The Corbett Tiger Reserve has been described as the ‘land
of roar, trumpet and song’ for almost as long as books
have been written about this stunning wildlife haven. While
similar parcels of grassland and riverine forest fell to
agriculture and industry in the past century, the Corbett
National Park managed to survive, thanks to perceptive individuals
such as naturalist-photographer F.W. Champion and hunter-conservationist
Jim Corbett, after whom the park was named. After India
gained her Independence, another series of stalwarts took
charge.
Spread over two districts – Garhwal and Kumaon,
Corbett has been described as the ‘finest jewel in
the crown of Uttarakhand’, a hill state replete with
culture, religion, myth and legend, almost all inspired
by the mighty Himalaya.
With its diverse habitats and three distinct seasons –
summer, monsoon and winter, this tropical forest is literally
bursting with life. Tigers, elephants, as many as 557 species
of birds, plus a pulsating panoply of aquatic life forms
including gharials, muggers and mahseer fish make Corbett
one of India’s most popular wildlife destinations.
The
Corbett Inheritance is a tribute to this
wildlife refuge and to the proud people of Uttarakhand in
whose hands the future of this natural haven rests.
This book seeks to:
Sow Seeds of Appreciation for our Biodiversity
Some of the world’s foremost experts, photographers
and writers have helped weave this tribute to the Corbett
Tiger Reserve, India’s first national park and tiger
reserve and the prime breeding habitat of the critically-endangered
royal Bengal tiger.
Underscore the Significance of The Corbett Inheritance
Sprawled between the Ganges and Gola river near Haldwani,
this 1,318.54 sq. km. terai-bhabar landscape is an important
flyway for migratory birds. About 50 species of mammals,
557 species of birds and over 1,000 species of plants are
found here. The endangered golden mahseer thrive in the
meandering Kosi and Ramganga rivers. The expansive sal forests
and the rich Shivalik hills encourage the survival of a
diversity of species that are still being fully tabulated.
Apart from tigers and leopards, the park is home to the
Asian elephant, chital, barking deer, sambar, hog deer,
goral, serow, yellow-throated marten, jackal and wild pig.
Reptiles, including the endangered gharial, marsh crocodile
and king cobra live here. Amphibians, crustaceans and insects
embellish this inheritance, which we hold in trust for our
children.
Remind us to Honour and Respect Protectors, Past and
Present
Despite centuries of destruction, the Corbett ecosystem
is still alive and vibrant. A generation of far-sighted
people helped to protect this inheritance. It is their blood,
sweat and tears that turned this ‘land of roar, trumpet
and song’ into a stronghold for the threatened tiger
and its associated life forms. They deserve our gratitude,
respect and support.
Emphasise the Importance of Securing Our Natural Capital
The true assets of India comprise living forests, mountains,
rivers and soils. All our culture, learning and commerce
rest on this foundation. Economic growth cannot be sustained
in the long run unless ecological harmony is its cornerstone.
Provide A Rationale for Wildlife Protection as Development
The Corbett Tiger Reserve is a testament to the umbilical
connection between forests and rivers. The natural diversity
and fecundity of crucial wildlife areas such as Corbett
are vital to the food and economic security of India, especially
so in an age of climate change.
The Editors
