Manas National Park

A Jewel of Biodiversity

Location 

Manas National Park is located in the Indian state of Assam, in the north-eastern region of the country. The park is situated on the foothills of the eastern Himalayas and is bordered by the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan. The park is spread over an area of around 950 square kilometers and is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary.

Area 

The park was established in 1990 and covers an area of around 950 square kilometers. It is divided into three ranges, namely the Western Range, Central Range, and Eastern Range. The park has a varied topography, with hills, valleys, and forests. The Manas River flows through the park, dividing it into two halves.

Wildlife 

Manas National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including several endangered and vulnerable species. The park is known for its population of the Bengal tiger, which is one of the most endangered big cats in the world. Other mammals found in the park include the Indian rhinoceros, Asian elephant, clouded leopard, gaur, and several species of deer. The park is also home to a variety of primates, including the golden langur, Assamese macaque and capped langur.

Flora 

The park is situated in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot and is home to a wide range of plant species. The tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests of the park are dominated by tall trees, including species like Dipterocarpus retusus, Hopea odorata, and Tectona grandis. These trees are essential for the conservation of the park's rich biodiversity, providing food and shelter to a vast array of wildlife. The park's bamboo groves and grasslands are equally important as they provide habitat for several herbivorous mammals, including elephants, rhinos, and deer. The bamboo groves are also the favored nesting sites for several bird species, including the vulnerable rufous-necked hornbill.

The wetlands of Manas National Park are another critical component of the park's natural environment. These wetlands are home to several aquatic species like the critically endangered pygmy hog, the fishing cat, and the smooth-coated otter. The wetlands are also vital for maintaining the hydrological balance of the region, as they help recharge the groundwater and mitigate floods during the monsoon season.

In recent years, the park has also seen the reintroduction of several plant species that were previously lost due to habitat destruction and over-exploitation. The park management has initiated programs to restore degraded habitats and establish plant nurseries to promote the growth of endangered species.

Fauna 

Apart from the Bengal tiger, Manas National Park is home to several other species of big cats, including the leopard and the clouded leopard. The park is also known for its rich birdlife, with over 450 species recorded so far. Some of the notable bird species found in the park include the great hornbill, the wreathed hornbill, and the Bengal florican.

Natural Environment 

Manas National Park is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas and has a varied topography, with hills, valleys, and forests. The park is fed by the Manas River, which originates in Bhutan and flows through the park before entering the Brahmaputra River. The climate in the region is tropical, with high humidity and heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. The park is also home to several ethnic communities, including the Bodo, Rabha, and Garo tribes, who have been living in the area for centuries and have a deep connection with the natural environment.

Manas National Park is not just a sanctuary of wildlife and natural beauty, but it also holds a deep cultural significance for the ethnic communities living in the area. The park is a symbol of their traditional ways of life, their beliefs, and their connection to the land. As such, it is not only our responsibility to preserve the park's flora and fauna but also to respect and protect the culture and heritage of the people who have lived in harmony with this ecosystem for centuries. By doing so, we can ensure that Manas National Park remains a treasure trove of wilderness and culture for generations to come.