Nameri National Park UPSC

Nameri National Park is a national park located in the Assam state of India. It is part of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. The park is bordered by the Jia Bhoroli River.

Nameri National Park is known for its rich biodiversity and serves as a vital habitat for several endangered species. It is particularly famous for its population of the Bengal tiger and the Indian elephant.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Hills
River
Flora
Fauna
UPSC Questions

Nameri National Park Location

Nameri National Park is located in the Sonitpur district of the state of Assam in India. It lies in the northeastern part of the country, near the border with Arunachal Pradesh.

It is nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, with the Jia Bhoroli River flowing alongside its boundary.

Nameri lies on the interstate border between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Nameri shares its northern boundary with the Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary of Arunachal Pradesh.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport is situated at Tezpur, which is 34 kms. away from the park. The other airport is located at Guwahati, which is 220 kms away.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station is Rangapara, situated 25 kms away from Nameri National Park.

Nameri National Park History

Nameri National Park has an interesting history that reflects its significance in wildlife conservation and protection. Here are some key points about its history:

1. Reserve Forest: In 1978, the park was declared a reserve forest.

2. Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1985, Nameri Wildlife Sanctuary, the precursor to Nameri National Park, was established. Initially, it covered an area of about 137 square kilometers (53 square miles).

3. National Park Status: In 1998, Nameri Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a national park, expanding its area to its current size of around 200 square kilometers (78 square miles).

4. Tiger Reserve: Nameri National Park has been an active participant in various conservation programs. The park became a part of the Project Tiger initiative in 1999-2000, aimed at conserving the endangered Bengal tiger and its habitat. It is the second Tiger reserve of Assam after Manas Tiger Reserve.

Nameri Tiger Reserve has two core areas: Nameri National Park and Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary.

Nameri National Park Area

Nameri National Park covers an approximate area of 200 square kilometers (78 square miles). This area includes the core zone of the park, which is designated for strict wildlife conservation and protection.

Nameri National Park Hills

Nameri National Park is situated in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, offering a picturesque setting with its hilly terrain. While the park is not primarily characterized by towering peaks, it is nestled in a region where the Himalayan foothills begin to rise.

Nameri National Park River

The river Jia-Bhoroli is the lifeline of Nameri, which flows along the southern boundary of the park from northwest to southeast. The Jia-Bhareli river flow through the Nameri National Park along with its tributaries: The Nameri river, Upper Dikorai river and Bor Dikorai river.

The Jia-Bhoroli river plays a significant role in shaping the park's landscape and ecosystem. The Jia Bhoroli River is a tributary of the mighty Brahmaputra River and originates from the eastern Himalayas. It passes through the park, providing a lifeline to the flora and fauna within its vicinity.

The river creates diverse habitats within Nameri National Park, including riverine forests, sandy riverbanks, and marshy areas. These habitats support a wide range of plant and animal species, making it an important ecological feature of the park.

Nameri National Park Flora

Nameri National Park boasts a diverse and rich flora, characterized by the Eastern Himalayan sub-tropical broadleaf forests and various other vegetation types.

Here are some prominent flora species found in Nameri National Park:

(1) Assam Silk Tree (Albizia procera): A large deciduous tree with feathery leaves and showy pink flowers, it is known for its commercial value in the silk industry.

(2) Elephant Apple (Dillenia indica): This tree produces large, round fruits that are consumed by elephants and other wildlife. It has broad leaves and striking white flowers.

(3) Indian Rosewood (Dalbergia sissoo): A valuable timber tree with dark, durable wood, it is known for its beautiful grains and is commonly used for furniture.

(4) Hollock (Terminalia myriocarpa): A tall deciduous tree that dominates the forest canopy, it is known for its hard timber and is utilized in construction and boat-making.

(5) Wild Banana (Musa balbisiana): A species of banana that is native to the region, it bears edible fruits and provides a food source for various animals.

(6) Cane Bamboo (Calamus spp.): Nameri National Park is abundant in cane bamboo species that form thickets and serve as important habitats for many animals and birds.

(7) Orchids: The park is home to a variety of orchid species (Dendrobium, Cymbidium and Cypripedioideae), showcasing their stunning beauty and delicate floral arrangements.

Nameri National Park Fauna (Nameri National Park Animals)

Nameri National Park is famous for which animal?

Nameri National Park is renowned for its diverse and vibrant wildlife. The park's varied habitats, including forests, grasslands, wetlands, and riverine areas, support a wide range of animal species.

Here are some prominent fauna found in Nameri National Park:

Mammals:

Royal Bengal Tiger
Leopard
Clouded Leopard
Wild Dog
Asian Elephant
Gaur
Sambar
Hog Deer
Barking Deer
Sloth Bear
Wild Boar
Large Indian Civet Cat
Small Indian Civet Cat
Himalayan Crestless Porcupine
Yellow throated Marten
Leopard Cat
Common Otter
Black Giant Squirrel
Indian Mongoose
Large Clawed Shrew
Indian Flying Fox
Slow Loris
Assameese Macaque
Rhesus Macaque

Birds:

White Winged Wood duck
Palla’s fish-eagle
Lesser Adjutant Stork
Greater Spotted Eagle
White Ramped Vulture
Long Billed Vulture
Black Bellied Tern
Rufous-necked Hornbill
Wreathed Hornbill
Great Pied Hornbill
Jerdon’s Babbler
Whitecheeked Patridge
Black-bellied Tern
White-tailed Eagle
Lesser Fish Eagle
Red-headed Vulture

Reptiles:

Assam Roofed Turtle
Indian Soft Shell Turtle
Indian Flap Shell Turtle
Keeled Box Turtle
South East Asian Leaf Turtle
Common Blind Snake
Myanmarese Python
Indian Cobra
King Cobra
Pit Viper
Monitor Lizard