Rajaji National Park has inherited its name from the Rajaji Sanctuary, which was one of the constituent units by the amalgamation of which the National Park was created in 1983. It harbours one of the most diverse ranges of Wildlife habitats. Forest of Rajaji includes the Moist Sal Forest, Moist Mixed Deciduous forest, Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous and Khair-Sissoo forests in the Southern
slope, Low Alluvial Savannah Woodlands cover the drier Southern margins of the Park. The higher reaches of the Shivalik hills are swathed in Chir-Pine Forest. More than 50 species of including the highly endangered Asian and Tiger are found in the park. Besides tiger, , Himalayan Black bear, Sloth Bear, Civet, Marten, Jackal, Hyena etc, It is estimated that there are 400-450 Asian Elephants in the Park. Goral (Mountain )- a characteristic mammal of the lower Himalayas abound in the precipitous slopes of the Shivalik hills. Three species of deer-sambar, Spotter Deer (Cheetal) and Deer (Kakar) and animals like Wild Boar, Neel G*i, Langoor, Black Napped Hare, Jungle Cat etc are also found. Over 300 species of birds are reported from Rajaji National Park, making it an important birding area in this country. Of these, about 90 species are migrants, which include Pochards, Gulls, Mallards, Teals and Shellducks that visit the water bodies of Bhimgora and Veerbhadra Barrage and the wetlands of river Ganga. The resident birds include Pea Fowl, Jungle Fowl, different parakeets, Woodpeckers, Kingfishers, Thrushes, Warblers, Barbets and Finches etc. Great Pied Hornbill occupies a place of pride among the different Hornbills found in the Park. Forest of Rajaji teem with insects who contribute very significantly to the ecology of the area. Spider, Beetles, Termites and scores of other insects can be seen and heard inside the Park. The reptilian fauna of the park represented by various species of lizards, snakes and tortoise. The area is also known for its rich population of Pythons, Cobras and King Cobra. The rivers of the park are rich in aqua fauna like Golden Mahaseer and other fishes.
