Difference between revisions of "Royal Chitwan National Park" - New World Encyclopedia
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Adjacent to the National Park in the east is the [[Parsa Wildlife Reserve]] (49.900 ha) and further east the [[Bara Hunting Reserve]] (25.900 ha). In the south the Chitwan is contiguous with the Indian [[Valmiki Tiger Reserve]]. The vegetation consits mainly of moist [[deciduous forest]]s, with the [[sal]] as dominating tree species. In the [[Churia Hills]] [[pine]] trees predominate. On the floodplains of the large Rivers, by name the [[Rapti]], the [[Reu]] and the [[Gandaki River|Narayani]] there are large areas covered with [[Elephant grass]] alternating with riverine Forests mainly composed of [[Simal]], [[Khair]] and [[Sisau]] trees. | Adjacent to the National Park in the east is the [[Parsa Wildlife Reserve]] (49.900 ha) and further east the [[Bara Hunting Reserve]] (25.900 ha). In the south the Chitwan is contiguous with the Indian [[Valmiki Tiger Reserve]]. The vegetation consits mainly of moist [[deciduous forest]]s, with the [[sal]] as dominating tree species. In the [[Churia Hills]] [[pine]] trees predominate. On the floodplains of the large Rivers, by name the [[Rapti]], the [[Reu]] and the [[Gandaki River|Narayani]] there are large areas covered with [[Elephant grass]] alternating with riverine Forests mainly composed of [[Simal]], [[Khair]] and [[Sisau]] trees. | ||
| + | == Geography == | ||
=== Nepal Lowland Terai === | === Nepal Lowland Terai === | ||
| − | <!-- | + | <!--{{dablink|This article is about the regions of India and Nepal. |
| − | {{dablink|This article is about the regions of India and Nepal. | ||
For specific Terai/Tarai region of Nepal, see [[Madhesh]]. | For specific Terai/Tarai region of Nepal, see [[Madhesh]]. | ||
| − | For the former town in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, see [[Terai, Ishikawa]].}} | + | For the former town in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, see [[Terai, Ishikawa]].}}—> |
The '''Terai''' ("moist land") is a belt of marshy [[grassland]]s, [[savanna]]s, and [[forest]]s at the base of the [[Himalaya]] range in [[India]], [[Nepal]], and [[Bhutan]], from the [[Yamuna River]] in the west to the [[Brahmaputra River]] in the east. Above the Terai belt lies the [[Bhabhar]], a forested belt of rock, gravel, and soil eroded from the Himalayas, where the water table lies from 5 to 37 meters deep. The Terai zone lies below the Bhabhar, and is composed of alternate layers of clay and sand, with a high water table that creates many springs and [[wetland]]s. The Terai zone is inundated yearly by the [[monsoon]]-swollen rivers of the Himalaya. Below the Terai lies the great [[alluvial plain]] of the [[Yamuna]], [[Ganges]], [[Brahmaputra]], and their tributaries. | The '''Terai''' ("moist land") is a belt of marshy [[grassland]]s, [[savanna]]s, and [[forest]]s at the base of the [[Himalaya]] range in [[India]], [[Nepal]], and [[Bhutan]], from the [[Yamuna River]] in the west to the [[Brahmaputra River]] in the east. Above the Terai belt lies the [[Bhabhar]], a forested belt of rock, gravel, and soil eroded from the Himalayas, where the water table lies from 5 to 37 meters deep. The Terai zone lies below the Bhabhar, and is composed of alternate layers of clay and sand, with a high water table that creates many springs and [[wetland]]s. The Terai zone is inundated yearly by the [[monsoon]]-swollen rivers of the Himalaya. Below the Terai lies the great [[alluvial plain]] of the [[Yamuna]], [[Ganges]], [[Brahmaputra]], and their tributaries. | ||
| − | ==Terai-Duar savanna and grasslands== | + | ==== Terai-Duar savanna and grasslands ==== |
| − | {{Main|Dooars}} | + | |
| + | <!--{{Main|Dooars}}—> | ||
