Manas National Park UPSC
Manas National Park is a protected area located in the northeastern state of Assam, India. It is a National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Biosphere Reserve, an Elephant Reserve and a Tiger reserve in Assam, India. Manas is famous for its population of the Wild Water Buffalo.
Manas National Park is renowned for its diverse range of wildlife, including several endangered and vulnerable species. The park is known for its rare and endangered endemic wildlife such as the Assam Roofed Turtle, hispid hare, golden langur and pygmy hog.
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Manas National Park Location
Manas National Park is located in the Bongaigaon and Barpeta district of Assam, India. It lies in the western part of Assam, near the border with Bhutan. It is contiguous with Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan.
Nearest Airport:
Nearest Airport is Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi Guwahati Airport (145km).
Nearest Railway Station:
Nearest railway stattion is Barpeta Road Railway Station(approx 20 kms)
Manas National Park History
The history of Manas National Park dates back to the early 20th century. Here is a timeline highlighting the key events in the park's history:
1. Hunting Ground: Previously, the Raja of Gauripur and the royal family of Cooch Behar used this region as a hunting ground.
2. Reserve Forest: In 1907, The region was declared as the Manas Reserve Forest with the primary objective of protecting the Indian rhinoceros.
3. Game Sanctuary: In 1928, Manas was declared a game sanctuary under the British government's Forest Act of 1927, primarily to safeguard the rhinoceros population. It was then known as the Manas Game Sanctuary.
4. Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1950, Manas Game Sanctuary was declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary.
5. Tiger Reserve: In 1973, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary was designated as a Tiger Reserve under the Project Tiger initiative launched by the Government of India to protect the Bengal tiger.
6. UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 1985, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was recognized for its exceptional biodiversity and as an important habitat for several endangered species.
7. Biosphere Reserve: In 1989, government of India declared Manas as a Biosphere Reserve.
8. Established as a National Park: In 1990, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a National Park, thereby attaining a higher level of protection. The park's name was changed to Manas National Park.
9. Elephant Reserve: In 2003, Manas was established as an Elephant Reserve under Project Elephant because of its reputation for elephants.
10. List of World Heritage in Danger: In 2011, Manas National Park was removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger by UNESCO, acknowledging the significant progress made in its conservation and management.
Manas National Park Area
The total area of Manas National Park is approximately 390 square kilometers (150 square miles).
Manas National Park Hills
Manas National Park is situated in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, which lends a picturesque setting to the park. While it primarily comprises lowland areas and grasslands, there are several hills and slopes within the park's boundaries that add to its diverse topography.
The hills in Manas National Park are part of the larger Eastern Himalayan range, which extends across Bhutan, Nepal, and northeastern India.
Manas National Park River
Manas National Park named after River Manas that flows through the National Park. It flows through the west of the park. The river divides this National Park into two halves and forms a border with Bhutan. The river is named after the Hindu deity ‘Manasa’, a snake goddess.
Manas National Park is crisscrossed by the Manas River, which is a significant feature of the park and gives it its name. The Manas River is a transboundary river that originates in the Bhutanese Himalayas and flows through the park in Assam, India. It is one of the major tributaries of the Brahmaputra River.
The Manas River also acts as a lifeline for the wildlife in the park. It serves as a source of drinking water for animals and supports a rich aquatic ecosystem. Several species of fish, amphibians, and reptiles inhabit the river, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the park.
Moreover, the river serves as a natural boundary between India and Bhutan in some parts of the park. It adds to the scenic beauty of Manas National Park, providing picturesque views and opportunities for river-based activities.
Manas National Park Flora
Manas National Park is known for its rich and diverse flora, with a wide variety of plant species spread across its different ecosystems.
Here are some notable flora found in Manas National Park:
(1) Tropical Evergreen Forests:
The Manas National Park is home to lush tropical evergreen forests, which are characterized by dense vegetation and a high diversity of plant species. These forests are dominated by tall trees that form a closed canopy, providing shade and shelter to various understory plants and wildlife.
