National Parks WLS in Assam

Important National Parks in Assam

What is National Park?

National Parks are basically an area of the countryside protected by the state or the central govt. for the enjoyment of the general public or the preservation of wildlife under sec.35. or sec.38 or deemed, under sub-section (3) of sec.66.

Assam is a state located in the northeastern part of India. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse geography, and unique biodiversity. and obviously the production of Tea.

List of National Park in Assam

Kaziranga National Park

Here is some general knowledge information about Kaziranga National Park:

1. Location: Kaziranga National Park is located in the northeastern state of Assam in India. It spans across the Golaghat and Nagaon districts.
2. Establishment: The park was established in 1905 as a protected area. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1940 and later designated as a national park in 1974. In 1985, Kaziranga was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its exceptional biodiversity.
3. Area: Kaziranga covers an area of approximately 1,090 square kilometers (420 square miles). It is part of the larger Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape, which includes adjacent wildlife reserves and forests.
4. Biodiversity: The park is known for its incredible biodiversity. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, wild water buffalo, swamp deer, and sambar deer. It is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 450 species of birds.
5. Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros: Kaziranga is renowned for its successful conservation efforts regarding the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. It is estimated that the park houses around two-thirds of the global population of this endangered species.
6. Landscapes: The park’s landscape comprises grasslands, wetlands, and woodlands. It is intersected by several rivers and water bodies, including the Brahmaputra River.
7. Floods: Kaziranga faces annual floods during the monsoon season, primarily due to the overflow of the Brahmaputra River. These floods are a natural part of the park’s ecosystem and help maintain its grasslands.
8. Recognition: In addition to its UNESCO World Heritage Site status, Kaziranga has received various awards and accolades for its conservation efforts, including the “Green Globe” award for outstanding environmental practices.

Kaziranga National Park is not only a vital wildlife conservation area but also a place of natural beauty and ecological significance. It is a testament to successful conservation efforts in preserving endangered species and their habitats.

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is another significant national park located in the northeastern state of Assam, India. Here is some general knowledge information about Dibru-Saikhowa National Park:

1. Location: Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is situated in the eastern part of Assam, near the town of Tinsukia. It encompasses the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries, including the Dibru and the Saikhowa rivers.
2. Establishment: The park was established in 1999 and is one of the biodiversity hotspots in the region. It covers an area of approximately 340 square kilometers (131 square miles).
3. Biodiversity: Dibru-Saikhowa is known for its rich biodiversity, including a variety of flora and fauna. It is home to several endangered and rare species, such as the white-winged wood duck, Bengal tiger, water buffalo, Gangetic dolphin, and feral horse.
4. Habitats: The park comprises a diverse range of habitats, including grasslands, wetlands, swamps, and semi-evergreen and deciduous forests. The wetlands and water bodies in the park are vital for various bird species and aquatic life.
5. Avian Diversity: Dibru-Saikhowa is a significant birdwatching destination. It hosts a wide array of resident and migratory birds, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Some of the notable bird species found here include the white-winged wood duck, Bengal florican, and greater adjutant stork.
6. River Dolphins: The park is also known for being one of the few places in India where you can spot the endangered Gangetic river dolphin. These dolphins inhabit the Brahmaputra and its tributaries within the park.
7. Diverse Flora: Dibru-Saikhowa’s vegetation includes tropical moist deciduous forests, bamboo groves, and grasslands. It is a vital habitat for various plant species and supports the livelihoods of local communities.

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is a lesser-known gem in India’s conservation landscape, offering a unique blend of biodiversity, including rare and endangered species, lush landscapes, and pristine wetlands.

