In recent news, a herd of elephants migrated from Shuklaphanta National Park in Nepal to Pilibhit Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh, causing significant damage to local farmers’ crops. This movement highlights the fluid boundaries of a wildlife habitat and underscores the importance of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve’s conservation efforts.
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve: A Brief Overview
Located across the Pilibhit district, Lakhimpur Kheri District, and Bahraich District of Uttar Pradesh, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is a sanctuary for diverse flora and fauna. Named India’s 45th Tiger Reserve Project in 2014, the reserve plays a major role in preserving the diminishing tiger population. Its efforts were recognized on a global scale in 2020 when it received the International Award TX2 for doubling its tiger count within four years.
The Strategic Location of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
The reserve strategically lies within the Terai Arc Landscape in the upper Gangetic Plain. Its northern edge aligns with the Indo-Nepal border, while the southern boundary is outlined by the Sharada and Khakra rivers.
Corridor Linkages Enhancing Wildlife Connectivity
Pilibhit’s importance extends beyond its geographical location. It serves as a critical habitat for tigers due to its connections with various tiger habitats within and outside the state. These corridors facilitate the movement of tigers and other wild animals, intensifying genetic diversity. The key linkages include Surahi range – Corbett, Lagga-Bagga – Shuklaphanta National Park (Nepal), and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary – Dudhwa.
A Eutrophy of Flora and Fauna
Home to over 127 animal species, 326 bird species, and 2,100 flowering plants, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve boasts a wealth of biodiversity. Tigers, swamp deer, Bengal florican, and leopards are among the wild animals that have found sanctuary here. Thick high sal forests, plantations, grasslands, and several water bodies provide diverse habitats for this wildlife.
The Terai Arc Landscape: A Lifeline for Wildlife
Stretching across 810 km between the Yamuna river in the west and Bhagmati river in the east, the Terai Arc Landscape traverses the Indian states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and the low-lying hills of Nepal. Renowned Tiger Reserves and Protected Areas like Corbett Tiger Reserve, Rajaji National Park, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, and Valmiki Tiger Reserve lie within this area. Three flagship species, the Bengal tiger, the greater one horned rhino, and the Asian elephant find refuge in these forests, emphasizing their conservation importance.
Sources: TH