Although wildlife is to be found all over the state to conserve its many species and to permit visitors to view them in their natural habitat, there are specially marked areas, national parks and sanctuaries.
Rajaji National Park: Instituted in 1966, situated on the fringe of Doon Valley, extending over an area of 820 square kilometers, the fauna here comprises :
- elephant
- tiger
- panther
- bear
- chital
- sambar
- wild boar
- Kakar
- python
- monitor lizard
covering 820.42 square kilometers, Rajaji is a marvelous ecosystem amidst the Shivalik ranges and the Indo-Gangetic plains. It contains about 23 species of mammals and 315 fauna species.
Nanda Devi Sanctuary: Nanda Devi Sanctuary is located in Chamoli district and extends over 324 square kilometers.. The current sanctuary came into emergence in 1939. The place is quite inaccessible. You may trek from Joshimath, 15 km by road up to Lata and then 51 km trekking up to sanctuary. Fauna includes :
- Snow Leopards
- Himalayan Bear
- Musk Deer
- Pheasant
Corbett Park: Corbelt Park is India's first and best national park extending over 520 square kilometers along the banks of Ramganga river at the foot hills of the Himalayas. It was so named after Late Jim Corbett, famous hunter, naturalist, writer and photographer who contributed much in setting up the park and fixing its limits. The height of the park ranges between 400 and 1200 meters..The animals included among its fauna are :
- leopard
- jungle cat
- fishing cat
- Himalayan black bear
- deer
- crested serpent
- li>osprey
- Blackwinged kite
- shikra
- spotted eagle
- babblers
Uttarakhand boasts a vast array of fauna, best exemplified in its sanctuaries and national parks.
