Namdapha Tiger Reserve UPSC

The Namdapha Tiger Reserve is a protected area located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is one of the largest protected areas in the Eastern Himalayas. The reserve is named after the Namdapha River, which flows through it.

Namdapha Tiger Reserve is known for its rich biodiversity and is recognized as one of the most important tiger reserves in India. It is home to various endangered and rare species, including the Bengal tiger, clouded leopard, snow leopard, and the Indian elephant.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
River
Tribe
Flora
Fauna

Mammals
Birds
Reptile

UPSC Questions

Namdapha Tiger Reserve Location

The Namdapha Tiger Reserve is located in the Changlang District of the state of Arunachal Pradesh in northeastern India. It is situated in the easternmost part of the Indian subcontinent, near the international border with Myanmar (Burma).

The reserve has a common boundary with Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary (Lohit District) and Nampong Forest Division on the south-western side (Changlang District) of Arunachal Pradesh.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Namdapha Tiger Reserve is Dibrugarh Airport, located in Dibrugarh, Assam. It is approximately 160 kilometers (99 miles) away from the reserve.

Nearest Railway Station:

Regarding the nearest railway station, the closest one to Namdapha Tiger Reserve is Tinsukia Junction Railway Station, also located in Tinsukia, Assam. It is approximately 155 kilometers (96 miles) away from the reserve.

Namdapha Tiger Reserve History

The history of Namdapha Tiger Reserve is closely tied to the conservation efforts and initiatives taken to protect the region's unique biodiversity. Here's a brief overview of its history:

1. Early Settlement and Recognition of the Area: The Namdapha region has been inhabited by indigenous tribes for centuries. The area was recognized for its rich natural resources and ecological significance.

2. Creation of Namdapha Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1972, the Government of India declared the Namdapha region as a wildlife sanctuary to protect its diverse flora and fauna. This step aimed to safeguard the habitat of various endangered species and promote conservation.

3. Upgradation to Tiger Reserve: In 1983, the Namdapha Wildlife Sanctuary was upgraded to a tiger reserve, primarily to protect the population of Bengal tigers in the area. This change in status reflected the importance of Namdapha in the national and international conservation landscape.

4. Recognition as a National Park: In 1983, a significant portion of Namdapha Tiger Reserve was declared as Namdapha National Park. This further enhanced its conservation status and focused efforts on preserving its unique ecosystems and wildlife.

Namdapha Tiger Reserve Area

The core or critical tiger habitat within the reserve is approximately 1807.82 square kilometers (698.14 square miles). This is the primary area where tiger conservation efforts are focused to ensure the survival and well-being of the tiger population.

Additionally, there is a buffer or peripheral area surrounding the core habitat, which spans approximately 245 square kilometers (94.61 square miles). The buffer zone acts as a transitional area between the core habitat and the surrounding human settlements or activities. It helps to mitigate potential conflicts and provides additional protection for the reserve's ecological integrity.

Taking into account both the core/critical tiger habitat and the buffer/peripheral area, the total area of the Namdapha Tiger Reserve is 2052.82 square kilometers (793.75 square miles). This comprehensive area coverage reflects the combined efforts to safeguard the diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and the overall conservation values of the reserve.

Core/critical tiger habitat : 1807.82 sq km
Buffer/peripheral area : 245 sq km
Total : 2052.82 sq km

Namdapha Tiger Reserve River

(1) Noa-Dihing River: The Noa-Dihing River is a significant river that flows through the Namdapha Tiger Reserve. It originates from the Patkai Hills and runs through the reserve, eventually joining the Brahmaputra River. The Noa-Dihing River contributes to the hydrology of the reserve, providing water and supporting the diverse ecosystems and wildlife in the area.

(2) Namdapha River: The Namdapha River, as mentioned earlier, is named after the Namdapha Tiger Reserve itself. It flows through the reserve and is an important watercourse within its boundaries. The Namdapha River is a lifeline for the reserve, supporting the flora and fauna and providing essential resources.

(3) Diyun River: The Diyun River is not directly associated with the Namdapha Tiger Reserve. It is a river located in the Changlang District of Arunachal Pradesh, which is where the reserve is situated. The Diyun River flows through the Diyun-Bordumsa Wildlife Sanctuary, which is adjacent to the Namdapha Tiger Reserve.

(4) Dapha River: The Dapha River flow through the reserve.

(5) Deban River: The Deban River is another river that flows through the Namdapha Tiger Reserve. It is named after the Deban Village, which is located within the reserve. The Deban River is a smaller river within the reserve and contributes to the overall hydrology and ecosystem dynamics of the area.

Namdapha Tiger Reserve Tribe

The Namdapha Tiger Reserve is located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in northeastern India, which is known for its diverse tribal communities. Several indigenous tribes inhabit the region surrounding the reserve.

Here are a few prominent tribes that are associated with the Namdapha Tiger Reserve:

(1) Tangsa Tribe: The Tangsa tribe is one of the major ethnic groups in the Changlang District, where the Namdapha Tiger Reserve is situated.

(2) Lisu Tribe: The Lisu tribe is another indigenous community residing in the area around the Namdapha Tiger Reserve.

(3) Singpho Tribe: The Singpho tribe has a significant presence in the Namdapha region.

Namdapha Tiger Reserve Flora

Namdapha Tiger Reserve boasts a diverse range of flora within its moist tropical forest ecosystem. The reserve encompasses various forest types, including the following:

(1) Northern Tropical Evergreen Forest or Assam Valley Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest:

This forest type is dominated by Dipterocarpus species. Dipterocarps are large, hardwood trees that are characteristic of tropical rainforests.

(2) North Indian Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests:

These forests are characterized by the dominance of species such as Terminalia and Duabanga. Terminalia trees are known for their broad, spreading canopies, while Duabanga species are deciduous trees that shed their leaves during certain seasons.

(3) East Himalayan Moist Temperate Forests:

These forests occur at higher elevations and are characterized by a mix of broadleaf evergreen and deciduous tree species. They exhibit traits of both tropical and temperate forests due to their location in the transition zone between the two.

(4) Moist Alpine Scrub Forests:

Found at higher altitudes, these forests are characterized by shrubby vegetation adapted to the harsh alpine conditions. They often consist of low-growing plants and dwarf trees.

(5) Assam Valley Alluvial Plains Semi-evergreen Forests:

This forest type occurs in the plains of the Assam Valley and features a mix of semi-evergreen trees. The term "semi-evergreen" refers to trees that retain their leaves year-round but may shed a portion of them during certain seasons.

(6) Eastern Hollock Forests:

Hollock (Terminalia myriocarpa) is a dominant tree species in these forests. They are generally found in the eastern part of the reserve.

Namdapha Tiger Reserve Fauna (Namdapha Tiger Reserve Animals)

The Namdapha Tiger Reserve is renowned for its rich fauna and is home to a wide variety of animal species. The reserve's diverse habitats, ranging from tropical forests to alpine scrub, support a remarkable array of wildlife.

Here are some notable fauna species found in the Namdapha Tiger Reserve:

Mammals:

Bengal Tiger
Jaguar
Leopard
Snow leopard
Elephants
Himalayan Black Bear
Himalayan Sun Bear
Hoolock Gibbon (only Ape in India)
Slow Loris
Goral
Serow
Sambar
Pig
Malayan Giant Squirrel
Namdapha Flying Squirrel

Birds:

Great Pied Hornbill
White Winged Wood Duck

Reptiles:

King Cobra
Vipers
Kraits
Pythons