In India, Jim Corbett National Park is famous. It became the country’s first national park. It is also the oldest national park in Asia, which gives it great value. On 8 August, it completed 89 years since it was made. Over these many years, it has become a very important place for protecting animals, studying nature, and eco-tourism. Many people from India and from other countries come here to see the park and its animals. The park is not just for visitors, but also helps in teaching people about saving nature.
History Of The Park
The history of this park started in the year 1936. In that year, while India was under British rule, this park was created and named Hailey National Park. The main reason for making this park was to save the plants & animals of the Himalayan foothills. After India became independent in 1947, Hailey National Park was renamed as Jim Corbett National Park in 1957. This was done to give respect to Jim Corbett, who was first a hunter but later became a person who worked hard to save animals. He helped a lot in protecting tigers and other wildlife in this area. Even today, his work and ideas inspire many people to do more for animal protection.
Size Changes Over The Years
When Jim Corbett National Park was started in 1936, it covered an area of 324 square kilometres. Over time, people started to realize that animals needed a larger area to live in peace. So, in 1966, the size of the park was increased to 520 square kilometres. This made the park a better and safer place for many animals. After some years, the park area became even bigger. Currently, Jim Corbett Park has an area of 1,288.31 square kilometres. This large area also includes the Sona River Wildlife Sanctuary. Because the park is now much bigger, it can give a safe home to more types of animals and birds. It also gives a safe space for animals that move from one place to another during different seasons.
Role In Tiger Conservation
Jim Corbett National Park is very important for saving tigers. It is known all over the world because it was the place where Project Tiger started in 1973. Project Tiger was a big plan made by the Government of India to stop the number of tigers from going down. This plan became very successful and is now an example for other countries that want to save large animals like tigers. Today, the park has around 260 tigers, which is a high number among many tiger reserves in the world. Because of this, Jim Corbett Park is a very important place for tiger breeding and for learning how to keep tigers safe. Many other parks and countries learn from the way this national park takes care of its tigers.
Wildlife In The Park
Even though tigers are the most famous animals in this national park, there are many other kinds of wildlife here. There are big Asian elephants walking freely in the forest. Leopards also live here, but they are not easy to see. In the rivers and water areas of the park, there are mugger crocodiles and gharials. People who like birds can see many different kinds of birds here, including crested serpent eagles & great hornbills. The park has many different types of plants. There are dense sal forests, areas near rivers, and open grasslands. These different habitats give homes to many types of plants and animals, making the park a very rich and important place for nature.
Tourism & Local Economy
Tourism is very important for the people who live near Jim Corbett National Park. Visitors come here for activities like guided gypsy safaris, staying in homestays, walking in nature areas, and buying local handicrafts. These activities help give jobs to many people in nearby villages and towns. Because of tourism, many local families can earn money and improve their lives. The park uses an eco-tourism model, which means tourism is done in a way that protects nature. This also helps local people feel that protecting the park and its animals is important for their own future. Many visitors also make online Jim Corbett booking for safari before coming to the park, as safaris are the best way to see the animals.
Plans Announced On 89th Anniversary
On the 89th anniversary of Jim Corbett Park, the Park’s administration shared some important visions for the future.
- One main goal is to reduce the problems that happen when wild animals and humans come too close to each other. This will be done by making better rules and raising more awareness among local people.
- Another goal is to involve local communities more in activities that help protect wildlife. The park also wants to make tourism more sustainable, which means tourism should not harm nature or disturb animals.
- To help protect animals better, the park will start using new technology like drones to watch over the forest and stop illegal hunting.
- There are also plans to make research and animal rescue centres stronger so that scientists can study wildlife better and help sick or injured animals faster.
Extra Information For Visitors
If you are planning to visit Jim Corbett National Park, it is important to know that there are certain rules to follow.
- You cannot play loud music inside the park because it can disturb animals.
- No plastic or garbage should be in the park.
- It is also important to stay inside the gypsy or the canter during the safari.
- If you want to see tigers or other animals, the best way is to make a Jim Corbett booking for a safari in advance.
- Safaris are usually done in the early morning or in the late afternoon, as this is the time when animals are more active.
- There are different safari zones inside the park, and each zone has different types of animals & scenery.
How The Park Helps Nature And People
Jim Corbett National Park keeps the balance of nature by protecting forests and rivers. These forests clean the air, and the rivers give water to many villages. By protecting animals like tigers and elephants, the park also keeps the food chain healthy. The park brings visitors from all over the world, which means more money for the local economy. People get jobs as guides, drivers, hotel staff, and in restaurants. Local artisans sell handicrafts, and farmers sell local food items to tourists. Nature and people both gain from the park.
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