Corbett Tiger Reserve UPSC

Corbett Tiger Reserve, also known as Jim Corbett National Park, is a famous tiger reserve located in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is named after renowned hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett.

The primary aim of Corbett Tiger Reserve is the conservation of the endangered Bengal tigers. It serves as a protected area for these majestic creatures, which are an iconic symbol of India's rich biodiversity.

The Corbett Tiger Reserve is a protected area covered by the World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature under their Terai Arc Landscape Program.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Zones
Hills
River
Valley
Flora
Fauna

Mammals
Birds
Reptiles

UPSC Questions

Corbett Tiger Reserve Location

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 is approximately 260 kilometers (160 miles) northeast of the national capital, New Delhi.

The main entry point to Corbett Tiger Reserve is through the town of Ramnagar, which serves as the gateway to the park. Ramnagar is well-connected by road and rail networks, making it easily accessible for visitors.

Once you reach Ramnagar, there are various safari zones within the Corbett Tiger Reserve that you can explore. These zones include Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhikala, Durgadevi, Dhela, and Sitabani. Each zone has its own entry gate and offers unique wildlife experiences.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest major airport is Pantnagar Airport, located about 80 kilometers (50 miles) away from the reserve.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest Railway Station is Ramnagar Railway Station.

Corbett Tiger Reserve History

The history of Corbett Tiger Reserve dates back to the early 20th century. Here is a brief overview of its history:

1. 19th Century: The area that is now Corbett Tiger Reserve was once part of the Terai region, known for its rich wildlife. It was a popular hunting ground during the British colonial era.

2. Formation of Hailey National Park: In 1936, Hailey National Park was established, primarily to protect the Bengal tigers inhabiting the region. It was named after Sir Malcolm Hailey, the Governor of the United Provinces in British India.

3. Renaming as Ramganga National Park: In 1954, the park was renamed Ramganga National Park, reflecting the significant role of the Ramganga River that flows through the region.

4. Conversion to Jim Corbett National Park: In 1956, the park underwent another name change and became Jim Corbett National Park. This was done to honor the legendary hunter-turned-conservationist, Jim Corbett, who played a vital role in raising awareness about tiger conservation and establishing the park.

5. Expansion and Inclusion in Project Tiger: Over the years, the park witnessed expansions and modifications in its boundaries. In 1973, it was one of the first nine tiger reserves to be included in Project Tiger, an initiative by the Government of India to protect the endangered Bengal tigers.

6. Pakhro Tiger Safari Project: The Uttarakhand state government announced the Pakhro Project in 2019. It is a part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve and cover an area of 106 hectares. Pakhro Tiger Safari would be the first tiger safari in the state of Uttarakhand, providing visitors with an opportunity to observe and appreciate the wildlife, including tigers, in a controlled safari setting.

7. New Name: The Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change has recently proposed to change the name of Corbett National Park to Ramganga National Park.

Corbett Tiger Reserve Area

The Corbett Tiger Reserve covers a vast area in the state of Uttarakhand. The reserve is spread across the Nainital, Pauri Garhwal, and Almora districts. The entire area of the Corbett Tiger Reserve is mountainous and lies in the Bhabar-Terai Region, on the southern part of the Shivalik Mountains in northern India.

The total area of the Corbett Tiger Reserve is approximately 1288.31 square kilometers (about 497.50 square miles). Corbett Tiger Reserve core area forms the Corbett National Park while the buffer area contains reserve forests as well as the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary.

Core/critical tiger habitat : 821.99 sq.km.
Buffer/peripheral area : 466.32 sq.km.
Total : 1288.31 sq.km.

The core area of the Corbett Tiger Reserve covers an area of approximately 821.99 square kilometers (about 317.42 square miles). This area is designated as the primary habitat for the Bengal tigers and is of utmost importance for their conservation and protection.

The buffer or peripheral area of the reserve extends over approximately 466.32 square kilometers (about 180.08 square miles). This zone acts as a transitional area between the core habitat and the surrounding human-dominated landscapes. The buffer area helps in maintaining connectivity for wildlife movement and provides additional protection and support to the core tiger habitat.

When combined, the core and buffer areas of the Corbett Tiger Reserve make up a total area of approximately 1288.31 square kilometers (about 497.50 square miles). This figure represents the overall extent of the reserve, including the critical tiger habitat, buffer zone, and other associated ecosystems.

Corbett Tiger Reserve Zones

The Corbett Tiger Reserve is divided into several zones for administrative and tourism purposes. These zones include the core area, buffer zone, and tourism zones such as Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhikala, Durgadevi, Dhela, and Sitabani. Each zone offers unique wildlife experiences and has its own entry gates.

Corbett Tiger Reserve Hills

The entire area of the Corbett Tiger Reserve is mountainous and falls within the Shivalik and Outer Himalaya geological provinces. The reserve is located in the northern region of India, where the mighty Himalayas begin to emerge.

