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 Chitwan National Park encompasses a most unique
ecosystem in the world, containing the Churia hill range, Ox-bow
lakes, slow and meandering river system, and flood plains of the
Rapti, reu and Narayani rivers at a mere 70 m above sea level.
Dominated by species of Sal forests, the park is carpeted by 50
types of Sabai and ‘elephant grasses’ (Sacchrum). The latter
grows to more than eight meters in heights. Besides grasslands,
there are also riverine forests.
The 43 odd species of resident animals include among others, the
one-horned rhinoceros, elusive Royal Bengal Tigers and Leopards,
Gharial Crocodile, wild and ferocious Gaur Borines, Elephants,
four-horned antelope, stripped Hyena, Pangolin, gangetic
dolphin, monitor lizard, python, cobra, green pit viper and
tortoises. Other animals include the sambar, chital, hog deer,
sloth bear, and plam civet, and langur and rhesus macaque
monkeys.
The sanctuary is also renowned for an impeccable 450 species of
birds, both resident and migratory, and many of them rare. Among
the endangered birds are the Bengal florican, lesser florican,
giant hornbill, and black and white storks. The common birds
include pheasant, peafowl, red jungle fowl, various egrets,
herons, kingfishers, flycatchers and woodpeckers.
Climate (Chitwan National Park): The climate is subtropical with
a summer monsoon from mid June to late September and a
relatively dry winter between Decembers to February. The mean
temperature in summer is 33 degree Celsius and 17 degree Celsius
in winter. Humidity is high year round. |
