Dibru-Saikhowa National Park UPSC

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is a National Park as well as a Biosphere Reserve located in the northeastern state of Assam, India. It is situated in the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River and is known for its unique biodiversity and rich ecosystems.

The Dibru-Saikhowa National Park originally created to help conserve the habitat of the rare white-winged wood duck. The park is particularly famous for its white-winged wood duck population, which is considered one of the flagship species of the park. The park is also known for its feral horses population.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
River
Lake
Tribe
Flora
Fauna
Feral Horses
UPSC Questions

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park Location

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is located in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts of Assam, India. The park is bounded by the Brahmaputra and Lohit rivers in the north and Dibru River in the south.

The park is situated in the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River and is surrounded by the larger Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve, which includes additional forested and wetland areas.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport is Dibrugarh Airport, which is 40 kms. away from the park.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station is Tinsukia railway station, which is around 60 km away from the park.

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park History

The history of Dibru-Saikhowa National Park dates back several decades. Here is a brief overview of its history:

1. Formation of Dibru Reserved Forest: The area that is now known as Dibru-Saikhowa National Park was initially declared as the Dibru Reserved Forest in 1890 under British colonial rule. It served as a designated forest area to protect the diverse flora and fauna found in the region.

2. Formation of Saikhowa Reserved Forest: In 1929, Saikhowa Reserve Forest was declared.

3. Designation as a Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1986, Dibru Reserved Forest was upgraded to the status of a wildlife sanctuary. This recognition aimed to provide enhanced protection to the area's wildlife and habitats. The Dibru-Saikhowa Wildlife Sanctuary covered an area of approximately 340 square kilometers (131 square miles).

4. Recognition as a Biosphere Reserve: In 1997, the Dibru-Saikhowa Wildlife Sanctuary was expanded to include the adjoining Saikhowa Reserve Forest. This expansion led to the formation of Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve, covering a total area of around 765 square kilometers (295 square miles) including a core area of 340 km2 (130 sq mi) and a buffer zone of 425 km2 (164 sq mi).

5. Established as a National Park: In 1999, Dibru-Saikhowa Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as a national park.

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park Area

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park cover an area of 340 km2 (130 sq mi). It is a part of Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve.

The park area is characterized by its vast grasslands, wetlands, and patches of dense forests. It is situated in the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River and is known for its diverse ecosystems, including grasslands, wetlands, and patches of dense forests.

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park River

The Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is bounded by the Brahmaputra and Lohit rivers in the north and Dibru River in the south. The national park was named after the two major rivers that flow through it, the Dibru River and the Saikhowa River.

(1) Brahmaputra River:

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is located in the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River, one of the major rivers in the Indian subcontinent. The park is bordered by the Brahmaputra River on north side.

The Brahmaputra River is a transboundary river that originates in the Himalayas and flows through Tibet, China, India, and Bangladesh. In Assam, the river plays a crucial role in shaping the landscape and ecosystems of the region. It is known for its powerful currents, extensive riverine islands, and its significance as a lifeline for the people and wildlife in the area.

The Brahmaputra River flowing alongside Dibru-Saikhowa National Park not only adds to the scenic beauty but also contributes to the park's diverse ecosystems. The river and its tributaries create wetlands, sandbars, and river channels within the park, supporting a wide range of aquatic life and attracting numerous migratory bird species.

(2) Lohit River:

The Lohit River is one of the major tributaries of the Brahmaputra River and flows through the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh in India. The park is bordered by the Lohit River on north side. It is an important river in the region and contributes to the overall drainage system of the Brahmaputra basin.

The Lohit River originates in the eastern Himalayas near the Indo-China border and flows in a southerly direction through Arunachal Pradesh. It passes through diverse landscapes, including mountainous terrain, deep gorges, and dense forests. The river eventually joins the Brahmaputra River near the town of Tezu in Arunachal Pradesh.

(3) Dibru River:

Dibru River flow through Dibru-Saikhowa National Park.

(4) Saikhowa River:

Saikhowa River flow through Dibru-Saikhowa National Park.

Dibru Saikhowa National Park Lake

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is known for its wetlands, marshes, and riverine ecosystems, but it does not have any significant natural lakes within its boundaries. The park is primarily situated in the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River in the northeastern state of Assam, India.

However, there are several smaller water bodies within the park, including temporary ponds, small lakes, and oxbow lakes. These water bodies are formed as a result of the changing course of the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries over time. They provide important habitats for aquatic species, waterfowl, and other wildlife.

Additionally, Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is home to the Maguri-Motapung Beel, which is a large wetland area located just outside the park boundaries. The Maguri-Motapung Beel is known for its rich biodiversity and serves as a crucial habitat for various bird species, including migratory birds.

Dibru Saikhowa National Park Tribe

What are the major tribes in Dibru-Saikhowa?

The region surrounding the national park is home to various indigenous tribal communities. However, there is no specific tribe that is exclusively associated with Dibru-Saikhowa National Park.

In the vicinity of the park, you may find tribal communities such as the Mishing, Deori, Sonowal Kachari, Moran, and Ahom, among others. These communities have a rich cultural heritage and traditional practices that are deeply rooted in the region.

1. The Mishing tribe, also known as the Miri, is one of the prominent indigenous communities in the area. They are primarily settled along the banks of the Brahmaputra River and engage in agriculture, fishing, and handloom weaving.

2. The Deori tribe, another significant community, is known for their religious and cultural practices. They have their own unique traditions, including the worship of the sun and moon.