The '''Terai-Duar savanna and grasslands''' is an ecoregion that stretches across the middle of the Terai belt, from [[Uttarakhand]] state through southern [[Nepal]] to northern [[West Bengal]]. The Terai-Duar savanna and wetlands are a mosaic of tall grasslands, savannas and evergreen and deciduous forests. The grasslands are among the tallest in the world, and are maintained by silt deposited by the yearly monsoon floods. Important grasses include [[Kans grass]] ''(Saccharum spontaneum)'' and [[Baruwa grass]] ''(Saccharum benghalensis)''. The ecoregion is home to the endangered [[Indian Rhinoceros]] ''(Rhinoceros unicornis)'', as well as [[elephant]]s, [[tiger]]s, [[bear]]s, [[leopard]]s and other wild animals. Much of the ecoregion has been converted to farmland, although [[Royal Chitwan National Park]] and [[Royal Bardia National Park]] preserve significant sections of habitat, and are home to some of the greatest concentrations of rhinoceros and tiger remaining in South Asia. | The '''Terai-Duar savanna and grasslands''' is an ecoregion that stretches across the middle of the Terai belt, from [[Uttarakhand]] state through southern [[Nepal]] to northern [[West Bengal]]. The Terai-Duar savanna and wetlands are a mosaic of tall grasslands, savannas and evergreen and deciduous forests. The grasslands are among the tallest in the world, and are maintained by silt deposited by the yearly monsoon floods. Important grasses include [[Kans grass]] ''(Saccharum spontaneum)'' and [[Baruwa grass]] ''(Saccharum benghalensis)''. The ecoregion is home to the endangered [[Indian Rhinoceros]] ''(Rhinoceros unicornis)'', as well as [[elephant]]s, [[tiger]]s, [[bear]]s, [[leopard]]s and other wild animals. Much of the ecoregion has been converted to farmland, although [[Royal Chitwan National Park]] and [[Royal Bardia National Park]] preserve significant sections of habitat, and are home to some of the greatest concentrations of rhinoceros and tiger remaining in South Asia. | ||
| − | ==Terai in Nepal== | + | ==== Terai in Nepal ==== |
In Nepal the Terai is differentiated: There is an "outer" and an "inner" Terai. | In Nepal the Terai is differentiated: There is an "outer" and an "inner" Terai. | ||
| Line 64: | Line 65: | ||
Major examples in Nepal are Chitwan southwest of Kathmandu and the parallel Dang and Deukhuri valleys in western Nepal. Inner Terai valleys were agriculturally productive, but infested with malaria. The indigenous people of the Tharu had a degree of inherited resistance and populated these areas. After an eradication campaign people migrated to the Terai from the mountains and from neighbouring India. Today more than half the population and by far the most cities can be found there. | Major examples in Nepal are Chitwan southwest of Kathmandu and the parallel Dang and Deukhuri valleys in western Nepal. Inner Terai valleys were agriculturally productive, but infested with malaria. The indigenous people of the Tharu had a degree of inherited resistance and populated these areas. After an eradication campaign people migrated to the Terai from the mountains and from neighbouring India. Today more than half the population and by far the most cities can be found there. | ||
| − | {{credits|Terai|215495194}} | + | <!-- {{credits|Terai|215495194}}—> |
| − | |||
| − | —> | ||
| − | |||
== Wildlife == | == Wildlife == | ||
Revision as of 20:34, 10 June 2008
| Royal Chitwan National Park | |
|---|---|
| IUCN Category II (National Park) | |
 | |
| Location: | Nepal |
| Area: | 932 km² |
| Established: | 1973 |
Chitwan National Park (formerly called "Royal Chitwan National Park(RCNP)" )(CNP), covering an area of 932 km², is the oldest national park of Nepal. Established in 1973, it was granted the status of a World Heritage Site in 1984. The RCNP is located at subtropical inner Terai lowlands of South-Central Nepal in Chitwan district (200km away from capital Kathmandu).
