Buxa National Park UPSC

Buxa National Park is a renowned national park located in the state of West Bengal, India. The park is nestled in the eastern foothills of the Himalayas

It is a part of the Buxa Tiger Reserve, which also includes the adjacent Buxa Wildlife Sanctuary.

Buxa National Park holds historical and cultural significance. The park houses the Buxa Fort, which served as a prison during the British colonial period and later as a detention camp during the Indian independence movement. The fort remains an intriguing site for history enthusiasts and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Hills
River
Minerals Resources
Flora
Fauna
UPSC Questions

Buxa National Park Location

Buxa National Park is located in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal, India. It is situated in the northeastern part of the state, close to the international border with Bhutan.

It is located in eastern Dooars (rolling humid plains) at 2600 ft above sea level.

Nearest Airport to Buxa National Park:

The nearest airport to Buxa National Park is Bagdogra Airport. Bagdogra Airport is located in Siliguri, West Bengal, India. From Bagdogra Airport, Buxa National Park is approximately 180 kilometers away.

Nearest Railway Station to Buxa National Park:

The nearest railway station to Buxa National Park is Alipurduar Junction Railway Station. Alipurduar Junction is a major railway station in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal, India. It is well-connected to various cities and towns across the country. From Alipurduar Junction Railway Station, Buxa National Park is approximately 35 kilometers away.

Buxa National Park History

1. Establishment of Buxa Tiger Reserve: In 1983, Buxa Tiger Reserve was established as the 15th tiger reserve in India. This designation aimed to protect and conserve the critically endangered Bengal tigers, which inhabit the reserve. Buxa Tiger Reserve was recognized as an important habitat for the conservation of this iconic species.

2. Constitution of Buxa Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1986, the Buxa Wildlife Sanctuary was constituted, furthering the conservation efforts in the region. The wildlife sanctuary aimed to safeguard the diverse flora and fauna found in the area surrounding Buxa Tiger Reserve. It provided protection to numerous species of wildlife and promoted their natural habitat conservation.

3. Expansion of Buxa Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1991, an additional area of 54.47 square kilometers was added to the Buxa Wildlife Sanctuary. This expansion extended the protected zone, encompassing more diverse ecosystems and enhancing the sanctuary's conservation impact. The added area contributed to the preservation of vital wildlife corridors and provided enhanced habitat for various species.

4. Declaration as a National Park: In 1992, Buxa Tiger Reserve was elevated to the status of a national park. The declaration recognized the ecological significance and conservation value of the reserve.

Buxa National Park Area

Buxa National Park spread over an area of 315sq.kms.

Gangetic Plains: Buxa National Park lies in the Gangetic Plains with the Himalayas bordering it.

Indo-Malayan Region: Buxa National Park area represents the highly endemic Indo-Malayan region.

Terai Ecosystem: The “Terai Ecosystem” constitutes a part of the Buxa National Park.

Buxa National Park Hills

Buxa National Park is characterized by its hilly terrains, which add to its scenic beauty and make it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and trekkers. The hills in the park are part of the larger Eastern Himalayan range, which extends across Bhutan, Nepal, India, and Myanmar.

(1) Buxa Hills:

The Buxa National Park is nestled in the Buxa Hills of the Eastern Himalayas, offering a picturesque and scenic environment for visitors to explore.

(2) Sinchula Hill Range:

The Sinchula hill range lies all along the northern side of Buxa National Park and the Eastern boundary touches that of the Assam State.

Buxa National Park River

Buxa National Park is traversed by several rivers and streams that add to its natural beauty and provide water resources to the park's ecosystems.

Sankosh, Raidak, Jayanti, Churnia, Turturi, Phashkhawa, Dima and Nonani rivers flow through Buxa National Park.

(1) Raidak River:

Raidak is a tributary of the River Brahmaputra.
It is a trans-boundary river.
The total length of the river is 370 kilometres (230 mi).
It flows through Bhutan, India and Bangladesh.
It is one of the main river in Alipurduar District of West Bengal, India.
The Raidak River also called Wang Chhu or Wong Chhu in Bhutan.
The Chukha Hydel Project (336MW) harnesses the waters of the Raidak River.

(2) Sankosh River:

Sankosh river rises in northern Bhutan
It empties into the Brahmaputra in the state of Assam in India.
The two largest tributaries of Sankosh River are the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu.

Minerals Resources in Buxa National Park

The region surrounding Buxa National Park, particularly the Alipurduar district of West Bengal, is known for its mineral resources. The district is rich in minerals such as coal, limestone, dolomite, and quartz. These minerals have been the subject of mining activities in certain areas outside the national park.

Buxa was famous for dolomite mining in the north Bengal region. Mining activities can have environmental impacts, including habitat destruction, soil erosion, and pollution. To safeguard the integrity of Buxa National Park and maintain its ecological balance, mining and mineral extraction are generally restricted within or in close proximity to protected areas.

Buxa National Park Flora

Buxa National Park is known for its rich and diverse flora, which includes various types of vegetation ranging from tropical forests to alpine meadows. The park's flora is influenced by its location in the Eastern Himalayas and the presence of different altitudinal zones.

Here are some of the prominent plant species found in Buxa National Park:

(1) Tropical Evergreen Forests:

In the lower elevations of the Buxa National Park, you can find lush tropical evergreen forests dominated by tree species such as Sal (Shorea robusta), Simul (Bombax ceiba), Gamari (Gmelina arborea), and Amari (Chukrasia tabularis). These forests are characterized by dense vegetation, with an understory of shrubs, climbers, and various ferns.

(2) Subtropical Broadleaf Forests:

As you ascend in altitude, the forests transition into subtropical broadleaf forests. Species like Teak (Tectona grandis), Khair (Acacia catechu), Champa (Michelia champaca), and Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) are commonly found here.

(3) Bamboo Forests:

Buxa National Park is also known for its extensive bamboo forests. Various species of bamboo, including Dendrocalamus hamiltonii, Bambusa pallida, and Melocanna baccifera, form dense thickets and provide important habitat for wildlife.

(4) Alpine Vegetation:

At higher elevations, the vegetation becomes more alpine in nature. Rhododendrons, including Rhododendron arboreum and Rhododendron campanulatum, add vibrant colors to the landscape during the flowering season. Other alpine plants such as primroses, gentians, and orchids can also be found in these areas.

(5) Medicinal Plants:

Buxa National Park is home to a variety of medicinal plants that are used in traditional medicine. Species like Rauwolfia serpentina (Sarpagandha), Aconitum sp. (Bikh), and Datura metel (Dhatura) have medicinal properties and are of significant importance.

Buxa National Park Fauna (Buxa National Park Animals)

Buxa National Park is known for its diverse and abundant fauna, with a wide range of animal species that call the park their home. The park's varied ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, and hilly terrains, provide habitats for numerous wildlife species.

Here are some of the prominent fauna found in Buxa National Park:

Mammals:

Bengal Tiger
Leopard Cat
Sloth Bear
Fishing Cat
Civet Cat
Hyaena
Jackal
Mongoose
Indian Fox
Wild Dog
Marbled Cat
Golden Cat

Birds:

Eurasian Griffon
Amur Falcon
Malayan Night Heron
Oriental Pied Hornbill
Rufous-necked Hornbill
Chestnut-breasted Partridge
Cinnamon Bittern
Stripe-breasted Woodpecker
Velvet-fronted Nuthatch
Black-naped Oriole

Reptiles:

King Cobra
Indian Rock Python
Common Krait
Green Vine Snake
Monitor Lizards
Garden Lizard
Indian Roofed Turtle