3. The Sonowal Kachari, Moran, and Ahom tribes also have a presence in the region surrounding Dibru-Saikhowa National Park. These communities have their distinct cultural practices, languages, and traditional knowledge.

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park Flora

What plants are found in Dibru-Saikhowa National Park?

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is known for its diverse and unique flora. The park's vegetation consists of a variety of habitats, including grasslands, wetlands, and patches of dense forests.

Here are some of the notable plant species found in Dibru-Saikhowa National Park:

(1) Grasses and Wetland Plants:

The park's grasslands and wetlands are characterized by species like Saccharum spontaneum (wild sugarcane), Imperata cylindrica (cogon grass), Phragmites karka (common reed), and Typha angustifolia (narrowleaf cattail). These plants thrive in the marshy and waterlogged areas.

(2) Tropical Evergreen and Semi-Evergreen Forest Species:

In the forested areas of the park, you can find a mix of evergreen and semi-evergreen species such as Terminalia myriocarpa (Indian laurel), Duabanga grandiflora (Diu), Bombax ceiba (silk cotton tree), Syzygium cumini (Indian blackberry), and Lagerstroemia speciosa (pride of India).

(3) Swamp Forest:

It is the largest swamp forest in north-eastern India. Within the park, there are regions with waterlogged and low-lying areas that exhibit swamp-like characteristics. These areas are influenced by the seasonal flooding of the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries. During the monsoon season, when the water levels rise, certain parts of the park become swampy, with saturated soil and standing water.

In these swampy areas, you can find vegetation that is adapted to the waterlogged conditions. This includes tree species such as Avicennia spp. (mangroves), Sonneratia spp. (mangroves), and other species that can tolerate or thrive in swampy environments.

(4) Aquatic Plants:

The water bodies within the park support a diverse range of aquatic plants, such as Vallisneria spiralis (tape grass), Hydrilla verticillata (hydrilla), and Ceratophyllum demersum (hornwort), which provide habitat and food for various aquatic species.

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park Fauna (Dibru-Saikhowa National Park Animals)

The Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is originally created to help conserve the habitat of the rare white-winged wood duck.

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is home to a rich and diverse range of fauna, including several rare and endangered species. The park's varied ecosystems, which include grasslands, wetlands, and forests, support a wide array of wildlife.

Here are some notable fauna species found in Dibru-Saikhowa National Park:

Mammals:

What are the mammals of Dibru-Saikhowa National Park?

Bengal Tiger
Asian Elephant
Indian Leopard
Clouded Leopard
Asiatic Water Buffalo
Jungle Cat
Bears
Small Indian Civet
Squirrels
Gangetic Dolphin
Hoolock Gibbon
Sloth Bear
Dhole
Malayan Giant Squirrel
Chinese Pangolin
Slow Loris
Pig Tailed Macaque
Assamese Macaque
Rhesus Macaque
Capped langur
Wild Boar
Sambar Deer
Hog Deer
Barking Deer
Feral Horse

Note- The park is one of the few places in the world which is home to feral horses. They are descendants of horses who bolted out of stables set up by the British Army in and around Tinsukia during World War II.

Birds:

The park is an identified Important Bird Area (IBA), notified by the Birdlife International. It is most famous for the rare white-winged wood ducks.

White-winged Wood Ducks
Greater Adjutant
Ferruginous Pochard
Jerdon's Babbler
Black-breasted Parrotbill
Marsh Babbler
Puff-throated Babbler
Jerdon's Bushchat
Rufous-rumped Grassbird
Chestnut-crowned Bush Warbler
Swamp Francolin
Spot-billed Pelican
White-bellied Heron
Grey Heron
Purple Heron
Black-crowned Night Heron
Yellow Bittern
Asian Openbill
Lesser Adjutant
White-necked Stork
Black Stork
Black-necked Stork
Glossy Ibis
Fulvous Whistling-duck
Bar-headed Goose
Greylag Goose
Northern Pintail
Common Shelduck
Indian spot-billed duck
Baer's Pochard
White-tailed Eagle
Pallas's Fish Eagle
Grey-headed Fish Eagle
Greater Spotted Eagle
Himalayan Griffon
White-backed Vulture
Slender-billed Vulture
Osprey
Crested Serpent-eagle
Lesser Kestrel
Sarus Crane
Bengal Florican
Brown Fish Owl
Great Pied Hornbill
Spotted Redshank
Greenshank
Pale-capped Pigeon

Reptiles:

Indian Rock Python
King Cobra
Assam Roofed Turtle
Indian Softshell Turtle
Monitor Lizards

Feral Horses in Dibru-Saikhowa National Park

What is feral horse of Dibru-Saikhowa National Park?

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is known for its population of feral horses, also known as "feral ponies" or "wild horses." The feral horses in Dibru-Saikhowa National Park are indeed descendants of horses that escaped from the stables set up by the British Army during World War II in and around Tinsukia, which is located near the park.

During World War II, the British Army had established several military camps and stables in the region for logistical purposes. It is believed that some of the horses used by the British Army either escaped or were released into the wild after the war ended. Over time, these horses adapted to the natural environment and eventually formed the feral horse population in and around Dibru-Saikhowa National Park.

The presence of these feral horses adds a unique aspect to the park's biodiversity and is often regarded as an interesting sight by visitors. The descendants of these horses continue to roam freely within the park and have become a part of the park's ecosystem.