Park Description
| Chitwan National Park* | |
|---|---|
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
| State Party |  Nepal
|
| Type | Natural |
| Criteria | vii, ix, x |
| Reference | 284 |
| Region** | Asia-Pacific |
| Inscription history | |
| Inscription | 1984 (8th Session) |
| * Name as inscribed on World Heritage List. ** Region as classified by UNESCO. | |
The park is rich in flora and fauna, which include one of the last populations of single-horned Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) and the Bengal tiger Panthera tigris tigris. The area used to be known as "Four Mile Forest" (चार कोसे झाडी). It was a place for big game hunting and until 1951 it was a hunting reserve. At the park there is canoeing, elephant rides, and guided jungle walks.
Adjacent to the National Park in the east is the Parsa Wildlife Reserve (49.900 ha) and further east the Bara Hunting Reserve (25.900 ha). In the south the Chitwan is contiguous with the Indian Valmiki Tiger Reserve. The vegetation consits mainly of moist deciduous forests, with the sal as dominating tree species. In the Churia Hills pine trees predominate. On the floodplains of the large Rivers, by name the Rapti, the Reu and the Narayani there are large areas covered with Elephant grass alternating with riverine Forests mainly composed of Simal, Khair and Sisau trees.
Geography
Nepal Lowland Terai
The Terai ("moist land") is a belt of marshy grasslands, savannas, and forests at the base of the Himalaya range in India, Nepal, and Bhutan, from the Yamuna River in the west to the Brahmaputra River in the east. Above the Terai belt lies the Bhabhar, a forested belt of rock, gravel, and soil eroded from the Himalayas, where the water table lies from 5 to 37 meters deep. The Terai zone lies below the Bhabhar, and is composed of alternate layers of clay and sand, with a high water table that creates many springs and wetlands. The Terai zone is inundated yearly by the monsoon-swollen rivers of the Himalaya. Below the Terai lies the great alluvial plain of the Yamuna, Ganges, Brahmaputra, and their tributaries.
Terai-Duar savanna and grasslands
The Terai-Duar savanna and grasslands is an ecoregion that stretches across the middle of the Terai belt, from Uttarakhand state through southern Nepal to northern West Bengal. The Terai-Duar savanna and wetlands are a mosaic of tall grasslands, savannas and evergreen and deciduous forests. The grasslands are among the tallest in the world, and are maintained by silt deposited by the yearly monsoon floods. Important grasses include Kans grass (Saccharum spontaneum) and Baruwa grass (Saccharum benghalensis). The ecoregion is home to the endangered Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), as well as elephants, tigers, bears, leopards and other wild animals. Much of the ecoregion has been converted to farmland, although Royal Chitwan National Park and Royal Bardia National Park preserve significant sections of habitat, and are home to some of the greatest concentrations of rhinoceros and tiger remaining in South Asia.
Terai in Nepal
In Nepal the Terai is differentiated: There is an "outer" and an "inner" Terai.
"Outer Terai" refers to the alluvial, generally forested and often marshy terrain that is transitional between the 1,000 metre Siwalak Range — the first and lowest range of Himalayan foothills — and the Gangeatic plain proper. In Nepal, it is conventionally taken to include any extent of Gangeatic Plains proper extending from this transition zone south to the Indian border.
"Inner Terai Valleys of Nepal" refers to various elongated valleys lying between the Siwalak Range and the 2-3,000 metre Mahabharat Range further north. In India these valleys are also called "Duns", e.g. "Dehra Dun". In some places these two mountain ranges lie next to one another, but in other places they are separated by valleys approximately five to ten kilometres wide and tens of kilometres long.
Major examples in Nepal are Chitwan southwest of Kathmandu and the parallel Dang and Deukhuri valleys in western Nepal. Inner Terai valleys were agriculturally productive, but infested with malaria. The indigenous people of the Tharu had a degree of inherited resistance and populated these areas. After an eradication campaign people migrated to the Terai from the mountains and from neighbouring India. Today more than half the population and by far the most cities can be found there.
