Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary

Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, sprawling over an area of 967 sq.km, was established in 1972. Located in the district of Chamoli, it is named after the famous Kedarnath temple. Situated on the catchment area of Alaknanda River, this sanctuary is home to temperate forests, which include low and coniferous, alpine and Bugyals.

Owing to its diversity in physiological and geographical features, the sanctuary is home to rich floral species. Trees of Oak, Pine and Birch are in abundance in this sanctuary along with several flowering plants.

In addition, the sanctuary also has a wide variety of fauna as well, which include reptiles, mammals, birds and primates. Black bear, leopard cat, jackal, snow leopard and common leopard are some of the animals that tourists can spot in this sanctuary. Some of the other animals residing in this sanctuary are sambhar, goral, tahr, serow, bharal and endangered musk deer.

Birds like grey-cheeked warbler, flycatcher and Himalayan monal can be spotted within this sanctuary. Besides, fishes like Gara spp., Barilius spp., Nemacheilus, Schizothorax sp. and mahseer Tor tor can be seen in the River Mandakini.