Betla National Park

Betla National Park is a name given to a reserved forest area in Latehar district of Jharkhand in India. This is the site for the first tiger census in the world. Betla is situated at only about 25 kms away from Daltonganj, the district headquarters of Palamu. It is one of the India's earliest tiger reserves which was started in 1974. It was first established as a sanctuary and later upgraded to its present status. Average elevation of the area is about 1000 feet. The park is spread over 250 sq. kms. Betla features luxuriant tropical forest cover and rich variety of flora and fauna. Indian Gaur (Bison), Chital, Chitalor, Leopard, Elephants, Tiger, Panther, Sloth bear and Wild Boar, Sambhar, Nilgai, Kakar, Mouse Deer are permanent residents. Langurs are present in large families. Betla also features waterfalls and natural hot springs on one hand, and historical monuments of a 16th century fort of Chero kings on the other. The Betla forest starts from Kechki and extended up to Neterhat. The forest has 970 species of identified plants, 174 species of birds, 39 species of Mammals, 180 species of Medicinal plants, besides reptiles and other species. Palamu Tiger Reserve is very rich in biodiversity and various wild life species have been included in Red data book of the I.U.C.N. (International union for Conservation of nature and neutral resources) and the appendices of C.I.T.E.S. (Convention on International trade in Endangered species of flora and fauna). There is one Nature Interpretation Center (NIC) for the purpose of interpretation and conservational education at Betla. This is an excellent creation, consists of reception, displays of models, Museum, Library and auditorium.

Nearby pages
Betony, Betrayal, Betrayer, Betrothal, Betrothed, Bettendorf