Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the state of Assam, India. It is an integral part of the Dhansiri Lungding Elephant Reserve.
The sanctuary features a diverse terrain, including plains, undulating country, low hills, and riverbanks. It is part of the Karbi plateau and the plains of the Kopili and Diyung rivers, with the Jamuna River marking its northern boundary.
The sanctuary falls under a tropical monsoon climate zone, with hot and wet summers and cool and dry winters. It is in a relatively low rainfall zone, making it a rain-shadow area in northeast India.
The sanctuary is home to tropical moist deciduous and tropical semi-evergreen forests. The area also includes abandoned jhums (slash-and-burn shifting cultivation) covered with various grasses and shrubs, as well as plantations of teak, Gmelina, and Albizzia.
The best time to visit the sanctuary is from November to March when the weather is relatively cooler and drier.
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Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the South West of Karbi Anglong district in the state of Assam, India. It is an integral part of the Dhansiri Lungding Elephant Reserve in Assam.
The sanctuary encompasses several reserve forests, including Disama, Kaki (Karbi Anglong part), Inglongkiri, and Miyungdisa. The sanctuary's geographical features include plains, undulating terrain, low hills, and riverbanks, with the Jamuna River marking its northern boundary.
Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary is the Dimapur Airport located approximately 60 kilometers away from the sanctuary. Dimapur Airport is in the state of Nagaland, and it serves as the closest major airport for accessing the sanctuary.
Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary is the Diphu Railway Station, which is situated about 8 kilometers from the sanctuary. Diphu is a town in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam, and the railway station provides a convenient point of access for visitors traveling by train to the sanctuary.
Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary History
Establishment: Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary was officially notified on April 19, 2003. This formal designation aimed to protect the unique ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and the diverse flora and fauna found within its boundaries. The sanctuary's establishment was likely a result of conservation efforts and advocacy by local communities, conservationists, and governmental authorities to safeguard the natural heritage of the region.
Part of Elephant Reserve: The sanctuary's strategic location within the Dhansiri Lungding Elephant Reserve, along with its rich biodiversity, made it a crucial component in the broader conservation landscape of Assam. It was designated as an Elephant Reserve under Project Elephant, highlighting its importance in the protection and management of Asian Elephants.
Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary Area
Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 45,100 hectares (451 square kilometers). This sanctuary is a significant part of the Dhansiri Lungding Elephant Reserve and plays a crucial role in the conservation of the region's biodiversity, including various wildlife species and their natural habitats.
Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary River
The Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary is traversed by several rivers and streams, which are an essential part of its ecosystem and provide water sources for the wildlife and vegetation within the sanctuary. Some of the notable rivers and water bodies in and around the sanctuary include:
(1) Jamuna River:
The Jamuna River marks the northern boundary of the Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary. It serves as a significant geographical feature and likely influences the distribution of wildlife and vegetation in the area. Being a perennial river, it provides a consistent source of water throughout the year.
(2) Lungding River:
This river flows through the sanctuary and contributes to the water supply for the region's flora and fauna. Its presence supports the diverse ecosystems found within the sanctuary.
Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by a diverse range of flora, including tropical moist deciduous and tropical semi-evergreen forests. Here are some of the notable flora species that can be found in the sanctuary:
Khair (Acacia catechu): Khair is a deciduous tree known for its hard and durable wood. It is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of India and provides valuable timber.
Sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo): Sissoo, also known as Indian Rosewood, is a deciduous tree that produces high-quality timber and is used in furniture making.
Simul (Bombax ceiba): Simul is a tall deciduous tree with distinctive red flowers. Its wood is used for making canoes and traditional boats.
Urium (Oroxylum indicum): Urium is a deciduous tree that has medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine.
Kokoli: Kokoli is a type of tree found in the region, although specific information about this tree species may be limited.
Amari: Amari is another tree species that can be found in the sanctuary.
Sopa: Sopa is a tree species commonly found in tropical forests in India. It may have various traditional uses.
Cham: Cham, also known as Artocarpus heterophyllus, is a species of jackfruit tree that produces large edible fruits.
Bonsum: Bonsum is another tree species present in the sanctuary, but specific details about its characteristics are limited.
Bamboo Species (Dendrocalamus hamiltonii and Bambusa tulda): Bamboo is an important component of the sanctuary's flora and is used for various purposes, including construction and crafts.
Grasses and Shrubs: The sanctuary may also have areas covered with grasses such as Themeda villosa, Saccharum procerum, Imperata cylindrica, Eupatorium odoratum, as well as shrubs.
Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including several mammal, reptile, and bird species. Here are some of the notable fauna found in the sanctuary based on the information you provided:
Mammals:
- Asian Elephant
- Tiger
- Leopard
- Clouded leopard
- Porcupine
- Slow Loris
- Pangolin
- Hoolock Gibbon
- Capped Langur
- Rhesus Macaque
- Pig-tailed Macaque
- Assamese Macaque
- Stump-tailed Macaque
- Slow Loris
- Leopard Cat
- Jungle Cat
- Wild Dog
- Asiatic Black Bear
- Gaur
- Serow
- Sambar
- Barking Deer
- Malayan Giant Squirrel
Birds:
- White-winged Duck
- Green Peafowl
- Oriental Pied Hornbill
- Great Pied Hornbill
- Whitecheeked Hill Partridge
- Grey Peacock Pheasant
- Black-backed Forktail
- Himalayan Golden-backed Woodpecker
- Necklaced Laughingthrush
- Black-gorgeted Laughingthrush
- Rufous-necked Laughingthrush
- Sultan Tit
- Common Hill Partridge
- Bamboo Partridge
- Pied Falconet
- Grey-headed Parakeet
- Asian Emerald Cuckoo
- Bay Woodpecker
- Maroon Oriole
- Black-naped Oriole
- Grey Treepie Shrike
- White-throated Bulbul
- Greywinged Blackbird
- Red-headed Babbler
Reptiles:
- Banded Krait
- Rock Python
- Monitor Lizard
- Brown Hill Tortoise
Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. What is Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam, India, is famous for several reasons:
(i) Rich Biodiversity: The sanctuary is renowned for its diverse range of wildlife, including iconic species like the Asian Elephant, Tigers, Leopards, Clouded Leopards, and various species of deer. It is also home to a wide variety of bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.
(ii) Conservation Significance: Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary is an integral part of the Dhansiri Lungding Elephant Reserve and plays a critical role in the conservation of the Asian Elephant and other wildlife species. It has been designated as an Elephant Reserve under Project Elephant, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding this endangered species.
(iii) Scenic Beauty: The sanctuary's terrain, which includes plains, undulating country, low hills, and riverbanks, offers stunning landscapes and natural beauty. It provides visitors with picturesque views of the diverse flora and fauna.
(iv) Cultural Heritage: The sanctuary may also have cultural significance for local communities residing in the region, as they often have traditional relationships with the land and its wildlife.
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