Fauna in Rajaji National Park
Just a stone's throw away from bustling cities, yet embracing a wild tranquility that invigorates the soul, such is the allure of Rajaji National Park, renowned for its flourishing elephant population. Nestled in the Himalayan foothills near Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun, with the Ganga and Song rivers gracefully flowing through its expanse, the park is celebrated for its scenic beauty and abundant biodiversity. A haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife aficionados, Rajaji National Park is home to a diverse array of creatures, including elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, gorals, and a myriad of bird species.
In 1983, the union of three sanctuaries – Rajaji, Motichur, and Chilla in Uttarakhand birthed the expansive protected area known as Rajaji National Park, a tribute to the late freedom fighter and first Governor-General of India, C. Rajagopalachari, affectionately known as "Rajaji."
Positioned at the juncture of the lesser Himalayan foothills and the vast Indo-Gangetic plains, Rajaji National Park offers a fascinating habitat for its diverse wildlife, boasting a significant population of elephants and leopards. Serving as the north-western limit for Bengal Tigers and Asian Elephants in India, the park spans an impressive 820 sq. km, encompassing Rajaji, Motichur, and Chilla wildlife sanctuaries, as well as parts of Dehradun, Shiwalik, and Lansdowne Forest Divisions.
Crisscrossed by the holy River Ganges along with numerous streams, the park's landscape is rich and diverse. This expanse provides nature lovers with ample opportunities to relish the captivating scenery and observe the thriving wildlife in its natural habitat. Rajaji National Park stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of urban proximity and untamed wilderness, inviting all who seek an escape into the lap of nature's splendour.
Species of Fauna
• Rajaji National Park serves as a residence for diverse wildlife, including Cheetal, Barking Deer, Sambar Deer, Wild Boar, Nilgai, Goral, and the esteemed Asian Elephant, a flagship species for which the park operates under Project Elephant. Among the primates, the Rhesus Macaque and Hanuman Langur find their abode in this natural haven. Small mammals such as the Indian Hare and Indian Porcupine contribute to the park's rich mammalian diversity.
• The reptilian inhabitants of Rajaji encompass impressive species like the Python, King Cobra, Common Krait, Indian Cobra, and Monitor Lizard.
• A thriving avian community further enhances the park's biodiversity, boasting around 315 species of birds. India's National bird, the Peacock, graces the landscape alongside an array of butterflies and small birds, including the Rusty-cheeked Scimitar, Golden-spectacled Warbler, Chestnut-tailed Starling, Brown Hawk-Owl, Drongo Cuckoo, Slaty-headed Parakeets, Great Hornbill, Red Jungle Fowl, Lineated Barbet, Crested Kingfishers, Black Hooded Oriole, Khaleej Pheasant, Woodpeckers, Finches, Thrushes, Oriental Pied Hornbill, and Crimson Sunbird. Notably, Rajaji serves as the first staging ground for migratory birds after they cross the formidable Himalayas into the Indian subcontinent.
• The Ganga and Song Rivers flowing through the park harbour a diverse aquatic life, including species like Goonch, Trout, Kalabasu, Mahseer, and Chilwa, as well as crabs and small fishes in the streams feeding into these mighty rivers. The flourishing ecosystems within Rajaji National Park showcase a harmonious coexistence of various species, creating a vibrant tapestry of biodiversity for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate.
