Dudhwa National Park
Dudhwa National Park, located in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, India, is renowned for its Bengal Tigers and Indian Rhinoceroses. It is one of the most significant wildlife reserves in India, preserving the rich biodiversity of the Indo-Nepal border region. The park, part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, is home to many rare and endangered species.
Apart from tigers and rhinos, Dudhwa also houses swamp deer (barasingha), leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and over 400 species of birds. However, it is particularly famous for the reintroduction of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, making it one of the few places in India where this majestic creature can be spotted.
Below is a table comparing the iconic animals found in Dudhwa National Park with other well-known national parks in India:
| National Park | Famous Animal(s) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Dudhwa National Park | Bengal Tiger, Indian Rhinoceros | Uttar Pradesh |
| Kaziranga National Park | Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros | Assam |
| Sundarbans National Park | Royal Bengal Tiger | West Bengal |
| Ranthambore National Park | Bengal Tiger | Rajasthan |
| Gir National Park | Asiatic Lion | Gujarat |
| Jim Corbett National Park | Bengal Tiger | Uttarakhand |
| Kanha National Park | Barasingha (Swamp Deer) | Madhya Pradesh |
| Periyar National Park | Indian Elephant, Bengal Tiger | Kerala |
Dudhwa National Park is populated with Barasingha. One can find great number of barasinghas in this park. They are smaller than sambar deer and have 12 antlers. It is only in this park in the state of UP that one will find tigers and rhinos together. Now Dudhwa is known for one-horned Rhino population also. Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is one of Asia’s largest tiger reserves. Also known as the stronghold of the bengal tigers, one can spot swamp deers in plenty here.
Animals such as tiger, leopard ,jungle cat sloth bear are found here. Also elephants , nilgai ,wild pigs ,Deer and Sambar can be seen moving in herds in this region. The Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is the only place in the country to hold a potentially viable population of the nominate sub-species of the northern swamp deer. Of the seven species of deer found in the country, five species are found in the Reserve alone. Some critically endangered species such as the Bengal Florican (Hubaropsis bengalensis) and Hispid Hare (Caprolagus hispidus) have been found here.
More than 1000 variety of bird species are found here and hence it has become a popular place for bird watchers during winter season. Also the water bodies surrounding the reserve attracts migratory birds which becomes a beautiful sight to watch.
Dudhwa National Park Location
Dudhwa National Park is located in Terai region of Uttar Pradesh near the India and Nepal border ,with an area of 614 sq km. It was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1965 and in 1977, a National park. Between 1987-88 it became part of a project tiger and was declared a tiger reserve.
Dudhwa National Park is a protected area ,spread in the districts of Lakhimpur Kheri and Bahraich. It has vast expanse of dense forests ,rivers ,marshes ,wetlands etc. It has some of the finest sal forests in the country.
It was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1965 and in 1977, a National park. Between 1987-88 it became part of a project tiger and was declared a tiger reserve. Dudhwa National Park is a protected area ,spread in the districts of Lakhimpur Kheri and Bahraich. It has vast expanse of dense forests ,rivers ,marshes ,wetlands etc. .
The Dudhwa Tiger Reserve of Uttar Pradesh includes the Dudhwa National Park, and two nearby Sanctuaries, i.e Kishanpur and Katerniaghat, besides forest areas of North Kheri, South Kheri and Shahjahanpur forest divisions in its buffer.
Because the park comes under the terai ecosystems in India, it is full of natural beauty and rich vibrant colours which help the region to flourish. The area is covered with marshy grasslands. It is listed among the globally important 200 eco-regions for its unique large mammal assemblage.
The Dudhwa forest region is part of the tarai region which is mainly characterized by fine alluvium and clay rich swamps dominated by a mosaic of tall grassland and Sal forest.
What is Tarai Region?
(Tarai Region) The tarai region lies to the northern part of India and the southern part of nepal.It lies to the south of foothills of Himalayas, Sivalik hills and north of the indo- gangetic plain.This lowland belt is characterised by tall grasslands, scrub savannah, sal forests and clay rich swamps.
Dudhwa National Park Rivers
Dudhwa National Park flows through 2 rivers Mohana in the north and Suheli in the south all of which are tributaries of the mighty Ghagra River. These water streams also provide water sources to the park.
What is a wildlife sanctuary?
A wildlife sanctuary is a protected area which is governed by the state. Any activity like capturing, killing and poaching of animals is strictly prohibited in these regions.
Conclusion
Dudhwa National Park stands out due to its population of Bengal Tigers and its efforts in conserving the Indian Rhinoceros. It serves as a crucial habitat for many endangered species, playing a vital role in India’s wildlife conservation efforts.