- Flora and Fauna of Uttarakhand – Quick Facts
- Flora of Uttarakhand – Natural Vegetation of Uttarakhand
- Fauna of Uttarakhand – Animals Found in Uttarakhand
- Types of Forests in Uttarakhand
- Endangered Flora of Uttarakhand
- Endangered Fauna of Uttarakhand
- National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Biosphere Reserves in Uttarakhand
- Oldest National Park In Uttarakhand
- FAQs
Flora and Fauna of Uttarakhand – Quick Facts
| Aspect | Quick Facts about Uttarakhand’s Biodiversity |
| Total Forest Area | Covering about 70% of the state’s total geographical area, providing a diverse habitat for various species. |
| Major Forest Types | Tropical Rain Forests, Temperate Forests, and Alpine Meadows. |
| Dominant Tree Species | Sal, Oak, Pine, Rhododendron, and Deodar. |
| National Parks | Jim Corbett, Rajaji, Nanda Devi, Valley of Flowers, and Gangotri. |
| Prominent Animals | Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Monal, and Asian Black Bear. |
| Endangered Species | Musk Deer, Himalayan Tahr, and Western Tragopan. |
| Medicinal Plants | Over 1,748 species, including Brahmi, Ashwagandha, and Kuth. |
| Bird Diversity | Home to more than 600 species of birds, making it a bird-watcher’s paradise. |
| Unique Features | Presence of glacial meadows known as ‘Bugyals’ and dense bamboo jungles. |
Flora of Uttarakhand – Natural Vegetation of Uttarakhand
| Type of Vegetation | Description & Notable Species |
| Tropical Rainforests | Located at lower elevations, these forests have a high density of Sal trees, Bamboo, and Semal trees. |
| Temperate Forests | Found in the mid-elevation areas, dominated by Oak, Pine, Rhododendron, and Horse chestnuts. |
| Alpine Meadows and Grasslands | Situated at high elevations, these grassy patches amidst the snowy ranges host herbs like Brahmi and Aconite. |
| Sub-Alpine & Coniferous Forests | Located just below the alpine level, characterized by Deodar, Pine, Fir, and Spruce trees. |
| Mixed Deciduous Forests | Combines a mix of trees like Sal, Teak, Shisham, and others, often interspersed with grassy clearings. |
| Tundra Vegetation | Found in the uppermost regions, characterized by mosses, lichens, and some hardy shrubs. |
| Medicinal Plants | Uttarakhand boasts a rich variety of medicinal plants like Ashwagandha, Kuth, and Brahmi, which are traditionally used in Ayurvedic treatments. |
| Riparian (Riverine) Vegetation | Plants that grow along the banks of rivers and streams, including Willow, Alder, and Chir pine. |
Fauna of Uttarakhand – Animals Found in Uttarakhand
| Type of Animal | Notable Species & Description |
| Mammals | Bengal Tiger: Found in Corbett National Park and Rajaji National Park. Indian Leopard: Widespread in forests. Snow Leopard: Resides in the upper alpine zones. Himalayan Black Bear: Commonly found in hilly forests. Musk Deer: Known for its musk, found in high-altitude regions. |
| Birds | Himalayan Monal: The state bird and a vibrant species of pheasant. Black Bulbul: Commonly seen in forested areas. Golden Eagle: Majestic raptor seen soaring over mountain ridges. |
| Reptiles | King Cobra: One of the most venomous snakes, found in forested areas. Himalayan Pit Viper: Typically found in hilly terrains. |
| Amphibians | Himalayan Newt: A rare amphibian species found in high-altitude lakes. |
| Fishes | Golden Mahseer: Found in the swift-flowing rivers of Uttarakhand. |
| Insects | Himalayan Honey Bee: Known for its medicinal honey. Firefly: Luminescent insect commonly seen during certain seasons. |
Types of Forests in Uttarakhand
Flora And Fauna Of Uttarakhand placed in northern India, is understood for its various topography and climate, which make a contribution to a number of wooded area types. These forests play a important function in retaining ecological stability and assisting biodiversity. Here are the principle styles of forests discovered in Uttarakhand:
Tropical Evergreen Forests
Location: Found withinside the decrease elevations of the Terai region.
