Jim Corbett National Park, located in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, is a part of the larger Himalayan ecosystem. While Jim Corbett National Park itself is not situated in the higher Himalayan regions, it is still influenced by the Himalayan climate and geographical features. The park’s diverse landscapes, ranging from dense forests to riverine belts, create a habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including some that are native to the Himalayan region. Here are some of the Himalayan wildlife species found in and around Jim Corbett National Park:
1. Himalayan Black Bear: The Himalayan black bear is a subspecies of the Asian black bear and can be found in the higher elevations of the Himalayas. While not commonly seen in the lower regions of Jim Corbett, they might occasionally venture into the park’s higher reaches.
2. Himalayan Serow: The Himalayan serow, a goat-antelope species, is found in the Himalayan foothills, including some parts of Uttarakhand. It inhabits the rugged and forested terrain, which makes it a possible resident in the hilly areas surrounding Jim Corbett.
3. Ghoral (Himalayan Tahr): Ghoral, also known as Himalayan tahr, is a wild goat species found in the Himalayan region. While they primarily inhabit higher elevations, they might venture into lower regions of the park.
4. Kalij Pheasant: The kalij pheasant is a beautiful bird species found in the Himalayas, and some sightings have been reported in the vicinity of Jim Corbett National Park.
5. Koklass Pheasant: The koklass pheasant is another stunning bird species native to the Himalayas, and it can be occasionally spotted in the higher elevations around the park.
6. Cheer Pheasant: Cheer pheasant, a colorful and endangered bird species, is also found in the higher reaches of the Himalayas.
While Jim Corbett National Park is more famous for its Bengal tiger and other wildlife, the proximity to the Himalayan region adds an element of biodiversity to the park’s ecosystem. However, it’s important to note that sightings of Himalayan wildlife species within the park are less common than those of the park’s core inhabitants. Visitors interested in exploring the Himalayan wildlife should consider visiting higher elevations and dedicated Himalayan wildlife reserves in Uttarakhand and the surrounding Himalayan states.
