About Col. Sher Jung National Park:
- Sher Jung National Park, also known as Simbalbara National Park, is located in the Paonta Valley of the Sirmaur (Sirmour) district in Himachal Pradesh along its border with Haryana.
- It is named after the famous freedom fighter and ardent environmentalist Colonel Sher Jung.
- The park is located in the lower Shiwalik region and extends into the middle and upper Shiwaliks.
- Geographically, it is at the confluence of three biogeographic regions: the Himalayas, the Gangetic plain, and the semi-arid region.
- It touches Kalesar National Park of Haryana to its south and west.
- The Simbalbara River flows through Simbalbara National Park and is a lifeline for the park’s plants and animals.
- Vegetation: It is characterized by its dense Sal forests with grassy glades.
- Flora:
- Sal (Shorea robusta) and Terminalia tomentosa are the principal species that form the top canopy here.
- On the riverine side, Jamun (Syzygium cumini), Cassia siamea, and Eucalyptus are present.
- Fauna:
- Some key species include Nilgai, Sambar deer, spotted deer, wild boar, goral, barking deer, and Rhesus macaque.
- The park also serves as a significant bird habitat, home to species like the Indian roller, dollar bird, kingfishers, and three types of hornbills.
- Predatory birds such as the crested serpent eagle and Brahminy kite also inhabit this area.
