Pilibhit Tiger Reserve Information

 

Introduction

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is one of the finest and most recently declared tiger reserves in India. Located in the Pilibhit district of Uttar Pradesh, it lies in the foothills of the Himalayas and forms part of the Terai Arc Landscape, which stretches from Uttarakhand to Bihar. This area is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to a large population of tigers.

History and Establishment

The Pilibhit Tiger Reserve was officially designated in 2008 as part of India's initiative to conserve and protect its dwindling tiger population. It was created by bringing together parts of the Pilibhit Forest Division, the social forestry division, and the Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary. The reserve was officially declared a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 2014, which further bolstered its conservation efforts.

Geography and Climate

Geographical Location:

·  Latitude: 28.6410° N

·  Longitude: 79.8170° E

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve covers an area of approximately 730 square kilometers. It is bordered by the Sharda River in the north and agricultural land in the south and west. The reserve is part of the Indo-Gangetic plains and is characterized by its alluvial soil and dense forests.

Climate:

·  Summer: Temperatures can soar up to 40°C.

·  Winter: Temperatures can drop to as low as 5°C.

·  Monsoon: The region receives substantial rainfall from June to September, with an average annual rainfall of around 1500 mm.

Flora

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is rich in diverse flora, typical of the Terai region. The vegetation here is primarily a mix of Sal (Shorea robusta) forests, tall grasslands, and riverine forests. Some prominent flora includes:

1.   Sal Trees: Dominant species providing a canopy cover.

2.   Teak (Tectona grandis): Widely found throughout the reserve.

3.   Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo): Commonly found along the riverbanks.

4.   Kusum (Schleichera oleosa): A significant part of the reserve’s biodiversity.

5.   Jamun (Syzygium cumini): Fruit-bearing trees that also provide food for wildlife.

6.   Bamboo Groves: Scattered throughout, providing habitat and food for various species.

Fauna

The reserve is home to an array of wildlife species, making it a significant biodiversity hotspot.

Mammals

1.   Tigers (Panthera tigris tigris): The flagship species of the reserve.

2.   Leopards (Panthera pardus): Often sighted, these elusive big cats share the habitat with tigers.

3.   Bengal Fox (Vulpes bengalensis): A common canid found in the reserve.

4.   Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus): Occasionally sighted, especially in the denser forest areas.

5.   Indian Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes): Known to inhabit the grasslands and fringe areas.

6.   Wild Boar (Sus scrofa): A frequent sight throughout the reserve.

7.   Spotted Deer (Axis axis): The most common herbivore.

8.   Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor): Larger deer species found in the reserve.

9.   Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus): Often seen in open grasslands.

10.           Indian Elephant (Elephas maximus): Occasionally migrates into the reserve from adjacent forests.

Birds

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is also a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 350 species of birds recorded, including:

1.   Sarus Crane (Grus antigone): The world's tallest flying bird.

2.   Himalayan Griffon (Gyps himalayensis): Often seen soaring above the reserve.

3.   Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indicus): An endangered bird species.

4.   Bengal Florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis): Another rare sight in the reserve.

5.   Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis): Occasionally spotted.

6.   White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis): Common along the water bodies.

Reptiles

The reserve also supports a variety of reptiles:

1.   Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus): Found in the river systems.

2.   Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris): Commonly seen basking on riverbanks.

3.   Indian Python (Python molurus): Frequently sighted.

4.   King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah): The world’s longest venomous snake.

Conservation Efforts

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve has been a focal point of numerous conservation initiatives:

1.   Anti-Poaching Measures: Regular patrolling and anti-poaching squads are deployed to protect wildlife.

2.   Habitat Restoration: Efforts are made to restore degraded habitats and improve forest cover.

3.   Community Involvement: Local communities are involved in conservation efforts, including eco-development projects.

4.   Research and Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of tiger populations and other wildlife using camera traps and other technologies.

5.   Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation: Strategies are in place to minimize conflicts, including compensation schemes for livestock depredation.

Tourist Information

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve offers various tourism opportunities:

1.   Safari Tours: Guided jeep safaris are available for visitors to explore the wildlife and scenic beauty of the reserve.

2.   Bird Watching: With its diverse avian population, bird watching is a popular activity.

3.   Nature Trails: Several walking trails allow visitors to experience the flora and fauna up close.

4.   Visitor Centers: Information centers provide educational materials and exhibits about the reserve’s ecosystem.

Best Time to Visit:

·  Winter (November to March): Ideal for wildlife sightings and pleasant weather.

·  Summer (April to June): Good for spotting tigers near water sources, but can be very hot.

Accessibility

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is accessible by various modes of transportation:

1.   By Air: The nearest airport is in Pantnagar, approximately 100 km away.

2.   By Rail: Pilibhit Junction is the nearest railway station, well-connected to major cities.

3.   By Road: The reserve is accessible via a network of roads from nearby towns and cities.

Accommodations

A range of accommodations is available for visitors:

1.   Forest Rest Houses: Basic yet comfortable facilities managed by the forest department.

2.   Hotels and Resorts: Several options are available in Pilibhit town and nearby areas.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite its rich biodiversity, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve faces several challenges:

1.   Poaching: Illegal hunting of wildlife remains a significant threat.

2.   Human-Wildlife Conflict: Encroachments and conflicts with local communities over land and resources.

3.   Habitat Fragmentation: Increasing agricultural activities and infrastructure development leading to habitat loss.

Future Prospects:

·  Strengthening Conservation: Enhanced anti-poaching measures and community involvement.

·  Eco-Tourism: Promoting sustainable tourism to generate revenue and awareness.

·  Research Initiatives: Encouraging scientific research for better management and conservation strategies.

Conclusion

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is a crucial sanctuary for India's wildlife, particularly for its tiger population. With its rich biodiversity, varied landscapes, and ongoing conservation efforts, it represents a beacon of hope for wildlife conservation in the region. Through continued efforts and sustainable practices, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve has the potential to thrive as a haven for both wildlife and nature enthusiasts.

 

 

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