(2) Semi-evergreen Forests:
The Manas National Park also includes semi-evergreen forests, which consist of a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees. These forests have a diverse range of plant species and provide habitats for a variety of wildlife.
(3) Alluvial Grasslands:
Manas National Park features extensive grasslands, known as Terai grasslands, which are found along the riverbanks and floodplains. These grasslands support a unique ecosystem and provide grazing habitats for herbivores such as wild buffalo, deer, and elephants.
(4) Riverine Forests:
The areas along the banks of the Manas River and its tributaries are characterized by riverine forests. These forests consist of vegetation adapted to the moist conditions near water bodies and support a diverse array of plant and animal life.
(5) Aquatic Plants:
The water bodies within the Manas National Park, including the Manas River and its tributaries, support various aquatic plants. These include water lilies, lotus, and submerged vegetation, which contribute to the aquatic ecosystem and provide food and shelter for aquatic animals.
(6) Orchids:
Manas National Park is known for its rich orchid diversity. The park is home to several species of orchids, including rare and endemic varieties. These beautiful flowering plants add to the park's floral diversity and are a treat for nature enthusiasts.
Manas National Park Fauna (Manas National Park Animals)
Manas National Park is famous for which animal?/ Which animals is mainly found in Manas National Park?/Which animal is protected in Manas National Park?
Manas National Park is renowned for its diverse and abundant fauna, including several iconic and endangered species.
Here are some notable fauna found in Manas National Park:
Mammals:
- Bengal Tiger
- One-horned Rhinoceros
- Wild Water Buffalo
- Pygmy Hog
- Golden Langur
- Red panda
- Asian Elephant
- Swamp Deer (Barasingha)
- Barking deer
- Clouded Leopard
- Leopard
- Hoolock Gibbon
- Hispid Hares
- Black Panther
- Capped Langur
- Chinese Pangolin
- Assamese Macaques
- Dholes
- Gaur
- Golden Cats
- Hog Deer
- Sloth Bear
- Smooth-coated Otters
- Indian Pangolin
- Bengal Fox
- Indian Porcupine
- Black Giant Squirrel
- Golden Jackal
Birds:
- Bengal Florican
- Great Hornbills
- Indian Hornbill
- Fishing Eagles
- Brahminy Ducks
- Bulbuls
- Jungle Fowls
- Fishing Eagles
- Pelicans
- Falcons
- Pied Hornbills
- Bee Eaters
- Grey Hornbills
- Harriers
- Indian Peafowl
- Herons
- Ospreys
- Mergansers
- Scarlet Minivets
- Egrets
- Magpie Robins
Reptiles:
- Assam Roofed Turtle
- King Cobra
- Indian Python
- Indian Cobra
- Monitor Lizards
- Fan-throated Lizard
Manas National Park UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Manas National Park?/Manas National Park is located in which state?/Manas National Park is situated/located in which district?
A. Manas National Park is located in the Bongaigaon and Barpeta district of Assam, India.
Q. In which year Manas was declared as national park?/When Manas was declared as national park?
A. Manas was declared as a national park in the year of 1990.
Q. Manas National Park named after which river?
A. Manas National Park named after Manas river.
Q. What is the area of Manas National Park?
A. The area of Manas National Park is is approximately 390 square kilometers (150 square miles).
Q. Manas river flows through which national park?
A. Manas river flows through Manas National Park.
Q. When was Manas National Park established?/In which year Manas park was Recognised as National Park?
A. Manas National Park was established in 1990.
Q. Is Manas a biosphere reserve or National Park?
A. Manas National Park is both a national park and a biosphere reserve. In recognition of its exceptional biodiversity and ecological significance, Manas National Park was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1989. It was later designated as a national park in 1990.
Q. What is the old name of Manas National Park?
A. North Kamrup wildlife sanctuary is the old name of Manas National Park.
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