Characteristics: Dense and lush, those forests have a excessive biodiversity with bushes that hold their leaves year-round. Common species consist of Sal (Shorea robusta), Teak (Tectona grandis), and numerous hardwoods.
Tropical Deciduous Forests
Location: Present withinside the decrease and mid-hill regions.
Characteristics: These forests shed their leaves at some point of the dry season. They are characterised via way of means of species like Sal, Mahua (Madhuca longifolia), and Bamboo. This sort of wooded area is crucial for wood and non-wood wooded area products.
Subtropical Pine Forests
Location: Found at elevations among 1,2 hundred to 2,2 hundred meters.
Characteristics: Dominated via way of means of coniferous bushes, in particular Pine (Pinus roxburghii). These forests are much less dense, with an undergrowth of shrubs and herbs, and are essential for soil conservation.
Temperate Forests
Location: Found at elevations starting from 2,2 hundred to 3,six hundred meters.
Characteristics: Comprising each coniferous and broadleaf bushes, those forests consist of species like Oak (Quercus spp.), Deodar (Cedrus deodara), and Rhododendron. They are wealthy in biodiversity and function vital habitats for wildlife.
Endangered Flora of Uttarakhand
Flora And Fauna Of Uttarakhand with its various ecosystems and wealthy biodiversity, is domestic to numerous plant species which are endangered because of habitat loss, weather change, and human activities. Here are a few splendid endangered plant life observed withinside the region:
Rhododendron arboreum (Buransh)
Description: A medium-sized tree acknowledged for its lovely purple flowers, it’s miles the kingdom flower of Flora And Fauna Of Uttarakhand.
Threats: Overharvesting and habitat destruction have caused its decline.
Taxus wallichiana (Himalayan Yew)
Description: A slow-developing conifer valued for its medicinal homes, mainly in most cancers treatment.
Threats: Overexploitation and habitat fragmentation pose enormous dangers to its survival.
Aconitum spp. (Monkshood)
Description: A institution of plant life with stunning blue flowers, acknowledged for his or her medicinal homes however additionally their toxicity.
Threats: Habitat destruction and unsustainable series for medicinal use have caused a decline of their populations.
Saussurea costus (Costus)
Description: A perennial herb utilized in conventional medicine, mainly in Ayurvedic practices.
Threats: Overharvesting and habitat loss have drastically impacted its populations.
Bauhinia variegata (Kachnar)
Description: A flowering tree acknowledged for its stunning red and white flowers, utilized in conventional medicine.
Threats: Urbanization and deforestation have caused its declining numbers.
Nardostachys jatamansi (Jatamansi)
Description: A flowering plant utilized in conventional medicine, mainly in Ayurveda for its calming homes.
Threats: Overharvesting and habitat loss are important threats to its survival.
Endangered Fauna of Uttarakhand
Flora And Fauna Of Uttarakhand is understood for its wealthy biodiversity and numerous natural world, however numerous animal species are endangered because of habitat loss, poaching, and weather change. Here`s a examine a few amazing endangered fauna located withinside the region:
Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)
Description: The apex predator of the region, acknowledged for its hanging orange coat with black stripes.
Threats: Habitat loss, poaching for pores and skin and bones, and depletion of prey species have caused a decline in its population.
Indian Elephant (Elephas maximus indicus)
Description: The biggest land mammal in Asia, respected in nearby tradition and ecology.
Threats: Habitat fragmentation, human-natural world conflict, and poaching for tusks pose good sized threats to its survival.
Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)
Description: A uncommon and elusive huge cat located withinside the high-altitude areas of the Himalayas.
Threats: Climate change, poaching, and lack of prey species make a contribution to its endangered status.
