Context:
In a first, a tiger was spotted in the Shaukiyathal forest near Jageshwar Dham, Almora, at an elevation of over 6,000 feet in the Terai region of Uttarakhand.
Relevance:
GS I: Geography
Overview of Terai:
Geographical Location: Terai, also known as Tarai, is a lowland belt situated along the Nepal-India border, running parallel to the lower Himalayan ranges.
Geographical Extent:
- It stretches from the Yamuna River in the west to the Brahmaputra River in the east.
- Extends over states in India: Haryana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.
- Spans nearly 800 km from east to west and 30-40 km from north to south.
Elevation and Terrain:
- Ranges from about 300 meters above sea level to approximately 1,000 meters at the foot of the Siwalik Range.
- Average elevation is below 750 meters.
- The flatland is formed by Gangetic alluvium, including silt, clay, sand, pebbles, and gravel.
Hydrological Features:
- Numerous springs at the northern edge, giving rise to several streams, including the significant Ghaghara River.
- The presence of these water features contributes to the marshy character of the Terai.
Protected Areas and Biodiversity:
- Home to well-known tiger reserves and protected areas, including Corbett Tiger Reserve, Rajaji National Park, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, and Valmiki Tiger Reserve.
- In total, the landscape boasts 13 protected areas, nine in India and four in Nepal.
Bhabar Region:
- Interspersed with Terai is the Bhabar region, characterized by coarse gravel and shingle deposits that support sal (Shorea robusta) forests.
-Source: Indian Express