The Shivalik Hills, also known as the Lesser Himalayas, form the southernmost range of the Himalayan mountain system. They run parallel to the main Himalayan range and encompass the area where the Corbett Tiger Reserve is situated. These hills are characterized by their relatively lower elevation and gentle slopes compared to the higher peaks of the Greater Himalayas.

The mountainous terrain of the Shivalik and Outer Himalaya in the Corbett Tiger Reserve provides a variety of habitats for wildlife and contributes to the diverse ecosystem found within the reserve.

Corbett Tiger Reserve River

The Corbett Tiger Reserve is blessed with several major rivers that flow through its expansive landscape. These rivers contribute to the rich biodiversity and create a unique habitat for wildlife within the reserve. Here are the major rivers that flow through the Corbett Tiger Reserve:

(1) Ramganga River:

The Ramganga River is the most prominent river in the Corbett Tiger Reserve. It originates from the Doodhatoli range in the Kumaon Himalayas and traverses through the reserve, flowing in a westerly direction. The Ramganga River is a lifeline for the reserve, providing water and supporting various aquatic and terrestrial species.

(2) Sonanadi River:

The Sonanadi River is another important river that flows through the Corbett Tiger Reserve. It is a tributary of the Ramganga River and adds to the water resources and ecological significance of the reserve.

(3) Mandal River:

The Mandal River is a significant tributary of the Ramganga River and also passes through the Corbett Tiger Reserve. It further enriches the reserve's water sources and enhances the overall biodiversity of the region.

(4) Palain River:

The Palain River is another river that flows through the Corbett Tiger Reserve. It is a tributary of the Kosi River, originating from the hills of Nainital district and meandering through the reserve.

(5) Kosi River:

The Kosi River, although not entirely within the boundaries of the Corbett Tiger Reserve, has a significant presence in the region. It flows close to the reserve and contributes to the overall hydrological dynamics and ecology of the area.

Corbett Tiger Reserve Valley

The Corbett Tiger Reserve is located in the Patlidoon Valley, which is a significant part of its geographical setting. The Patlidoon Valley is an important valley through which the Ramganga River flows, shaping the landscape and providing a crucial water source for the reserve's flora and fauna.

The valley is characterized by its diverse terrain, including hills, forests, grasslands, and riverine belts. It creates a range of habitats that support a wide variety of wildlife species, including the majestic Bengal tiger, which is one of the key attractions of the reserve.

Corbett Tiger Reserve Flora

The Corbett Tiger Reserve boasts a rich and diverse flora, encompassing various types of vegetation that thrive in its diverse habitats. The reserve spans a wide range of ecosystems, including dense forests, grasslands, riverine belts, and wetlands.

Here are some of the prominent flora found in the Corbett Tiger Reserve:

(1) North Indian Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests:

This type of forest includes various subtypes, such as Moist Shivalik Sal, Moist Bhabar Dhun Sal, Moist Mixed Deciduous, and Alluvial Savannah Woodland. These forests are characterized by the presence of sal trees and other deciduous species that thrive in moist conditions.

(2) Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests:

This forest type includes Dry Shivalik Sal, Dry Bamboo Brakes, Shivalik Chir Pine Forests, Grasslands, and Old Plantations. These forests are adapted to drier conditions and may include species like sal, bamboo, chir pine, and grasslands.

(3) Vegetation Composition:

The vegetation in the Corbett Tiger Reserve primarily consists of sal and mixed forests, along with grasslands and riparian vegetation. Sal trees (Shorea robusta) are dominant and play a vital role in the ecosystem. Other tree and shrub species add to the overall biodiversity, with more than 110 tree species and 51 shrub species recorded in the reserve.

(4) Open Meadows (Chaurs):

The habitat features open meadows, locally known as "chaurs," which are grasslands interspersed with sal and mixed deciduous forests. These meadows are a result of abandoned settlements or past clearings. They constitute about 20% of the old National Park area in the core zone and provide important habitats for wildlife.

(5) Old Plantations and Invasive Weeds:

There are several old plantations within the reserve, consisting of species like teak, Eucalyptus, Ailanthus, and sisso. However, such plantations are mainly found in the buffer area of the reserve. Invasive weeds like Lantana and Cannabis are also prevalent in the habitat and can affect the natural vegetation.

Corbett Tiger Reserve Fauna (Corbett Tiger Reserve Animals)

The Corbett Tiger Reserve is renowned for its diverse and vibrant fauna, encompassing a wide range of wildlife species. The reserve is home to numerous mammals, birds, reptiles, and other creatures. Here are some of the prominent fauna species found in the Corbett Tiger Reserve:

Mammals:

Bengal Tiger
Asian Elephants
Leopards
Barking Deer
Sambar Deer
Hog Deer
Chital
Sloth Bear
Himalayan Black Bears
Indian Grey Mongoose
Otters
Martens
Himalayan Goral
Indian Pangolins

Birds:

Indian Peafowl
Great Hornbill
Crested Kingfisher
Brown Fish Owl
Great Barbet
Collared Falconet
River Lapwing
Ruddy Shelduck
Black Francolin

Reptiles:

Gharial
Mugger Crocodile
Indian Python
King Cobra