Jim Corbett National Park: Overview

Short History / Introduction:
Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, Jim Corbett National Park is India’s first national park and a pioneer of the country’s wildlife conservation efforts. It was later renamed in honor of Jim Corbett, the famed hunter-turned-conservationist who played a crucial role in its creation.

Location, Size & Wildlife:
Located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, the park spans over 520 square kilometers, encompassing hills, river belts, marshy depressions, grasslands, and a large lake. Corbett is renowned for its population of Bengal tigers, and also shelters elephants, leopards, deer, wild boars, and more than 600 species of birds.

Conservation Significance:
Corbett holds a special place in India’s conservation history as the launch site of Project Tiger in 1973, a major initiative to protect the endangered Bengal tiger. It remains a vital habitat for wildlife and plays a crucial role in promoting eco-tourism, biodiversity conservation, and environmental awareness.