Orang Tiger Reserve UPSC
Orang Tiger Reserve, also known as Orang National Park, is located in the state of Assam, India. It was designated as a tiger reserve under the Project Tiger initiative, becoming the 49th tiger reserve in India.
The reserve is renowned for its rich biodiversity, supporting a wide range of wildlife species. It is home to the Bengal tiger, Indian one-horned rhinoceros, Asian elephant, wild boar, hog deer, and various bird species.
The reserve is also known for its efforts in conserving the critically endangered pygmy hog.
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Orang Tiger Reserve Location
Orang Tiger Reserve is located in the Darrang and Sonitpur districts of Assam in India. The reserve is situated on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River. It is approximately 150 kilometers west of the state capital, Guwahati.
Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Orang National Park is Salonibari Airport, also known as Tezpur Airport. It is located in Salonibari village, Tezpur, which is approximately 60 kilometers from the park. Salonibari Airport is a domestic airport that serves flights from various cities within India.
Nearest Railway Station:
As for the nearest railway station, the Rangapara North Railway Station is the closest one to Orang Tiger Reserve. It is located in Rangapara town, which is approximately 20 kilometers southeast of the reserve.
Orang Tiger Reserve History
The history of Orang Tiger Reserve dates back to the early 20th century. Here is a brief overview of its history:
1. Orang Wildlife Sanctuary: Orang was initially established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1985. It was designated as the Orang Wildlife Sanctuary to protect the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
2. National Park Status: On 13th April 1999, the Orang Wildlife Sanctuary was upgraded to the status of a national park. It was renamed as the Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park to honor the former Prime Minister of India.
3. Tiger Reserve: In 2016, Orang National Park was declared as a tiger reserve under the Project Tiger initiative. It became the 49th Tiger Reserve in India, aimed at conserving and increasing the population of Bengal tigers.
Mini Kaziranga National Park
Why orang is called Mini kaziranga?/Which is called Mini Kaziranga?
Orang Tiger Reserve is sometimes referred to as the "Mini Kaziranga National Park" due to its resemblance to Kaziranga National Park. Both parks share similarities in terms of landscape, including marshes, streams, and grasslands.
Kaziranga National Park, located in the neighboring state of Assam, is renowned for its population of Indian one-horned rhinoceros and diverse wildlife. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous national parks in India.
Similarly, Orang Tiger Reserve, with its marshy and grassy terrain, supports a variety of wildlife, including the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, elephants, and numerous bird species. The presence of these animals and the similar landscape features have led to the comparison between Orang and Kaziranga, earning Orang the nickname of "Mini Kaziranga National Park."
It's worth noting that while the two parks share similarities, they are separate and distinct entities. Each park has its own unique characteristics, biodiversity, and management practices. Nonetheless, the comparison to Kaziranga highlights the significance and natural beauty of Orang Tiger Reserve.
Orang Tiger Reserve Area
The Orang Tiger Reserve encompasses a total area of approximately 492.46 square kilometers. This includes both the core area and the buffer area of the reserve. The core area of Orang Tiger Reserve spans 79.28 square kilometers, while the buffer area covers 413.18 square kilometers. These combined areas make up the entire extent of the Orang Tiger Reserve.
- Core- 79.28 sq.km
- Buffer- 413.18 sq.km
- Total- 492.46 sq.km
Note- The core area of Orang Tiger Reserve is indeed the smallest among all the tiger reserves in India, covering approximately 79.28 square kilometers.
Orang Tiger Reserve River
The Orang Tiger Reserve is bordered by three rivers: the Pachnoi River, the Belsiri River, and the Dhansiri River. These rivers flow through the reserve's surrounding areas and eventually join the Brahmaputra River.
The presence of these rivers contributes to the diverse ecosystem within the Orang Tiger Reserve, providing water sources for the wildlife and supporting the various habitats found in the region, including marshes, grasslands, and wetlands.
The convergence of these rivers with the Brahmaputra River also plays a significant role in the overall hydrology and ecology of the area.
Orang Tiger Reserve Flora
Orang Tiger Reserve boasts a diverse range of flora, with a variety of plant species found within its boundaries. The reserve's vegetation is influenced by its location in the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River and its associated riverine ecosystems.
Here are some of the prominent flora species found in Orang Tiger Reserve:
(1) Grasslands:
Orang Tiger Reserve is characterized by extensive grasslands, which are a vital component of its ecosystem. Various grass species, including elephant grass (Saccharum ravennae) and spear grass (Imperata cylindrica), dominate these open areas.
(2) Wetland Plants:
The reserve is home to several wetland plants that thrive in marshy areas and along riverbanks. Common species include water lilies (Nymphaea spp.), lotus (Nelumbo spp.), and reeds (Phragmites spp.).
(3) Trees and Forests:
Orang Tiger Reserve also features patches of forests, which primarily consist of moist deciduous and semi-evergreen vegetation. Trees such as Indian rosewood (Dalbergia sissoo), jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), and silk cotton tree (Bombax ceiba) can be found in these forested areas.
(4) Aquatic Plants:
Given the presence of rivers and water bodies, Orang Tiger Reserve supports various aquatic plant species. These include water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes), and various submerged plants that provide shelter and food for aquatic life.
(5) Medicinal and Aromatic Plants:
The reserve is known to harbor numerous medicinal and aromatic plant species. These may include species like Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica), brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), and vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides).
Orang Tiger Reserve Fauna (Orang Tiger Reserve Animals)
Orang Tiger Reserve is home to a rich and diverse array of wildlife species. The reserve's varied habitats, including grasslands, wetlands, and forests, provide a conducive environment for a wide range of fauna.
Here are some of the notable fauna species found in Orang Tiger Reserve:
Mammals:
- Bengal Tiger
- Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros
- Asian Elephant
- Wild Water Buffalo
- Pigmy Hog
Note- Orang Tiger Reserve is the only stronghold of One-horned Rhinoceros on the north bank of the Brahmaputra river.
Birds:
- Great Pied Hornbill
- White-winged Duck
- Swamp Francolin
- Bengal Florican
- Lesser Adjutant
- Pallas's Fish Eagle
- Greater Spotted Eagle
- Blue-throated Barbet
- Black-necked Stork
- Indian Roller
Reptiles:
- Indian Rock Python
- Assam Roofed Turtle
- Bengal Monitor Lizard
- Assam Pit Viper
- Common Indian Krait
- Indian Chameleon
- Common Garden Lizard
- Burmese Python
- Green Tree Frog
Orang Tiger Reserve UPSC Questions
Q. When Orang National Park declared as tiger reserve?
A. Orang National Park was declared as tiger reserve in 2016.
Q. Which river flows through Orang Tiger Reserve?
A. Pachnoi, Belsiri and Dhanshiri river flows through Orang Tiger Reserve.
Q. What is the new name of Orang Tiger Reserve?
A. The Assam cabinet passed a resolution to rename Rajiv Gandhi National Park as Orang National Park in 2021.
Q. Is Orang is smallest tiger reserve in India?
A. Yes, Orang Tiger Reserve is considered one of the smallest tiger reserves in India. The core area of Orang Tiger Reserve covers approximately 79.28 square kilometers, which is relatively small compared to other tiger reserves in the country.
Q. Is Orang a tiger reserve?
A. Yes, Orang is indeed a tiger reserve. Orang Tiger Reserve, located in the state of Assam, India, was declared as a tiger reserve in 2016 under the Project Tiger initiative. It is the 49th tiger reserve in India and is dedicated to the conservation and protection of the Bengal tiger population and its habitat.
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