Raimona National Park UPSC

Raimona National Park is a protected area located in the Assam, India. It is known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem. It is home to various species of flora and fauna.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
River
Flora
Fauna
UPSC Questions

Raimona National Park Location

Raimona National Park is located in the Gossaigaon and Kokrajhar subdivisions of Kokrajhar district of Assam, India. It is situated in the extreme western part of Assam.

The Raimona National Park is within the Bodoland Territorial Region. The Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) is an autonomous region and a proposed state in Assam, India.

The Raimona National Park is surrounded by the Phipsoo Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan to its north, the Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal to its west and the Manas National Park to its east.

Raimona National Park is bounded on the west by the Sonkosh river and the Saralbhanga river on the east. Both the rivers are tributaries of Brahmaputra. The Pekua river defines park’s southern boundary.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest Airport to Raimona National Park is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport, Guwahati.

Nearest Railway Station:

The Kokrajhar Railway Station is the nearest to Raimona National Park. The National Park is almost 53 kilometres away from Kakrojhar.

Raimona National Park History

National Park Status: In 2021, Raimona National Park was declared a national park. It is the sixth National Park of Assam. Assam now has 7 National Parks: Kaziranga, Nameri, Orang, Manas, Dibru-Saikhowa, Dehing Patkai and Raimona.

Assam is the state with the second highest number of national parks in the country, after Madhya Pradesh’s 11. The Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar has 9 national parks.

Raimona National Park Area

Raimona National Park covers an area of approximately 422 square kilometers (163 square miles). This area includes diverse habitats such as forests, grasslands, wetlands, and riverine ecosystems.

The area of the Raimona National Park includes the northern part of the notified Ripu Reserve Forest, which forms the western-most buffer to the Manas National Park that straddles the India-Bhutan border.

Raimona National Park River

Raimona National Park is bounded by tributaries of the Brahmaputra, the Sonkosh river on the west and the Saralbhanga river on the east. The Pekua river makes Raimona National Park’s southern boundary.

(1) Sonkosh River:

The Sonkosh River originates in the Bhutan foothills and eventually joins the Brahmaputra River in Assam. It serves as a vital water source for both wildlife and human populations in the region.

(2) Saralbhanga River:

Saralbhanga River create eastern boundry of the Raimona National Park.

(3) Pekua River:

The Pekua river create southern boundary of Raimona National Park.

Raimona National Park Flora

Raimona National Park in Assam, India is known for its rich and diverse flora. The park's vegetation comprises various types of forests, grasslands, wetlands, and riverine ecosystems.

Here are some of the prominent flora species found in Raimona National Park:

(1) Sal Trees (Shorea robusta):

Sal is one of the dominant tree species in the park's forests. These tall, deciduous trees are known for their valuable timber and provide habitat for many animal species.

(2) Teak Trees (Tectona grandis):

Teak is another important tree species found in Raimona National Park. It is highly valued for its durable wood and is often cultivated for commercial purposes.

(3) Bamboo:

Several species of bamboo can be found in the park, such as Bambusa balcooa and Dendrocalamus strictus. Bamboo plays a vital role in the ecosystem and provides food and shelter for various wildlife species.

(4) Orchids:

Raimona National Park is home to a diverse range of orchids. These delicate and beautiful flowering plants add to the park's floral diversity.

(5) Grasses:

The grasslands and meadows in the park support a variety of grass species. They form important feeding grounds for herbivores and serve as breeding habitats for many bird species.

(6) Aquatic Plants:

The wetlands and riverine areas of Raimona National Park are home to various aquatic plants such as water lilies, lotuses, and submerged grasses.

Raimona National Park Fauna (Raimona National Park Animals)

Raimona National Park in Assam, India is home to a diverse range of fauna, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The park's varied ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, wetlands, and riverine habitats, provide habitats for numerous species.

Here are some of the notable fauna found in Raimona National Park:

Mammals:

Golden Langur
Asian Elephant
Royal Bengal Tiger
Clouded Leopard
Indian Gaur
Wild Water Buffalo
Spotted Deer
Slow Loris
Assamese Macaque
Rhesus Monkey
Capped Langur
Chinese Pangolin
Dhole or Asian Wild Dog
Himalayan Black Bear
Crab-eating Mongoose,
Jungle Cat
Leopard Cat
Asian Golden Cat
Leopard
Himalayan Serow
Sambar
Chital
Hog Deer
Barking Deer
Crestless Himalayan Porcupine
Hispid Hare

Note- Raimona National Park is renowned for Golden Langur, an endemic species.

Birds:

White-bellied Heron
Swamp Francolin
Kaleej Pheasant
Grey Peacock Pheasant
Indian Peafowl,
Oriental Darter
Lesser Adjutant
Collared Falconet
Slender-billed Vulture
White-backed Vulture
Besra
Black Baza
Jerdon's Baza
Osprey
Bengal Florican
Ibisbill
Green Imperial Pigeon
Mountain Imperial Pigeon
Red-breasted Parakeet
Great Pied Hornbill
Occasional Rufous-necked
Grey Hornbills
Wreathed Hornbill
Hill Myna
Scaly Thrush

Reptiles:

Indian Python
King Cobra
Indian Rock Python
Bengal Monitor Lizard
Indian Cobra
Indian Tent Turtle