of species. Important avifauna are Bengal
Florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis), Spot-billed Pelican
(Pelicanus philippensis), Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus
asiaticus), Greater Adjutant Stork (Leptoptilos dubius),
Lesser Adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus), Wooly-necked
Stork (Ciconia episcopus), Rudy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea),
Gadwall (Anas strepera), Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos),
Pintail (Anas acuta), Pallas's Fishing Eagle (Haliaeetus
leucoryphus) and a number of others including forest
and grassland birds. Among reptiles Indian Rock Python,
Cobra, 9 species of turtles are known till now. (Reptile
diversity is not well known). Amphibian diversity is
very high in the park. 19 species of amphibians have
been identified yet, of which three species are new
to science.
Flora
The
floral wealth of the park is very significant. There
are planted forest, Natural forest, Non aquatic grass/plants
to be found among the macrroflora of the park. Planted
forest patches are composed of species like Dalbergia
sisoo, Bombax ceiba, Acacia catechu, Terminalia myriocarpa,
Anthrocephalus kadamba, etc. The Natural Forest species
are like Bombax ceiba, Dalbergia sisoo, Sterculia villosa,
Trewia nudiflora, Zizypphus jujuba, Litsaea polyantha,
etc. Among the non aquatic grassland species the prominent
are Phragmites karka, Arundo donax, Imperata cylindrical,
Saccarum spp. etc. The aquatic grass/plants species
are Andropogon spp., Ipomea reptans, Enhydra flushians,
Nymphia spp., Wichornia spp. etc. |
