CONSERVATION STATUS OF KOSI CORRIDOR FOR TIGER AND ELEPHANT MOVEMENT: CURRENT STATUS FOR VIABLE SOURCE OF GENE FLOW, CORBETT & RAMNAGAR FOREST DIVISION. INDIA.
Sanjeev Kumar
Abstract
Corridors are connecting link between two habitats. This connectivity is very important for genetic viability for wildlife or animal for both the areas/ habitats. In and fro movement is the basic need of wild animal for vital fulfillment. Kosi River is the connecting linked between two areas i.e. Corbett Tiger Reserve and Ramnagar forest Division. Kosi formed the eastern boundary of Corbett along with Mohan road. But due to extreme anthropogenic stress this area and corridor nearly vanished at all. Kosi River is a vital source of water for both the habitats. But current scenario of the corridor is completely stressed and depressed at all. Continuous movement of tiger (Panthera tigris) are found here. On the other hand elephants (Elephas maximus) are also using this corridor to move towards sitabani or Ramnagar forest division area. Sunderkhal is prone to conflict. Direct interaction or face to face with big cat or wild animals are always dangerous to human & wildlife.