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Saturday, September 30, 2023

Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary

Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is part of the Eastern Himalayas and is known for its pristine and remote wilderness. It one of the largest protected areas in the state.


Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including several endangered and rare species. The sanctuary is also known for its diverse avian population, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.


The sanctuary encompasses a range of ecosystems, from subtropical forests to alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks. The diverse topography and altitude variations contribute to the sanctuary's rich biodiversity.


Table of Contents

  • Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary Location
  • Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary History
  • Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary Area
  • Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary River
  • Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary Tribe
  • Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
  • Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna
    • Mammals
    • Birds
    • Reptile
  • Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions


Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Upper Dibang Valley district of the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, India. This sanctuary is situated in the eastern Himalayan region, near the Indo-China border. 


Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary is Dibrugarh Airport, which is located in the neighboring state of Assam, India. Dibrugarh Airport is the most convenient airport for travelers heading to Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary. From Dibrugarh Airport, you would need to make arrangements for further transportation to reach the sanctuary, which is situated in the Upper Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh.


Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

Regarding the nearest railway station, Roing has a railway station in Arunachal Pradesh. Roing is one of the nearest towns to Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary. However, please note that the railway network in Arunachal Pradesh is limited and not well-connected, so travelers often rely on road transportation to access the sanctuary from nearby towns and railway stations.




Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary History

What is the history of Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary?

Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area with a history rooted in conservation efforts and the recognition of its ecological significance. Here's a brief overview of the history of Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary:


Establishment and Notification: Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary was officially notified as a protected area in 1991. The notification by the Department of Environment and Forest of Arunachal Pradesh marked the formal recognition of this region's importance for wildlife conservation.


Biosphere Reserve: Part of Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary falls within the Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve, which is a larger conservation area aimed at protecting the unique ecosystems and biodiversity of the region.


Recent Developments: In recent years, there have been discussions about the potential transformation of Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary into a tiger reserve, as announced by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). However, this proposal has generated concerns and discussions, particularly regarding the impact on the local Idu Mishmi community and their access to the forest.




Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 4,149 square kilometers (1,602 square miles). This makes it one of the largest protected areas in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, India. 


The sanctuary is characterized by its diverse and pristine natural landscapes, including mountains, deep gorges, snow-covered peaks, dense forests, and shimmering rivers. It is situated in the Upper Dibang Valley district and is known for its rich biodiversity, making it an ecologically significant region in the Eastern Himalayas.




Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary River

The Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary is located in a region characterized by several rivers and streams, with the Dibang River being one of the significant water bodies in the vicinity. 


The Dibang River is a prominent river that flows through the region where the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary is situated. The sanctuary is named after this river. The Dibang River is a major tributary of the Brahmaputra River, one of the largest rivers in India.


The Dibang River and its tributaries play a crucial role in shaping the landscape and ecology of the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary. They provide a source of water for the diverse ecosystems within the sanctuary, including the various plant and animal species that depend on these water sources for their survival.




Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary Tribe

The Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, India, and it is home to several indigenous tribes, one of which is the Idu Mishmi tribe. The Idu Mishmi people are an ethnic group native to this region and have a deep cultural and historical connection to the sanctuary and its surrounding areas.


The Idu Mishmi is one of the sub-tribes of the larger Mishmi group. The Mishmi people are indigenous to Arunachal Pradesh and parts of Tibet. The Idu Mishmi primarily inhabit the Mishmi Hills, which includes the areas surrounding the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary.


The Idu Mishmi people have their own unique culture, traditions, and language (Idu Mishmi language), which is considered endangered by UNESCO. They are known for their traditional weaving and craftsmanship skills.


The proposed transformation of Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary into a tiger reserve has raised concerns among the Idu Mishmi community. They are worried that stricter conservation measures, such as the presence of a 'Special Tiger Protection Force,' could limit their access to the forest and affect their traditional way of life.




Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses a wide range of ecosystems, including diverse flora. The sanctuary's vegetation varies with altitude, and it supports a rich array of plant species. Here are some of the notable flora found in the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary:


(1) Temperate Broad-Leaved Forests:

At lower altitudes, the sanctuary is characterized by temperate broad-leaved forests. These forests include a variety of tree species, such as oaks, maples, rhododendrons, and magnolias. The lush canopy of these forests provides habitat for a range of wildlife.


