Wildlife Sanctuaries and parks
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.
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.
