Dudhwa National Park, Location, Flora, Fauna, Vegetation & History

Dudhwa National Park is one of the most ecologically rich protected areas located in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, along the Indo-Nepal border. It is part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, which includes Kishanpur and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuaries. Known for its dense sal forests, swampy grasslands, and high biodiversity, the park plays a major role in protecting several endangered species. The part is not just significant from a conservation perspective but also serves as a vital case study for grassland ecology, tiger conservation, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation.

Dudhwa National Park

Dudhwa National Park was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1958, which was declared a national park later in 1977 and became part of Project Tiger, 1988. The park covers an area of 490 sq. km, while the entire Dudhwa Tiger Reserve spans over 1,284 sq. km. It lies in the Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh and is named after the nearby town of Dudhwa.

Dudhwa National Park is known for the efforts of ‘Billy’ Arjan Singh, a renowned conservationist who played an important role in the park’s development and the reintroduction of species like barasingha (swamp deer) and tigers. It is managed by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department under strict conservation regulations.

Geographical Features of Dudhwa National Park

Geographical Features of Dudhwa National Park include that it lies in the Terai belt, a marshy grassland ecosystem at the base of the Himalayas. The park has dense forests, wetlands, rivers, and grasslands, making it an important ecological transition zone.

• Location: Lakhimpur Kheri district, Uttar Pradesh
• Area: Approx. 490 sq. km (National Park); 1,284 sq. km (Tiger Reserve)
• Altitude: Around 150–180 meters above sea level
• Rivers: Suheli, Mohna, and other tributaries of the Ghagra
• Climate: Subtropical with hot summers and heavy monsoon rainfall
• Terrain: Flat alluvial plains with swampy lowlands and grassland patches

Also Read: Manas National Park

Dudhwa National Park Flora

Dudhwa National Park Flora has rich Terai vegetation, with dense moist deciduous forests and swampy grasslands. This diverse plant life is crucial for supporting herbivores and maintaining the overall food web, which is shared in the table below:

Dudhwa National Park Fauna

Dudhwa National Park Fauna is famous for its diverse wildlife, including rare and endangered species. It is especially known for the reintroduced barasingha population, which now thrives in the grasslands of Dudhwa National Park.