Rajaji National Park is a wildlife haven in Uttarakhand India. It has diverse habitats. They range from the Shivalik foothills to the Gangetic plains. This variety supports many animals. It is a thrilling destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Today we know about the Animals found in Rajaji National Park takes you on a breathtaking journey through one of India’s most diverse wildernesses. The park is a sanctuary filled with familiar and extraordinary creatures. Here’s a glimpse into the fascinating fauna you might encounter:
Mammals in Rajaji National Park:
Predators:
The park is famed for its Bengal tigers and Indian leopards, though sightings are rare due to their elusive nature. Other carnivores include jungle cats, leopard cats, sloth bears, Himalayan black bears, civets, yellow-throated martens, jackals, and foxes.
- Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris)
- Indian leopard (Panthera pardus)
- Jungle cat (Felis chaus)
- Leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis)
- Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus)
- Himalayan black bear (Ursus thibetanus)
- Civet (Viverra zibethica)
- Yellow-throated marten (Martes flavigula)
- Jackal (Canis aureus)
- Bengal fox (Vulpes bengalensis)
Herbivores:
The most common sight is the graceful spotted deer (chital), while sambar deer, barking deer, nilgai, wild pigs, and ghorals also inhabit the park. You might even catch a glimpse of the majestic Asian elephant, one of the largest populations in India.
- Spotted deer (Axis axis)
- Sambar deer (Rusa unicolor)
- Barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak)
- Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus)
- Wild boar (Sus scrofa)
- Goral (Nemorhaedus griseus)
- Asian elephant (Elephas maximus)
- Musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster) (listed as Critically Endangered by IUCN)
Birds in Rajaji National Park:
Rajaji National Park boasts a staggering diversity of birds, with over 400 species documented within its borders. Many nature lovers come to Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh only to observe birds. Rajaji is spread across three districts, including Dehradun, Haridwar, and Pauri Garhwal. All these are famous for different bird species and their haven in it. This rich avian tapestry includes everything from majestic eagles like the Greater Spotted Eagle and colorful hornbills to playful songbirds and flitting flycatchers. Winter brings migratory birds, adding further diversity to the avifauna. Diverse landscapes like sal forests, riverine areas, and grasslands provide ideal homes for a multitude of feathered friends. Whether you join a guided safari or explore independently, the park’s accessibility makes spotting-winged wonders a breeze.
- Peacock (Pavo cristatus)
- Common Redshank (Pomatorhinus erythrogenys)
- Common babbler (Turdoides caudatus)
- Golden-spectacled warbler (Seicercus ruficapillus)
- Chestnut-tailed starling (Sturnia malabarica)
- Brown hawk-owl (Ninox scutulata)
- Drongo Cuckoo (Surniculus lugubris)
- Indian parakeet (Psittacula roseata)
- Great hornbill (Buceros bicornis)
- Red junglefowl (Gallus gallus)
- Lineated Barbet (Megalama lineata)
- Crested kingfisher (Megaceryle lugubris)
- Black-hooded oriole (Oriolus xanthornus)
- Khaleej pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos)
- Woodpeckers
- Small Pratincole
- Barred Buttonquail
- Herons and Allies
- Sirkeer Malkoha
Reptiles and Amphibians in Rajaji National Park:
Beyond the majestic tigers and soaring birds, Rajaji National Park harbors a fascinating world of slithering scales and glistening amphibians. The varied habitats – from dry deciduous forests to gushing rivers – provide a haven for over 50 species of reptiles and amphibians, playing vital roles in the park’s delicate ecosystem. Keep your eyes peeled for reptiles like monitor lizards, pythons, and the king cobra, the longest venomous snake in the world. Frogs and toads add to the amphibian diversity.
Snakes:
- Burmese Python (Python bivittatus)
- King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah)
- Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus)
- Rat Snake (Ptyas mucosus)
- Buff-striped Keelback (Amphiesma stolata)
- Common Cat Snake (Boiga trigonata)
- Trinket Snake (Coelognathus helena)
- Bronze Back (Dendrelaphis pictus)
- Spotted Wolf Snake (Lycodon aulicus)
- Black-headed Snake (Sibynophis sagittarius)
- Cantor’s Black-headed Snake (Sibynophis collaris)
- Sand Boa (Eryx johnii)
Lizards:
- Oriental Garden Lizard (Calotes versicolor)
- Fan-throated Lizard (Sitana ponticeriana)
- Striped Grass-skink (Eutropis dissimilis)
- Spotted Supple Skink (Lygosoma punctata)
- Bengal Monitor (Varanus bengalensis)
- Yellow-bellied Prinia
- Indian Fringe-toed Lizard (Acanthodactylus cantoris)
- Brook’s House Gecko (Hemidactylus brookii)
- Northen House Gecko (Hemidactylus flaviviridis)
Turtles and Tortoises:
- Gangetic Softshell Turtle (Aspideretes gangeticus)
- Indian Roofed Turtle (Batagur baska)
- Indian Brown Tortoise (Manouria emys)
Amphibians:
- Indian Bullfrog (Rana tigrina)
- Asian Parachute Frog (Rhacophorus arboreus)
- Jaunsar Casade Frog (Rana sauteri)
- Dudhwa Reed Frog (Rana temporalis)
- Marbled Toad (Bufo stomaticus)
- Common Indian Toad (Bufo melanoticus)
Some other animals in Rajaji National Park:
Don’t forget to look up for monkeys like rhesus macaques and Hanuman langurs, swinging through the trees. You might also spot Indian Crested Porcupines or hear the distinctive croaking of bullfrogs.
- Rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta)
- Hanuman langur (Semnopithecus entellus)
- Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica)
Conclusion
Remember, wildlife sightings depend on various factors like time of day, season, and habitat. However, Rajaji National Park offers a chance to glimpse the incredible biodiversity of India and create unforgettable memories.
So, next time you explore Rajaji, listen for the croaks, look for the slithers, and be amazed by the hidden wonders that share this wilderness with us. The world of reptiles and amphibians awaits your discovery!
FAQs related to Animals Found In Rajaji National Park
1. What are the must-see mammals in Rajaji?
Tigers, elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and spotted deer are just a few stars, but keep an eye out for langurs, wild boars, and even jackals!
2. What interesting birds can I see? and what’s the best time for birdwatching?
Rajaji is a haven for over 400 avian species, from majestic birds of prey like the Greater Coucal and crested hawk-eagle to vibrant songbirds like the oriental pied hornbill. Don’t miss the iconic Indian peacocks showcasing their dazzling plumage during mating season. Winter is the best time for birdwatching as migratory birds join resident species, creating a vibrant avian spectacle.
3. What is the chance of spotting a tiger?
While sightings are never guaranteed, Rajaji National Park boasts a healthy tiger population thanks to dedicated conservation efforts. Your odds increase during early mornings and evenings, especially near water sources. Keep your eyes peeled for pugmarks and listen for territorial roars!
4 . Are there elephants in Rajaji?
Absolutely! Rajaji is home to over 500 Asian elephants, making it one of the best places in India to observe these gentle giants. Witness their family herds roaming the grasslands, trumpeting greetings, and playfully splashing in watering holes.
5. Tips for responsible wildlife viewing?
Maintain distance, avoid disturbing habitats, and use binoculars instead of flashes. Respecting wildlife ensures their continued existence in this incredible park.