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Which large mammals live in Uttarakhand's forests?
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Uttarakhand
Bathing ghats on the Bhagirathi River at Gangotri, Uttarakhand, India.
Uttarakhand is home to a diverse array of large mammals that inhabit its various forest ecosystems, ranging from the foothills of the Himalayas to higher mountain elevations.12
Prominent large mammals found in the state include:
- Predators: Tigers (specifically the Bengal tiger), leopards, and sloth bears.12
- Herbivores: Elephants, wild boars, nilgai, and various deer species such as chital (spotted deer), barking deer, and sambar.12
- Mountain Species: In the higher reaches of the mountains, one can find musk deer and Asiatic black bears.23
While these species thrive in protected areas like Corbett National Park, it is important to note that some large mammals, such as lions and rhinoceroses, were once present in the region but are now extinct there. Conservation efforts, including the establishment of national parks and sanctuaries, remain vital to protecting the state's remaining wildlife populations.12