Corbett Flora and Fauna

Jim Corbett National Park, nestled in the beautiful town of Ramnagar in the state of Uttarakhand, India, is nothing less than an empyrean for the wildlife fanatics. The park is rich in exotic flora and fauna that captivates the attention of the wildlife enthusiasts visiting from various parts of globe. The wonderful species of animals and lush green forest can be best explored on an elephant or a jeep safari. The icing on the cake is that the visitors can also plan a quick tour to many other stunning locations of Uttarakhand once they are done with their wildlife holidays in Corbett.

FLORA
Jim Corbett National Park has wide range of flora which comprises the freshwater flora and alpine flora. There are Sal forests, Chaurs, Khair-Sissoo forests and much more consist of alpine Flora. On the other hand, the river plants have its own distinctive hierarchy. There are hundreds of variety of species of trees, shrubs, herbs, bamboos, grasses, climbers and ferns in the Jim Corbett National Park.

Trees
The most visible trees found in Corbett are sal, khair and sissoo. 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.

Flowering Trees
Green is the fundamental color of nature and variety of flowering trees in Corbett lend that beautiful color to the forests. The forests of the Corbett is dominated by numerous flowering plant, some of them can be named as Kachnar (Bauhinia Variegata) with white tom pink flowers, Semal (Bombax ceiba) with giant red blooms, Dhak or popularly called as the flame of the forest with bright and eye pleasing orange flowers, Madaar or Indian Coral (Erythrinia indica) with red flowers and Amaltas (Cassia fistula) with bright yellow chandelier like blooms.

Hurbs
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
Corbett has over 70 grass speciesGrasses 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 arundin acea (with light brown inflorescence) and Heteropagon contortus (Spear Grass with conspicuous sharp blades that adhere to clothes and penetrates skin).

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.

FAUNA
Royal Bengal Tiger is the One of the well-known species of animals inhabiting Jim Corbett. India’s tiger conservation program was started on 1st April 1973. Years ago, there were many man-eating tigers which dominated the Terai-Bhabar region. The other species are found in Corbett Park are given below:
Mammals : There are mammal species such as Tiger leopard, elephant, chital, sambar, and Indian Hog deer, barking deer, wild boar, langur, Wild pig, rhesus monkey, sambar and jackal are found in Corbett Park..
Birds : Birds species such as Peacock, Jungle Fowl, partridge, Kaleej Pheasant, crow, vulture, parakeet, Laughing Thrush, oriole, kingfisher, drongo, dove, woodpecker, duck, teal, stork, cormorant and seagull.
Reptile : Reptiles such as Indian marsh crocodile, gharial, King cobra, common krait, cobra, Russels viper, python and monitor lizard.
Birds : Fishes like Mahaseer, Kalimuchi, Kalabasu, Chilwa and Goonch.