Flora and Fauna of Uttarakhand
Flora and Fauna of Uttarakhand
Flora and Fauna of Uttarakhand
Flora and Fauna of Uttarakhand, Uttarakhand houses a rich wealth of flora and fauna that is unparalleled in many parts of the country. The state’s varied topography, altitudes and climatic zones allow it to support a vast diversity of plant and animal species.
From the sub-tropical forests in the lower Shivalik ranges to the alpine meadows in the higher Himalayas, Uttarakhand harbors a bewildering variety of trees, flowers, herbs, shrubs, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and insects. Many of these species are endangered or endemic to the region.
The flora includes over 4700 flowering plant species, representing 25% of India’s total angiosperm flora. The fauna comprises over 500 avian species and many rare mammals like snow leopards, musk deer, Himalayan tahr and black bears.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of Uttarakhand’s rich floral and faunal wealth.
Flora
Overview
- Uttarakhand has 343 floral species spanning 107 families and 256 genera
- Represents 25% of India’s total angiosperm flora
- Great diversity across vegetation types – from sub-tropical to alpine
- Three broad vegetation zones – Sub-Tropical, Temperate and Alpine
Sub-Tropical Zone
Key Features
- Up to 1500m elevation
- Tropical deciduous forests
- Sal, Teak, Shisham, Jamun, Figs etc.
Major Trees
Shorea robusta (Sal), Tectona grandis (Teak), Dalbergia sissoo (Shisham), Syzygium cumini (Jamun), Ficus species (Figs)
Shrubs & Herbs
Murraya koenigii (Curry leaves), Calotropis procera (Madar), Solanum xanthocarpum (Bhui Ringani)
Temperate Zone
Key Features
- 1500-3000m elevation
- Coniferous & broad-leaved forests
- Oak, Rhododendron, Pine, Deodar, Fir etc.
Major Trees
Quercus leucotrichophora (Banj Oak), Pinus roxburghii (Chir Pine), Cedrus deodara (Deodar), Rhododendron arboreum (Buransh)
Shrubs & Herbs
Viburnum mullaha, Indigofera heterantha, Impatiens sulcata
Alpine & Sub-Alpine Zone
Key Features
- Above 3000m elevation
- Meadows, grasslands with scattered stunted trees
Major Trees
Betula utilis (Bhojpatra), Rhododendron campanulatum, Salix species (Willows)
Shrubs & Herbs
Polygonum affine, Potentilla fulgens, Primula denticulata
Fauna
Mammals
Carnivores
Snow Leopard, Common Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Jungle Cat, Fishing Cat, Leopard Cat
Bears
Himalayan Black Bear, Brown Bear
Ungulates
Himalayan Tahr, Bharal, Serow, Goral, Barking Deer, Musk Deer
Primates
Rhesus Macaque, Assamese Macaque
Others
Himalayan Marmot, Red Fox, Jackal, Otter, Pika, Flying Squirrel
Birds
Pheasants
Himalayan Monal, Koklass Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant, Cheer Pheasant
Partridges
Snow Partridge, Tibetan Partridge, Chukar Partridge
Raptors
Golden Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Lammergeier Vulture, Himalayan Griffon
Others
Himalayan Bulbul, Spotted Forktail, Scaly Thrush, Grandala
Reptiles
King Cobra, Indian Python, Common Krait, Himalayan Pit Viper, High Altitude Lizard
Amphibians
Himalayan Newt, Marbled Toad, Boulenger’s Lazy Toad, Günther’s Frog
Fish
Golden Mahseer, Snow Trout, Schizothoracins (Snow Carp)
Insects
Atlas Moth, Bhutan Glory Butterfly, Himalayan Beetle, Jewel Bug
Protected Areas
Uttarakhand has an extensive protected area network spanning over 13,000 sq km across 6 national parks, 7 wildlife sanctuaries and 3 conservation reserves.
Key Protected Areas
- Jim Corbett National Park
- Valley of Flowers National Park
- Nanda Devi National Park
- Govind Pashu Vihar National Park & Sanctuary
- Rajaji National Park
- Askot Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
These protected wilderness areas harbor the state’s unique floral and faunal diversity. They serve as refuges for endangered species and crucial breeding sites. Strengthening protection and management of these reserves is vital for conservation.
Threats & Challenges
Despite Uttarakhand’s extensive protected area coverage and community forest management, wildlife faces several threats:
- Habitat loss and fragmentation
- Poaching & illegal wildlife trade
- Human-wildlife conflict
- Climate change impacts
Managing these threats through strengthened protection, community stewardship and landscape-level conservation planning is crucial for the state’s ecological security.
Flora and Fauna of Uttarakhand
Flora and Fauna of Uttarakhand, Uttarakhand’s diverse forests, alpine meadows and riverine ecosystems support unmatched floral and faunal wealth. From tall coniferous trees to tiny ground orchids, and snow leopards to vibrant butterflies, the state harbors a cornucopia of life forms adapted to the Himalayas. Safeguarding these species and habitats through protected areas, community participation and integrated landscape planning is vital for ecological sustainability in Uttarakhand.
What is the floral diversity in Uttarakhand?
Uttarakhand has over 4700 flowering plant species spanning 107 families and 256 genera. This represents 25% of India’s total angiosperm flora.
What are the major vegetation zones?
There are three broad vegetation zones – Sub-Tropical, Temperate and Alpine.
Which animals are found in Uttarakhand?
Key mammals are snow leopard, common leopard, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, bharal, serow, goral, barking deer. Over 500 avian species found.
What are the main threats to wildlife?
Habitat loss, poaching, human-wildlife conflict and climate change impacts pose threats. Strengthened protection and community participation needed.
What are the key protected areas?
Jim Corbett National Park, Valley of Flowers National Park, Nanda Devi National Park, Govind Pashu Vihar National Park & Sanctuary, Rajaji National Park, Askot Wildlife Sanctuary etc.