Manas National Park

Manas National Park, located in the northeastern state of Assam, India, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a renowned protected area known for its rich biodiversity and stunning natural beauty. Here is some general knowledge information about Manas National Park:

1. Location: Manas National Park is situated in the western part of Assam, bordering Bhutan to the north. It is part of the Himalayan foothills and covers an area of approximately 500 square kilometers (193 square miles).
2. Establishment: The park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1928 and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 in recognition of its outstanding natural value. It was also granted the status of a national park in 1990.
3. Biodiversity: Manas National Park is known for its remarkable biodiversity and is home to a wide variety of wildlife species, including the Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, Indian rhinoceros, Indian leopard, clouded leopard, golden langur, and many more. The park is particularly famous for the presence of the rare and endangered Indian rhinoceros.
4. Habitats: The park features diverse ecosystems, including dense forests, grasslands, wetlands, and riverine habitats. The Manas River, a major river in the region, flows through the park and is a lifeline for both wildlife and local communities. The park’s common trees include Aphanamixis polystachya, Anthocephalus chinensis, Syzygium cumini, Syzygium formosum, Syzygium oblatum, Bauhinia purpurea, Mallotus philippensis, Cinnamomum tamala, etc.
5. Avian Diversity: Manas National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 450 species of birds recorded in the area. It is home to numerous migratory birds, waterfowl, and endangered species like the Bengal florican.
6. Transboundary Conservation: Manas National Park is part of the larger Manas-Tiger Reserve, which includes the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan.

Manas National Park is not only a sanctuary for wildlife but also a testament to successful conservation efforts and international cooperation. It offers a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of the natural world and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

Orang National Park

Orang National Park, also known as Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park, is a protected area located in the state of Assam in India. Here is some general knowledge information about Orang National Park:

1. Location: Orang National Park is situated in the Darrang and Sonitpur districts of Assam, in the northeastern part of India. It is located on the northern banks of the Brahmaputra River.
2. Establishment: Orang National Park was established as a sanctuary in 1985 and later declared a national park in 1999. It was named after the late Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi.
3. Area: The park covers an area of approximately 78.81 square kilometers (30.43 square miles), making it one of the smaller national parks in Assam.
4. Biodiversity: Orang National Park is known for its diverse flora and fauna. It is home to several endangered and vulnerable species, including the Indian rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, pygmy hog (one of the world’s rarest pig species), wild buffalo, and various species of deer. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species. There are currently 222 bird species known, including forest and grassland birds as well as the spot-billed pelican, great white pelican, black-necked stork, greater adjutant stork, lesser adjutant stork, brahminy duck, mallard, pintail, hornbills, Pallas’s fish eagle, king fisher, and woodpecker.
5. Habitats: The park features a mix of wetlands, grasslands, forests, and riverine habitats. The presence of the Brahmaputra River and its associated wetlands is a vital component of the park’s ecosystem. The forest species found are: Bombax ceiba, Dalbergia sissoo, Sterculia villosa, Trewia nudiflora, Zizyphus jujuba and Litsea monopetala

Orang National Park, with its unique biodiversity and beautiful natural landscapes, offers visitors the opportunity to witness some of India’s most iconic wildlife species in their natural habitat. It plays a crucial role in the conservation of endangered species and contributes to the overall biodiversity of the region.

Nameri National Park

Nameri National Park is a protected area located in the northeastern state of Assam, India. Here is some general knowledge information about Nameri National Park:

• Location: Nameri National Park is situated in the Sonitpur district of Assam, near the border with Arunachal Pradesh. It is part of the Eastern Himalayas and lies in close proximity to the Nameri River.
• Establishment: The park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1985 and later designated as a national park in 1998. It is also part of the larger Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity hotspot.
• Area: Nameri National Park covers an area of approximately 200 square kilometers (77 square miles).
• Biodiversity: The park is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to a variety of wildlife species. Some of the notable species found in Nameri include the Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, Indian bison (gaur), clouded leopard, Asian golden cat, and various species of deer and primates.
• Habitats: Nameri National Park features diverse habitats, including semi-evergreen, moist deciduous, and bamboo forests. The park is traversed by the Jia Bhoreli River, which adds to its scenic beauty and ecological significance. More than 600 types of flowers can be found at Nameri National Park. Gmelina arborea, Michelia champaca, Amoora wallichi, Chukrasia tabularis, Ajar, Urium poma, Bhelu, Agaru, Rudraksha, Bonjolokia, Hatipolia akhakan, Hollock, and Nahor are a few prominent species.
• Avian Diversity: The park is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 300 species of birds recorded within its boundaries. It is known for hosting various migratory and resident bird species.
• Adventure Activities: Nameri National Park offers adventure activities such as river rafting on the Jia Bhoreli River, which is a popular attraction for tourists.