(2) Temperate Coniferous Forests:

As you ascend to higher altitudes, the vegetation transitions to temperate coniferous forests. Here, you can find conifer species like fir, spruce, and pine trees. These forests are adapted to colder temperatures and are often associated with higher elevations.


(3) Alpine Vegetation:

At even higher altitudes, the vegetation gives way to alpine scrub and meadows. Alpine vegetation is characterized by low-statured plants, including grasses, sedges, and dwarf shrubs. These areas are often snow-covered for a significant part of the year.


(4) Bamboo Groves:

Bamboo species are also present in the sanctuary, and bamboo groves can be found in various parts of the region. Bamboo serves as an important source of food and habitat for some wildlife species.


(5) Rhododendrons:

Rhododendron species are common in the sanctuary and are known for their vibrant and colorful flowers. They add to the visual appeal of the region, especially when they bloom.




Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

Which animals are found in Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh?

The Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its rich and diverse fauna. This sanctuary encompasses a variety of ecosystems, ranging from tropical wet evergreen forests to alpine meadows, and provides habitat for numerous wildlife species. 

Here are some of the notable fauna found in the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary:


Mammals:

  • Tiger
  • Snow Leopard 
  • Leopard
  • Mishmi Takin
  • Red Goral
  • Musk Deer
  • Red Panda
  • Asiatic Black Bear


Birds:

  • Ward’s Trogon
  • White-rumped Vulture
  • Slender-billed Vulture
  • Bengal Florican
  • White-winged Duck
  • Lesser Adjutant
  • Swamp Francolin
  • Marsh Babbler
  • Jerdon’s Babbler
  • Black-breasted Parrotbill
  • Red-breasted Hill-Partridge 
  • Nuthatch Sitta 
  • Blyth's Tragopan 
  • Sclater's Monal


Reptiles:

  • Indian Python
  • Reticulated Python
  • King Cobra




Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. In which state Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary is situated?

A. The Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is located in the Upper Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh, which is a state known for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes in the Eastern Himalayas.



Q. Which river flows through Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary?

A. The Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary is named after the Dibang River, which flows through the region. The Dibang River is a significant watercourse in the sanctuary's vicinity and is a major tributary of the Brahmaputra River. The presence of the Dibang River and its associated ecosystems plays a crucial role in shaping the landscape and supporting the biodiversity of the sanctuary.



Q. When was Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary established?

A. The Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary was officially established and notified as a protected area in the year 1991. This notification by the Department of Environment and Forest of Arunachal Pradesh marked its formal recognition as a sanctuary aimed at conserving its unique biodiversity and natural ecosystems.



Q. What is Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?

A. Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for several reasons:


(i) Rich Biodiversity: Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its rich and diverse biodiversity. It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including several endangered and rare species. The sanctuary's unique ecosystems make it an important area for conservation.


(ii) Unique Wildlife: The sanctuary is known for harboring unique and significant wildlife species, such as the Mishmi takin, red goral, musk deer, red panda, Asiatic black bear, and occasionally, tigers. It is also home to various bird species, including critically endangered vultures and rare birds White-winged Duck.


(iii) Scenic Beauty: Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary boasts breathtaking natural beauty. Its dramatic landscapes, including snow-covered peaks, deep gorges, lush forests, and shimmering rivers, make it a picturesque destination for nature enthusiasts and visitors seeking to explore the Eastern Himalayan region.


(iv) Eastern Himalayan Ecosystem: The sanctuary is located within the Eastern Himalayan region, which is recognized for its unique and diverse ecosystems. It contributes to the conservation of this important ecological hotspot.


(v) Cultural Significance: The sanctuary is also culturally significant due to its proximity to indigenous communities, such as the Idu Mishmi tribe, which have a deep cultural and historical connection to the forest and its wildlife.


(vi) Proposed Tiger Reserve: The sanctuary has garnered attention due to a proposal to designate it as a tiger reserve. This has generated discussions and concerns, particularly regarding the impact on local communities and their access to the forest.

Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary

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