Himalayan Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus)
Description: A medium-sized endure acknowledged for its different white “V” mark on its chest.
Threats: Habitat loss, poaching for frame parts, and human encroachment threaten its population.
Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus)
Description: A significantly endangered crocodilian acknowledged for its long, slim snout and specialised weight-reduction plan of fish.
Threats: Habitat destruction, pollution, and depletion of fish shares have substantially decreased its numbers.
National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Biosphere Reserves in Uttarakhand
Flora And Fauna Of Uttarakhand is blessed with a wealthy biodiversity and various ecosystems, making it domestic to numerous countrywide parks, natural world sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves. These blanketed regions play a important function in conservation efforts and offer habitats for numerous plant life and fauna. Here`s an overview:
National Parks
Jim Corbett National Park
Established: 1936 (as Hailey National Park)
Area: 520 km²
Highlights: The oldest countrywide park in India, well-known for its Bengal tiger population, various natural world, and picturesque landscapes.
Nanda Devi National Park
Established: 1982
Area: 630 km²
Highlights: A UNESCO World Heritage site, acknowledged for its beautiful alpine surroundings and precise plant life and fauna, which include the endangered Snow Leopard.
Valley of Flowers National Park
Established: 1982
Area: 87.50 km²
Highlights: Another UNESCO World Heritage site, famend for its beautiful meadows of endemic alpine flora and wealthy biodiversity, which include numerous medicinal plants.
Rajaji National Park
Established: 1983
Area: 820 km²
Highlights: Famous for its elephant population, various natural world, and wealthy plant life, Rajaji is an exceptional vacation spot for nature fanatics and natural world watchers Wildlife Sanctuaries
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
Established: 1988
Area: 45.fifty nine km²
Highlights: Located withinside the Kumaon region, it’s miles domestic to various plant life and fauna, which include the Himalayan black undergo and numerous hen species.
Oldest National Park In Uttarakhand
Overview
Jim Corbett National Park, set up in 1936 as Hailey National Park, is the oldest country wide park in Flora And Fauna Of Uttarakhand and one of the oldest in India. It changed into named after the well-known hunter and conservationist Jim Corbett, who performed a important function in its establishment. The park covers a place of about 520 rectangular kilometers and is a part of the bigger Corbett Tiger Reserve.
Location
Situated withinside the Nainital district of Flora And Fauna Of Uttarakhand, the park is nestled withinside the foothills of the Himalayas and gives lovely landscapes, inclusive of hills, marshy depressions, riverine belts, and grasslands.
Biodiversity
Jim Corbett National Park is famend for its wealthy biodiversity. It is domestic to a whole lot of flowers and fauna, inclusive of:
Mammals: Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, leopards, deer (inclusive of sambar and barking deer), and diverse species of bears.
Birds: Over six hundred species of birds had been recorded, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Notable species encompass the crested serpent eagle, jungle crow, and plenty of migratory birds.
Flora: The park boasts a mixture of tropical rainforests, deciduous forests, and grasslands, with dominant tree species along with sal, khair, and sheesham.
Conservation Efforts
As a covered area, Jim Corbett National Park performs a critical function in conservation and flora and fauna protection. It is a large a part of the Project Tiger initiative, which pursuits to shield the declining tiger populace in India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What types of forests are found in Uttarakhand?
Flora And Fauna Of Uttarakhand has tropical evergreen, tropical deciduous, subtropical pine, temperate, montane, and alpine forests. - What is the state flower of Uttarakhand?
The state flower of Flora And Fauna Of Uttarakhand is the Rhododendron arboreum, commonly known as Buransh. - Which endangered animal is found in Uttarakhand?
Endangered animals like the Bengal tiger and snow leopard are found in Flora And Fauna Of Uttarakhand. - How many plant species are recorded in Uttarakhand?
Over 6,000 plant species have been recorded in Flora And Fauna Of Uttarakhand. - What is the significance of Jim Corbett National Park?
Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India, known for its rich biodiversity and tiger population.
