Camp Forktail Creek - Bio-diversity

Corbett Tiger Reserve - Biodiversity

Corbett Tiger Reserve is blessed with a rich diversity of flora, fauna and habitats. Home to about 50

different mammals, 600 birds, 26 reptiles, seven amphibians and many insect species, its jungles are

bursting with life! Further, as it spans three distinct topographic zones -- the hilly Shivaliks, Bhabar in the

Patlidun valley and the swampy Terai, the character of the mixed deciduous forest keeps changing too,

making for diverse wildlife viewing experiences.

Flora

About 110 species of trees, 51 species of shrubs and 33 species of grasses and bamboo are listed in this

region.

The Sal (Shoera robusta) tree accounts for about 70% of the forest coverage in the park. Dense Sal

forests are found on hilltops and ridges in the reserve, and are usually accompanied with other species

including Haldu (Adina cordifolia), Bankuli (Anogeissus latifolia), Kura (Holarrhena antidysenterica), Amaltas

(Cassia fistula), Jamun (Eugenia jambolana), Sain (Terminalia tomentosa), Bakain (Melia azedarach), Bel

(Aegle marmelos), Rohini (Mallotus philippinenisis) and Semal (Bombax ceiba), to name some.

The valleys thrive with grassland locally called ‘chaurs’ and riverine forests of mainly Khair (Acacia

catechu) and Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo). Main under growth in these forests consists of Clerodendrom

(Clerodendrom viscosum), Panwar (Cassia tora), Curry plant (Murraya koenigii) and Lantana (Lantana

camara).

Fauna

Corbett also boasts of a rich variety of faunal species. About 50 species of mammals, about 600 species of

birds, 26 species of reptiles, 7 species of amphibians and many insect species are found here.

Besides being home to the Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris), Corbett is also the northernmost habitat for the

Asiatic Elephant (Elephas maximus). Great herds of Elephants can be seen in the grasslands during the

summer months.

Other mammals of the reserve include the Leopard (Panthera pardus), Jungle Cat (Felis chaus), Leopard

Cat (Felis bengalensis), 4 kinds of deer Sambar (Cervus unicolor), Hog Deer (Axis porcinus), Spotted Deer

(Axis axis), Barking Deer (Muntiacus muntjak), Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus), Rhesus monkey (Macaca

mulatta) & Langur monkey (Presbytis entellus), Ghoral or Mountain Goat (Nemorhaedus goral), Wild boar

(Sus scrofa), Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus), Indian grey mongoose (Herpestes edwardsinyula), Small Indian

civet (Viverricula indica), Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica), Asiatic Jackal (Canis aureus), Yellow-

throated marten (Martes flavigula) etc.

There have also been rare sightings of Serow (Capricornis sumatraensis) and the Himalayan Black Bear

(Selenarctos thibetanus).

The Mugger or the fresh water Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), Gharial (Gavialis gangeticusl), Common

otter (Lutra lutra monticola), Smooth-coated otter (Lutra perspicillata), Small-clawed otter (Aonyx

cinerea), turtles and a variety of fishes; Golden Masheer (Barbus Tor putitora), Goonch, Trout, etc are

seen in and around the Ramganga River.

Reptile species include Monitor Lizard or the Bengal Monitor (Varanus bengalensis), King Cobra

(Ophiophagus Hannah), Indian Rock Python (Python molurus), Indian Trinket Snake (Elaphe Helena),

Common Indian Krait (Bungarus caeruleus), Spectacled or Indian Cobra (Naja naja)…

Corbett is also a bird watchers paradise and some of the avian attractions include a variety of

Woodpeckers, Kingfishers, Hornbills, Parakeets, Shrikes, Barbets, Drongos, Minivets, Storks, Owls,

Pheasants, Eagles, Vultures, Harriers...

For detailed checklists on the trees, birds, mammals, reptiles, fish and butterflies in the Corbett Tiger

Reserve, please contact us.