Habitats And Ecosystems

In the lower foothills, broad-leaved forests are commonly found, while coniferous trees become more dominant at higher elevations. A similar pattern is seen in Corbett. The lower regions of Corbett are mainly covered with sal forests, and as one moves to higher areas, these gradually give way to mixed forests consisting of chir pine, oak, and rhododendron. As the vegetation changes with altitude, the variety of wildlife found in Corbett also changes accordingly.

After India gained independence, the tiger population experienced a significant decline due to several factors. One of the main reasons was large-scale deforestation carried out by local communities to support their livelihoods. In addition, forest land was diverted for development projects such as irrigation schemes, hydroelectric plants, and the construction of roads and railways. Earlier practices of sport hunting by kings and the poaching of tigers for trophies further worsened the situation, leading to a sharp reduction in the tiger population in Corbett. In Corbett, sal forests are mainly found around areas such as Panod Nallah, Amgadi Sot, Sajgadi Sot, Gajar Sot, and Sultan, as well as near Dhikala, Khinanauli, Bijrani, and Mailani.

Khair–Sissoo Forests:

While Sal forests dominate much of Corbett National Park, a distinct ecosystem is found along rivers and streams. These areas are marked by Khair and Shisham trees that grow on sandy and gravelly soils near the Ramganga River and other water bodies.

Chaurs :

Chaurs are one of the most distinctive vegetation types in Corbett. These open grasslands form important wildlife habitats and were once used for agriculture. The Patil Dun region contains the largest Chaurs, with other notable areas located in Dhikala, Bijrani, Phulai, Khinanuli, Paterpani, and Mohanpani.

Bamboo Forests:

Certain parts of Corbett National Park are covered with bamboo vegetation. The most common species found here is male bamboo, which is characterised by strong, clustered stems and smooth, papery sheaths.

Terai Grasslands:

The park includes wide stretches of Terai grasslands that support a rich variety of grasses. These open areas provide ideal grazing grounds for herbivores such as deer, elephants, and wild boars.

Sal Forests:

Sal forests form the primary vegetation cover of Corbett National Park. The tall Sal trees create dense forest canopies and offer shelter to many animal species, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and numerous birds.

Riverine Forests:

Several rivers, including the Ramganga, Kosi, and Sonanadi, flow through the park. The forests along their banks consist of trees such as fig, jamun, and mahua, attracting a wide range of wildlife like deer, monkeys, and birds.

Mixed Deciduous Forests:

Corbett also features mixed deciduous forests made up of tree species such as sal, khair, semal, and rohini. These forests provide suitable habitats for various mammals, reptiles, and bird species.

High-Altitude Ecosystems:

As the park stretches towards the Himalayan foothills, it includes higher-altitude ecosystems. These areas comprise temperate forests, alpine meadows, and snow-covered peaks, supporting species such as the Himalayan black bear, serow, and several mountain bird species.

Wetlands:

The park has several wetland zones, including lakes, marshes, and swamps. These wetlands play a key role in maintaining ecological balance and serve as breeding and feeding grounds for water birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Corbett National Park boasts a variety of habitats and ecosystems that foster an impressive array of biodiversity. This includes a wide range of mammal species such as tigers, elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and various types of deer, along with a multitude of bird species. Additionally, the park hosts reptiles, amphibians, and an abundance of insect species. As a result, it serves as a vital conservation area and is a favoured locale for wildlife enthusiasts and nature aficionados alike.