Pakke Tiger Reserve UPSC (Pakhui Tiger Reserve UPSC)
Pakke Tiger Reserve, also known as Pakhui Tiger Reserve, is a protected area located in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is nestled in the eastern Himalayan foothills and is recognized as one of the biodiversity hotspots of the region. It falls within the Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot.
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Pakke Tiger Reserve Location
Pakke Tiger Reserve is located in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh in India. It is situated in the eastern Himalayan foothills, sharing borders with the Pakke River to the east and the Kameng River to the west.
Pakke Tiger Reserve is surrounded by the Tenga Reserve Forest to the North, Doimara Reserve Forest on the West, Nameri National Park and Tiger Reserve (Assam) on the South and some agricultural land as well as Papum Reserve Forest on the East.
Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Pakke Tiger Reserve is the Tezpur Airport, located in Tezpur town, Assam. It is approximately 80 kilometers away from the reserve and serves as the most convenient option for air travel to the area.
Nearest Railway Station:
As for the nearest railway station, the closest one to Pakke Tiger Reserve is the Rangapara North Railway Station. It is located in Rangapara town, Assam, at a distance of around 100 kilometers from the reserve.
Pakke Tiger Reserve History
Pakke Tiger Reserve has a rich history that spans several decades. Here is a brief overview of the history of Pakke Tiger Reserve:
1. Reserve Forest: The area of Pakke Tiger Reserve was initially established as Pakhui Reserve Forest on July 1, 1966. It served as a protected forest area, aiming to conserve the rich biodiversity of the region.
2. Wildlife Sanctuary: Pakke Tiger Reserve was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1977, initially covering an area of 862 square kilometers. It was primarily created to protect the habitat of the Bengal tiger and other wildlife species in the region.
3. Recognition as a Tiger Reserve: In 1999-2000, Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary was designated as a tiger reserve under the Project Tiger initiative by the Government of India. This recognition aimed to strengthen conservation efforts and ensure the long-term survival of the endangered Bengal tiger population in the region. Pakke Tiger Reserve became the 26th Tiger Reserve in India, joining the nationwide efforts to protect and preserve this majestic big cat.
4. Hornbill Nest Adoption Program (HNAP): In 2011, the Hornbill Nest Adoption Program (HNAP), in collaboration with the Ghora-Aabhe Society (which is a village council) and the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department was adopted.
5. Biodiversity Award 2016: In recognition of its efforts in the conservation of threatened species, Pakke Tiger Reserve was honored with the India Biodiversity Award in 2016. It received the award in the category of 'Conservation of threatened species' for its innovative Hornbill Nest Adoption Programme. This program, in collaboration with the Ghora-Aabhe Society and the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department, aims to protect the nesting sites and ensure the survival of the hornbill species in the reserve.
6. Pakke Tiger Reserve 2047 Declaration: In 2021, the Arunachal Pradesh state cabinet adopted the 'Pakke Declaration,' also known as the "Pakke Tiger Reserve 2047 Declaration on Climate Change Resilient and Responsive Arunachal Pradesh." This declaration aims to promote "climate resilient development" in the state of Arunachal Pradesh.
Note- Due to its announcement being made in Pakke Tiger Reserve, it is known as Pakke Tiger Reserve Declaration.
Pakke Tiger Reserve Area
The area of Pakke Tiger Reserve is as follows:
- Core/critical tiger habitat : 861.95 Sq. Km
- Buffer/Peripheral area : 515.00 Sq. Km.
- Total : 1276.95 Sq. Km
The core area of Pakke Tiger Reserve spans approximately 861.95 square kilometers and is designated as the critical tiger habitat. It serves as a primary zone for the conservation and protection of the endangered Bengal tiger and other key wildlife species. The core area is managed with strict regulations to ensure the survival and well-being of the animals.
The buffer or peripheral area of Pakke Tiger Reserve covers approximately 515.00 square kilometers. This area surrounds the core habitat and acts as a transition zone between the core area and the surrounding landscape. The buffer zone provides additional support and protection to the wildlife population by minimizing human-wildlife conflicts and promoting sustainable land use practices.
Together, the core and buffer zones make up the total area of Pakke Tiger Reserve, which is approximately 1376.95 square kilometers. This expansive reserve is renowned for its rich biodiversity and plays a crucial role in the conservation of not only tigers but also numerous other flora and fauna species.
Pakke Tiger Reserve River
The Pakke Tiger Reserve is surrounded by several significant rivers and perennial streams, adding to the rich biodiversity and ecological importance of the reserve.
The Bhareli River, also known as the Kameng River, forms the western and northern boundaries of the Pakke Tiger Reserve. This river serves as a lifeline for the surrounding areas, providing water for wildlife and local communities alike.
The Pakke River, after which the reserve is named, flows along its eastern boundary. This river plays a vital role in shaping the landscape and creating diverse habitats for wildlife within the reserve.
Additionally, several perennial streams traverse the reserve, providing crucial water sources and supporting the lush vegetation found in the region. Some of the main perennial streams include:
Nameri Stream: This stream is one of the significant water sources in the area and contributes to the overall hydrological balance of the reserve.
Khari Stream: The Khari stream adds to the water resources and sustains the diverse flora and fauna of the Pakke Tiger Reserve.
Upper Dikorai Stream: Another important perennial stream, the Upper Dikorai, ensures the availability of water throughout the year and supports the various ecosystems within the reserve.