Wildlife
The Chitwan National Park is home to at least 43 species of mammals, 450 species of birds, and 45 species of amphibians and reptiles. Elephants and Indian rhinos are the largest species found in the park, but a lot of other large herbivores are found in the park, gaur, sambar deer, Indian muntjac, chital, hog deer, mainland serow, chousingha and wild boar. Three large predator species, tigers, leopards, dholes prey on them and carrion eaters like striped hyenas are also found. Sloth bears are among the main attractions of the Park. Smaller carivore species are golden jackal, yellow-throated marten, ratel, smooth coated otter, small Indian civet, large Indian civet, spotted linsang, common palm civet, binturong, small Indian mongoose, Indian grey mongoose, crab-eating mongose, leopard cat, marbled cat and fishing cat. Further mammal species found in the park are rhesus monkeys, hanuman langurs, Indian pangolin, northern palm squirrel, red giant flying squirrel, particoloured flying squirrel, Indian porcupine, hispid hare, Indian hare and ganges doplhin.
Among the reptiles marsh crocoiles, gharials and Indian python are the largest.
The park's unique rhino herd was featured on The Jeff Corwin Experience in season 2, episode 11. This national park is just 10 km far from nearby city Bharatpur, Nepal and the Bharatpur Airport.
Asian One-horned Rhinoceros
Bengal Tiger
Sal Forest (photographed by Leonardo C. Fleck)
Elephant safari in Chitwan NP (photographed by Leonardo C. Fleck)
Elephant safari in Chitwan NP (photographed by Autumn Snake)
Rhinoceros unicornis in the Chitwan National park, Nepal
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Cosgriff, K. M., Neil R. Lipscombe, and Johannes J. Bauer. 1998. An assessment of the impacts of tourist activity on large mammals in Royal Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Albury, NSW: Charles Sturt University, Johnstone Centre of Parks, Recreation & Heritage. ISBN 9781875758784.
- Gurung, K. K., and Raj Singh. 1998. Field guide to the mammals of the Indian subcontinent: where to watch mammals in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. London: AP Professional. ISBN 0123093503.
- Mishra, Hemanta R., and Margaret Jeffries. 1991. Royal Chitwan National Park: wildlife heritage of Nepal. Seattle, WA, USA: The Mountaineers, in association with David Bateman. ISBN 9780898862669.
- Nepal. 2000. Royal Chitwan National Park and bufferzone: resource profile. Kathmandu: Dept. of National Park and Wildlife Conservation. OCLC 49873670.
- Nepal, Sanjay Kumar, and Karl E. Weber. 1993. Struggle for existence: park-people conflict in the Royal Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Studies in regional environmental planning, 6. Bangkok, Thailand: Division of Human Settlements Development, Asian Institute of Technology. OCLC 30689506.
- Raj, Prakash A. 1999. Royal Chitwan National Park in Nepal. [Kathmandu]: Nabeen Publications. OCLC 56597863.
- Seidensticker, J. 2002. "Tiger Tracks. In Nepal's Royal Chitwan National Park, former foes-tigers and villagers-find they can live, even prosper, together". SMITHSONIAN. 32: 62-65. OCLC 192751182.
- Sunquist, Melvin E. 1981. The social organization of tigers (Panthera tigris) in Royal Chitawan National Park, Nepal. Smithsonian contributions to zoology, no. 336. Washington: Smithsonian Institution Press. OCLC 7577089.
External links
- UNESCO World Hertiage, Royal Chitwan National Park. Retrieved June 10, 2008.
- 360° Panorama of Royal Chitwan National Park. Retrieved June 10, 2008.
- UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre - RCNP. Retrieved June 10, 2008.
- Royal Chitwan National Park Photos, October 2007. Retrieved June 10, 2008.
- Terai-Duar savanna and grasslands (World Wildlife Fund). Retrieved June 10, 2008.
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