Category: wildlife

Flora and Fauna of Himachal Pradesh

Flora and Fauna of Himachal Pradesh: A Guide to the State’s Biodiversity

Himachal Pradesh is known for its lush green forests and diverse wildlife. The state boasts of 68% forest cover, ranging from the sub-tropical to the alpine vegetation, making it a haven for flora and fauna. In this guide, we will take you through the different vegetation and wildlife found in the state.

Vegetation in Himachal Pradesh

The state’s forests are dominated by sal, sisham, chir pine, dry deciduous, and moist broad-leafed forests in the southern region. As you move towards the temperate region, you will find oaks, deodar, blue pine, fir, and spruce. In the uppermost regions, alders, birches, rhododendrons, and moist alpine scrubs can be found. The rhododendron, in particular, plays a crucial role in the ecological chain by attracting insects and birds.

Apart from forests, the state is also known for its fruit orchards and meadows. After the winter snow melts, the hillsides and orchards bloom with wildflowers such as gladiolas, carnations, marigolds, roses, chrysanthemums, tulips, and lilies. The state government is working towards making Himachal Pradesh the flower basket of the world.

Wildlife in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is home to a wide variety of animals, ranging from leopards, snow leopards, ghoral (goat-like stout animal), musk deer (the state animal), to monal (the state bird), among others. The state has 11 major national parks and sanctuaries, the highest number in the Himalayan region. The Great Himalayan National Park in Kullu and the Pin Valley National Park are the most popular national parks in the state, aimed at conserving the flora and fauna of the main Himalayan range and cold desert, respectively.

Conclusion

Himachal Pradesh is a treasure trove of biodiversity, with its vast forests, orchards, meadows, and wildlife. The state’s efforts towards conservation have helped maintain this rich biodiversity. So, if you’re a nature lover, don’t miss a chance to explore the flora and fauna of Himachal Pradesh.

Wildlife Sanctuaries and parks in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh has a varied topography, climate and forest cover and is endowed with a vast variety of flora and fauna. The rugged terrain and clearly distinct agro-climatic/ physio-graphic zones in the State harbour area specific animals and plants so you can plan your trip accordingly.

The forests of Himachal Pradesh constitute two-thirds of the state’s geographic area and are crucial to the region’s environmental and economic well-being, a storehouse of rich bio-diversity, vital in preserving the fragile Himalayan eco-system, and a primary livelihood source for its rural population.

From times immemorial, this tract is known for its wilderness, landscapes, beautiful forests and wildlife. In Himachal Pradesh, out of the total geographical area of 55,670 sqkm, the forest area as per legal classification is 37,691 sqkm. At present there are 32 Sanctuaries, 2 National Parks and 3 Games Reserves.

Whereas, Snow Leopard, Ibex and Snow Cock have made cold deserts their home, the cold temperate regions of the state form natural habitat of Musk Deer, Himalayan Tahr, Brown Bear, Monal and Western Tragopan. The lower reaches of the state abound with Sambhar Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Ghoral and Leopard amongst mammals and pheasants including Cheer and White Crested Kaleej. The state has an inventory of more than 3,500 higher plants, many of which are endemic to the region and many form the basis of local health traditions.

With a view to conserve the total range of wildlife available in the state, the Government of Himachal Pradesh has declared 32 areas, covering all the agro-climatic zones in the state and having significant ecological, geomorphologic and biodiversity value, as Wildlife Sanctuaries.

These Wildlife Sanctuaries provide a very good opportunity to the visitor to enjoy and experience the wilderness of the state.

Renuka Sanctuary: Sirmour

This is a small sanctuary connected by motor able road. Renuka lake and the temples attract a large number of people from hills and plains. Forests and the catchments of the lake add to its beauty and attraction. Lion Safari and open Nature Parks with freely moving animals like Chittal, Sambhar, Kakkar, etc. are a big attraction. Tourist Bungalow and Cafeteria provide the comforts needed in a calm and quite place. Visitors come all round the year and enjoy the nature.

Simbalbara Sanctuary: Sirmour

This sanctuary is located in Paonta Valley of Sirmour District. This area bears beautiful dense Sal forests with grassy glades. This is probably the most picturesque area of Shiwaliks. There is a perennial stream in the area. Simbalbara Forest Rest House is connected by a fair weather road from Puruwala and provides a beautiful view of the valley. Goral, Sambhar and Chittal can be easily seen here. There are walking trails in the quiet adjoining forests. Winter is the best season to visit this sanctuary but you required woolen cloths also like shawls, sweater, cardigans etc..

Majathal Sanctuary: Solan

This sanctuary has a very steep and rugged terrain away from habitation. This can be visited by travelling about 10 kms. on a kacha road Kararaghat (Shimla-Bilaspur- Highway) to Kashlog and then walking on foot from Kashlog. This sanctuary has the highest concentration of Goral which can be seen in its natural habitat. This sanctuary is reported to have the maximum population of endangered Cheer pheasant. One has to stay in tents in the forest, Best season to visit is the winters but you required woolen cloths also like shawls, sweater, cardigans etc.