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Corbett is a haven for tigers, the 2003 census shows that
there are 150 tigers in the Corbett national park, a remarkable
increase form 1976 when there were just 44 of them. Apart
from this Corbett is regarded as one of the true bird parks
of the world. Out of the 2,060 species and subspecies of birds
recorded in the Indian subcontinent, over 600 species/subspecies
of birds have been recorded from Corbett at one time or another.
This number is greater than the total number of bird species
found in Europe and represents around one fourth of the available
diversity found in India. Out of the 69 species of raptors
found in India, 49 can be seen in Corbett making it a striking
element of the local avifauna. The reserve, which covers 520
sq. kms. is not less than a paradise for bird-watchers. European
bird-watchers are some of the keenest visitors to the reserve
during winters when the bird diversity is at its peak. Corbett
is the home of 580 species of birds including water fowl,
17 types of woodpecker, raptors like the Pallas fishing eagle,
harriers and kites, peafowl, kalij pheasant, the rare chir
pheasant, red jungle fowl, minivets, shrikes, cuckoos, drongos
and barbets. A fine reservoir on the river formed with the
building of a dam at Kalagarh now attracts diverse species
of water birds - both local and migratory. With its avian
variety Corbett is a marvelous location for bird watchers
also.
India's first and finest park spread over 520 sq. kms. along
the banks of the Ramganga river, just 300 kms. northeast of
Delhi in the foothills of the Himalayas is the Corbett National
Park. Established initially as Hailey National Park on August
8, 1936, in honor of Sir Malcolm Hailey, then governor of
the United Provinces, the name was changed to Ramganga National
Park in 1952. In 1957, it was finally named as Corbett National
Park in honor and memory of the late Jim Corbett, the legendary
hunter, naturalist-turned-author and photographer who had
helped in setting up the park and demarcating its boundaries.
Birds, which can be spotted at the banks of River Ramganga
on the outskirts of Corbett Park, include Brown Fish Owl,
Himalayan Kingfisher, Brown Dipper and Plumbeous/White-Capped
Redstarts. One can also see Little/State backed Forktails
and Mountain/Rufousbellied Hawk-Eagles here. Inside Corbett
Park, Blue Whistling Thrush and Red Jungle Fowl are immediate
possibilities. But with some efforts one can spot Oriental
White-eye, Jungle Owlet, Alexandrine Parakeet, Himalayan Swiftlet,
Lesser Fish-Eagle or even Great Thick-knee, Stork-billed Kingfisher
and many more. Mammals include Tiger, Indian Elephant, Chital,
Sambhar, Muntjack (Barking Deer), Hog Deer and Common Langur.
A trip to these magnificent Sanctuaries will also take you
through Jaipur (Pink City) and Agra (City of Taj) which will
add the experience of Indian culture, heritage, history and
hospitality to your memories.
With elevations in the Park ranging from 400m to 1210m there
is a rich diversity in habitat. Animals of the Himalayas and
those of peninsular India can both be seen here and over 50
mammal and 25 reptile species have been recorded at Corbett.
Among the predators are the tiger, leopard, diverse species
of lesser cats and the dhole - the wild dog.
There are antelopes (nilgai and ghoral) varieties of deer
(hog deer, sambhar, chital or spotted deer and barking deer),
the primates (rhesus and langur) and other animals like jackals,
foxes, civets, wild boar, sloth bear, black bear and a range
of reptiles including the cobra, python and two species of
crocodile. The rare fish eating, long snouted gharial and
the more robust mugger can be seen basking along the sand
banks and pools of the Ramganga. The river which is also noted
for its sporting fish, the mighty mahaseer and the malee is
popular with anglers.
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