The Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) is a vital transboundary ecosystem straddling India and Nepal, located at the base of the Himalayas. It spans over 49,500 square kilometers, stretching from the Yamuna River in India to the Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar, with the Nepal portion covering 14 districts. The TAL comprises a diverse range of habitats, from the Shivalik hills and Bhabar to the fertile Terai grasslands, which are considered the tallest grasslands globally.
The TAL is home to a wide range of wildlife, including tigers, greater one-horned rhinoceroses, and Asiatic elephants. It is also recognized for being one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, with over 86 species of mammals, 600 bird species, and more than 2,100 plant species.
Among the most notable species are critically endangered animals like the Gangetic dolphin, swamp francolin, and Bengal florican. The landscape is crucial for tiger conservation, with 15 protected areas, including famous reserves like Corbett Tiger Reserve, Rajaji Tiger Reserve, and Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. These areas serve as vital corridors for tigers, facilitating gene flow across borders.
The TAL’s ecological significance extends to its role as a wildlife corridor, connecting India and Nepal, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining the populations of endangered species. The connectivity between protected areas, such as Chitwan National Park and Valmiki Tiger Reserve, is crucial for maintaining genetic diversity.
The region faces challenges such as human-wildlife conflict, agricultural encroachment, and habitat fragmentation. However, conservation efforts, including restoring corridors and relocating human settlements, have proven effective in increasing tiger populations, as seen in reserves like Rajaji and Corbett.
TAL’s importance extends beyond its natural beauty to its role in global conservation, supporting one of the highest densities of tigers in the world, and providing a refuge for diverse and endangered species.