Nameri National Park is known for its serene landscapes, diverse wildlife, and excellent opportunities for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. It contributes to the conservation of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot and offers a glimpse into the natural beauty of the region.

Dehing Patkai National Park

Dehing Patkai National Park, also known as Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary, is a protected area located in the northeastern state of Assam, India. Here is some general knowledge information about Dehing Patkai National Park:

1. Location: Dehing Patkai National Park is situated in the northeastern state of Assam, primarily in the Upper Assam region. It covers parts of the Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts of Assam.
2. Establishment: The park was initially declared a wildlife sanctuary in 2004. Later, in 2020, it was upgraded to the status of a national park and renamed Dehing Patkai National Park.
3. Area: Dehing Patkai National Park covers an area of approximately 231.65 square kilometers (89.44 square miles).
4. Biodiversity: The park is known for its rich biodiversity and lush rainforests. The slow loris, Assamese, stump-tailed, pig-tailed, Rhesus, capped langur, and hoolock gibbon species are included. There are currently 47 reptile species, 310 butterfly species, and roughly 50 mammal species identified. Hollong, Mekai, Dhuna, Uriyam, Nahar, Chamkothal, Bher, Hollock, Nahor, Ou-tenga (elephant apple), various kinds of Ficus spp., etc. are a few of the major tree species present in this forest area.
5. Habitats: Dehing Patkai National Park features dense tropical rainforests, grasslands, wetlands, and several small rivers and streams.
6. Avian Diversity: The park is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 300 species of birds recorded within its boundaries. It is known for hosting various resident and migratory bird species.
7. Biodiversity Hotspot: The park is part of the larger Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve, which is recognized as an important biodiversity hotspot in the region.

Dehing Patkai National Park is a hidden gem in Assam, known for its lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and serene landscapes. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the northeastern region of India while contributing to the conservation of its rich biodiversity.

Raimona National Park

Raimona National Park was in the process of being established in the northeastern state of Assam, India. Here is some general knowledge information about Raimona National Park based on the available information up to that point:

1. Location: Raimona National Park is located in the Bodo Territorial Region (BTR) of Assam, India. It is situated in the western part of the state, near the border with Bhutan.
2. Establishment: Raimona National Park was declared a National Park on 5 June 2021 to protect the unique biodiversity and forested landscapes of the region. It was expected to become Assam’s sixth national park.
3. Area: The park was planned to cover an area of approximately 422 square kilometers (163 square miles). It was intended to be a significant addition to the protected area network in Assam.
4. Biodiversity: Raimona National Park was expected to be rich in biodiversity, with various species of wildlife, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. The park has Asian elephant, Bengal tiger, clouded leopard, gaur, chital, four to five different hornbill species, over 150 butterfly species, 190 bird species,[8] 380 different plant and orchid varieties.
5. Habitats: The park’s landscape was expected to include diverse habitats, including tropical and subtropical forests, grasslands, wetlands, and riverine ecosystems. The presence of the Raimona River and its tributaries adds to the ecological significance of the area.

List of Wildlife Sanctuaries in Assam

WLS = Wildlife Sanctuarie

Proposed Wildlife Sanctuaries

• North Karbi Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary
• Bordoibam Bilmukh Bird Wildlife Sanctuary