Dampa Tiger Reserve UPSC

Dampa Tiger Reserve is located in the northeastern state of Mizoram in India. It is one of the prominent tiger reserves in the country and is known for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty.

The Dampa Tiger Reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several endangered and endemic species.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Hills
River
Flora
Fauna

Mammals
Birds
Reptile

UPSC Questions

Dampa Tiger Reserve Location

Dampa Tiger Reserve is located in the Mamit District of the state of Mizoram in northeastern India. It lies along the international border with Bangladesh. On the West, the Dampa Tiger Reserve is bound by the Chittagong hill tracts (Sazek hill range) of Bangladesh.

The reserve is approximately 130 kilometers (80 miles) west of Aizawl, the capital city of Mizoram. It is nestled within the lush landscapes of the lower Western Dampa Hills, offering a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Dampa Tiger Reserve is Lengpui Airport (also known as Aizawl Airport) in Mizoram. Lengpui Airport is located in the capital city of Aizawl, which is approximately 130 kilometers (80 miles) east of the reserve.

Nearest Railway Station:

As for the nearest railway station, the major railway station closest to Dampa Tiger Reserve is Silchar Railway Station in the neighboring state of Assam. Silchar Railway Station is situated approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) away from the reserve.

Dampa Tiger Reserve History

Dampa Tiger Reserve has a rich history associated with its establishment and conservation efforts. Here's an overview of its history:

1. Early History: The Dampa area, which encompasses the present-day Dampa Tiger Reserve, has been inhabited by indigenous communities for centuries. The indigenous people of Mizoram, including tribes like the Mizo, lived in harmony with the forest and wildlife in the region.

2. Reserve Declaration: In 1985, Dampa Wildlife Sanctuary was initially declared under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. It aimed to protect the biodiversity of the area, including the tiger population.

3. Tiger Reserve Status: In 1994-95, Dampa Wildlife Sanctuary was designated as a tiger reserve, primarily to safeguard the endangered Bengal tigers. This upgrade in status emphasized the significance of the reserve for tiger conservation.

Dampa Tiger Reserve Area

Dampa Tiger Reserve covers an approximate area of 500 square kilometers (193 square miles). The area of Dampa Tiger Reserve can be divided as follows:

Core/critical tiger habitat: 500 sq.km.
Buffer/peripheral area: 488 sq.km.
Total: 988 sq.km.

Core/Critical Tiger Habitat: The core or critical tiger habitat within Dampa Tiger Reserve covers approximately 500 square kilometers. This area is particularly important for the conservation and protection of the Bengal tiger population, as it provides essential breeding, feeding, and territorial spaces for these majestic big cats.

Buffer/Peripheral Area: The buffer or peripheral area surrounding the core habitat of Dampa Tiger Reserve extends over approximately 488 square kilometers. This area acts as a transition zone between the core tiger habitat and the surrounding human-dominated landscapes. The buffer zone typically allows for more sustainable human activities while still supporting ecological connectivity and wildlife movement.

Total Area: When considering the combined core and buffer areas, the total area of Dampa Tiger Reserve is approximately 988 square kilometers.

Dampa Tiger Reserve Hills

The highest point of the Dampa Tiger Reserve is the Chhawrpialtlang with an altitude of 1095m. Other peaks are Dampatlang (869 M) and Pathlawilunglentlang (780 m).

Dampa Tiger Reserve River

The rivers within Dampa Tiger Reserve play a significant role in shaping the landscape and supporting the diverse ecosystems. Here are the rivers and their tributaries that flow through the reserve:

(1) Khawthlangtuipui River:

The western side of the Dampa Tiger Reserve is drained by the Khawthlangtuipui River. Also known as the Kaladan River, it is a major river in Mizoram and flows through the western part of the state.

(2) Teirei River:

The eastern side of the Dampa Tiger Reserve is drained by the Teirei River. This river originates in the hills of Mizoram and flows through the reserve.

(3) Tributaries of Teirei River:

The Teirei River is further supplemented by several tributaries that flow through the Dampa Tiger Reserve. These tributaries include the Keisalam River, Seling River, and Aivapui River. These smaller rivers and streams contribute to the water network of the reserve and provide habitats for various aquatic species.

Dampa Tiger Reserve Flora

Dampa Tiger Reserve is known for its rich and diverse flora. Here are some common types of flora that can be found in Dampa Tiger Reserve:

(1) Tropical Evergreen Forests:

The moist valleys within Dampa Tiger Reserve are home to tropical evergreen forests. These forests are characterized by dense vegetation, with trees that remain green throughout the year. They typically consist of tall, broad-leaved trees, forming a canopy that provides shade to the forest floor.

(2) Semi-Evergreen Forests:

The reserve also features semi-evergreen forests, which are found on the steeper slopes. These forests have a mix of evergreen and deciduous elements, meaning that some trees shed their leaves seasonally. This variation in leaf shedding creates a diverse and dynamic forest ecosystem.

(3) Bamboo Forests:

Dampa Tiger Reserve is known for its extensive bamboo forests. These forests are dominated by two main species: Melocanna baccifera, which is a monopodial bamboo species, and Dendrocalamus cf. longispathus, which is a sympodial bamboo species. These bamboos form an important component of the understorey vegetation within the reserve.

Dampa Tiger Reserve Fauna (Dampa Tiger Reserve Animals)

Dampa Tiger Reserve is home to a diverse array of wildlife. The reserve supports a range of fauna, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Here are some examples:

Mammals:

Bengal Tiger
Leopard
Clouded Leopard
Golden Cat
Leopard Cat
Marbled Cat
Wild Dog (Dhole)
Himalayan Black Bear
Malayan Sun Bear
Indian Elephant
Gaur
Sambar
Barking Deer
Serow
Wild Pig
Chinese Pangolin
Himalayan Crestless Porcupine
Brush-Tailed Porcupine
Malayan Giant Squirrel
Hoolock Gibbon
Rhesus Macaque
Assamese Macaque
Pig-Tailed Macaque
Stump-Tailed Macaque
Phayre’s Leaf Monkey
Capped Langur
Slow Loris

Note- Dampa had one of the highest population densities of clouded leopards.

Birds:

Great Indian Hornbill
Wreathed Hornbill
Pied hornbill
Imperial Pheasant
Bhutan Peacock Pheasant
Khaleej Pheasant
Red Jungle Fowl
Red Headed-trogon

Reptiles:

Indian Rock Python
King Cobra
Russell's Viper
Common Krait
Bengal Monitor Lizard,
Indian Flying Lizard