Pakke Tiger Reserve Tribe
The Nyishi community is an indigenous tribe that resides in the vicinity of the Pakke Tiger Reserve. They have a deep cultural and traditional connection with the forests and wildlife of the region. One notable aspect of the Nyishi community's relationship with the environment is their involvement in the conservation of hornbills.
Hornbills hold great significance in Nyishi folklore and culture. The community actively participates in searching for, monitoring, and protecting hornbill nests in the forests surrounding their villages. They serve as local guardians or nest protectors, ensuring the safety and well-being of these magnificent birds. This involvement showcases the deep respect and understanding that the Nyishi community has for their natural surroundings.
The Pakke Paga Festival is an annual event celebrated by the Nyishi tribe, which has gained recognition for its contribution to wildlife conservation and sustainable livelihoods for local communities. The festival serves as a platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Nyishi tribe, including traditional dances, music, arts, and crafts. It also emphasizes the importance of environmental conservation and raises awareness about the need to protect the unique biodiversity of the region, including the Pakke Tiger Reserve.
Pakke Tiger Reserve Flora
The Pakke Tiger Reserve is blessed with a diverse range of flora, comprising various forest types that contribute to its ecological richness. Here are some key vegetation types found within the reserve:
(1) Assam Valley Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forest:
This vegetation type is predominant in the region and characterized by a mix of evergreen and semi-evergreen components. The forests are multi-layered and feature a wide variety of epiphytic flora and woody lianas. Species such as Tetrameles nudiflora, Ailanthus grandis, and Altingia excelsa are notable emergent trees in this forest type.
(2) Subtropical Broadleaved Forests:
Found in the hilltops and higher reaches of the reserve, these forests are dominated by trees from the Fagaceae and Lauraceae families. Mesua ferrea and Castanopsis species are common on the slopes of the hills. The subtropical broadleaved forests add to the overall biodiversity of the reserve.
(3) Lowland Moist Forests:
Along the larger rivers and in low-lying areas, lowland moist forests thrive. These forests are characterized by species such as Dillenia indica and Talauma hodgsonii. The moist conditions near the rivers provide a favorable environment for the growth of these species.
Pakke Tiger Reserve Fauna (Pakke Tiger Reserve Animals)
The Pakke Tiger Reserve is renowned for its diverse and abundant wildlife. The reserve is home to numerous species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Here are some of the notable fauna found within the Pakke Tiger Reserve:
Mammals:
- Tigers
- Leopards
- Asian Elephants
- Hornbills
- Hog Deer
- Barking Deer
- Clouded Leopard
- Wild Dog
- Himalayan Black Bear
- Gaur
- Sambar
- Wild Boar
Birds:
- Hornbills
- Crested Serpent Eagle
- Changeable Hawk-Eagle
- Mountain Hawk-Eagle
- Rufous-bellied Eagle
- Blyth's Tragopan
- Himalayan Monal
- Kalij Pheasant
- Kingfishers
Reptiles:
- King Cobra
- Indian Rock Python
- Assam Roofed Turtle
- Monitor Lizards
Pakke Tiger Reserve Hornbill
Pakke Tiger Reserve is renowned for its rich population of hornbills. The reserve is home to several species of these magnificent birds, which play a crucial role in the ecosystem as seed dispersers. Here are some notable hornbill species found within the Pakke Tiger Reserve:
(1) Great Indian Hornbill (Buceros bicornis):
The Great Indian Hornbill is the largest hornbill species found in the Indian subcontinent. Known for its impressive size and striking appearance, it has a prominent yellow bill with a large casque on top. The male has a black body with a white belly, while the female has a brownish-black body. The Great Indian Hornbill is often spotted flying in the canopy or perched on tall trees.
(2) Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris):
The Oriental Pied Hornbill is a medium-sized hornbill with a distinctive black and white plumage. It has a black bill with a large casque and a white belly. These hornbills are often seen in pairs or small groups, foraging for fruits and insects in the forest. They are known for their loud, trumpeting calls.
(3) Wreathed Hornbill (Rhyticeros undulatus):
The Wreathed Hornbill is a beautiful hornbill species with an intricate plumage pattern. It has a black body with white wings, a yellow bill with a casque, and a long, curled tail. The Wreathed Hornbill is known for its distinctive call, resembling a loud, cackling laugh. It feeds on fruits, insects, and small animals.
(4) Rufous-necked Hornbill (Aceros nipalensis):
The Rufous-necked Hornbill is a medium-sized hornbill species with a dark brown plumage and a rufous-colored neck. It has a yellow bill with a casque and a white belly. These hornbills are often found in pairs or small groups and are known for their deep, resonant calls. They primarily feed on fruits and insects.
These hornbill species, along with other smaller hornbill species like the Brown Hornbill and the Grey-headed Hornbill, contribute to the biodiversity and ecological balance of the Pakke Tiger Reserve. Their presence in the forest is not only a visual treat for visitors but also an important indicator of a healthy ecosystem.
Pakke Tiger Reserve UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Pakke Tiger Reserve?
A. Pakke Tiger Reserve located in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh in India.
Q. Which river passes through Pakke Tiger Reserve?
A. Bhareli or Kameng, Pakke, Nameri, Khari and Upper Dikorai river passes through Pakke Tiger Reserve.
Q. Which Indian state has adopted the Pakke Tiger Reserve 2047 Declaration?
A. Arunachal Pradesh has adopted the Pakke Tiger Reserve 2047 Declaration.
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