Wildlife in Corbett

Most people know Jim Corbett from his writings as a famous hunter who became the nemesis of many notorious man-eaters. The lucid accounts of his exploits that he has given in his books generate as much excitement in people’s mind as they did when they were written. But besides being an articulate writer and accomplished hunter, Jim was a naturalist and conservationist, and a humble man.
A true son-of-the-soil, Jim was born in Nainital on 25th July, 1875. He grew up in Kaladhungi and Nainital, spending much of his childhood exploring the wilderness that lay around. It was here that he developed a deep knowledge of the way of the jungle.
At an early age Jim was faced with the responsibility of supporting his family of six members so he took up a job with the Railways. This was followed by a stint in the Army in World War-I. Afterwards, Jim, a confirmed bachelor, lived in Kaladhungi and Nainital with his sister, Maggie. This was the period when he was summoned many-a-time by villagers and the government to get rid of man-eating tigers or leopards.
But more than a hunter Jim was a wonderful naturalist. He had an excellent observation, was fleet-footed, and had great stamina. While moving in the forests he put all his senses – sight, hearing, smelling and unparalleled knowledge of the tract – to intelligent use. This way he could read the signs of the forests and predict movement of wildlife.
Jim was also a pioneer conservationist and was responsible for demarcating the area for the present-day Corbett National Park. He remained an active member of many wildlife preservation organisations and helped popularise natural history through his writing.
Not many people know that Jim was also an avid photographer and film-maker. He was one of the first persons to capture Indian wildlife on motion film and during his career obtained some rare and interesting footage.
Unlike most other Britishers living in India, Jim blended well with the local populace. He ate their food, spoke their language, lived with them, and was sensitive to their culture and religious beliefs.
However, soon after Independence he distributed his land and property to his associates and migrated to Kenya, where he spent the rest of his life.
Jim’s house at Kaladhungi, 28 km from Corbett National Park on the motorway to Nainital, is now a museum that attracts many of his admirers from far and wide. This museum is managed under the Uttaranchal Forest Department by Corbett Tiger Reserve.
Even in these times Jim Corbett continues to create a fascination for Nature and all things wild. Jim’s legacy lives on through his books, articles, films, and in the National Park named in his honour.

A BLEND OF NATURE AND CULTURE

Corbett isn’t just about Nature. It is also a rich treasure of history and cultural heritage. The park has a long tradition of conservation. The fact that it is the oldest National Park of the Asia and India’s first Tiger Reserve itself symbolizes that Corbett is a pioneer in efforts at preserving our natural heritage.
The great naturalist-writer Jim Corbett needs little introduction. His writings have fascinated generations of wildlife enthusiasts and he still commands no less appeal nowadays. The areas in and around the present day Corbett National Park were the stage for his exciting adventures in wilderness. Most of his man-eater hunting expeditions also took place in the same areas. Jim Corbett lived in Kaladhungi, where his house has been made into a Museum dedicated to his life and times.
Besides being located at a biogeographic confluence, Corbett National Park is situated at the junction of two distinct hill regions of Uttaranchal – Garhwal and Kumaon. Hence, the Park represents a synthesis of cultures of both these mountain areas.

HABITAT MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION


The greatest enemy of the forest is fire. During summers the danger of fire is greatest, when the forest floor is covered with dry leaves that readily catch fire and burn at the slightest spark. Once a summer fire starts it may quickly develop into an uncontrollable inferno, burning down forests and killing wildlife. Over the entire summer the forest staff are on their toes and as soon as a fire is detected, the crew immediately launches fire-fighting operations to minimise its impact. Clearings, called fire-lines, are maintained in the forests to serve as barriers to spreading fire.
A better way of preventing fires is to burn leaf litter artificially in winters before the dry season starts. This also promotes growth of fresh grass vital for deer and other grazing animals.
Exotic weeds cause much damage to the natural ecosystem of the park. In many areas weeds such as Lantana and Parthenium have invaded and wiped out native plants that are valuable herbivore food. Hence the forest staff also carries out weed eradication measures and clearings are replanted with indigenous grasses to restore the habitat.
The Corbett staff officials have to maintain constant vigil to prevent poaching and illicit cutting of trees over Corbett’s immense spread. Intensive patrolling is done throughout the Tiger Reserve and the Ramganga reservoir, using jeeps and motorboats.