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NAMDAPHA, a
Tiger Reserve and National Park, a true wilderness and enchanting
beauty of lush green vegetation, impenetrable pristine and virgin
forests covered an area of 1985.23 square kilometres having diverse
flora and fauna lies in the international border between India and
Myanmar(Burma) within Changlang District in the state of Arunachal
Pradesh in the northeast India.
Namdapha National Park is located at a few kilometre away from Miao
amidst misty blue hills along the turbulent Noa-Dihing river lies
in the sprawling tropical rain forest. It was declared as Tiger
Reserve by the Government in 1983. |
Click on the Map to
zoom-in >>
Map of Namdapha Tiger Reserve |
A
big cat - Tiger |
The beautiful forests possess great
biodiversity of Flora and Fauna. A details study of its species
and genetic variation has not yet been thoroughly done. Namdapha
is Botanist's dream and it may take as long as 50 years to complete
a conprehensive survey of its botanical resources. There are more
than 150 timber species. The Pinus merkusi and Abies delavavi
are not found elsewhere in India. One of the rarest and endangered
orchids, the Blue Vanda found here. The most famous local
madicinal plant Mishimi Teeta (Copti teeta), which
is used by the local tribal for all kinds of diseases is available
here but its export has been banned.
The diverse vegetations and habitats of Namdapha grooms diverse
species of animals and birds. It is only park in the World to have
the four Feline species of big cat namely the Tiger (Panthera
Tigris), Leopard (Panthera Pardus), Snow
Leopard (Panthera Uncia) and Clouded Leopard (Neofelis
Nebulosa) and numbers of Lesser cats. A number of primate
species are seen in the park, such as Assamese macaque, pig-tailed
macaque, stump-tailed macaque and number of the distictive Hoolock
Gibbons (Hylobates Hoolock), highly endangered and
only 'ape' species found in India dwells in this impenetrable virgin
forest. Of the many other important animals are the elephants, black
bear, Indian Bison, several species of deers, reptiles and a variety
of arboreal animals. |
One
of the tallest & largest Tree in Namdapha |
Foot-prints
of a Tiger |
Among the bird species, most notable
are the White winged Wood Ducks, a rare and endangered species,
the great Indian hornbills, jungle fowls and pheasants flop their
noisy way through the jungle, and which harbours other colourful
bird and animal species. The inaccessibility of greater part of
the park has helped to keep the forests in their pristine and virgin
state in its natural form. Moreover, the park possesses great bio
diversity of flora and fauna. The lush green under growths are thick
and intertwined like cobwebs of canes, bamboos, wild bananas and
variety of vegetations The grandeur of the wet tropical rain forest
is breeding ground for varieties of animals and birds which is remarkable
and worth seeing. |
A
scenic view of Namdapha River |
A
view of Namdapha |
The list of Faunal group inhabiting soil, ground, litter, under stone,
decaying woods and grasslands in Namdapha are given below:
Faunal
Group |
Numbers
of Species |
Earthworms |
10 |
Leeches |
5 |
Insects |
430 |
Butterflies & Moths |
140 |
Fishes |
76 |
Amphibians |
25 |
Reptiles |
50 |
Birds |
453 |
Mammals |
96 |
Total |
1285 |
Some of the location of interests in park that have been identified
are:
DEBAN:
A beautiful forest camp on the bank of the river
Noa-Dihing. It is located within the boundary of Namdapha National
Park. One can enjoy the scenic beauty of overlooking Noa-Dihing
river. The Forest Inspection Bungalow located at Deban itself surrounded
by evergreen forest over looking the river Noa-Dihing is worth-staying.
It is also ideal for trekking, hiking and angling on the river Noa-Dihing.
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The
Forest Rest House, Deban |
FIRMBASE:
Located on the Noa-Dehing River bank 25 Km from the Deban Forest lodge.
This is a popular camping site full of nature's splendours. The track
leading to the idyilic spot is enveloped by luxuriant forest and it is
not un common to come across birds and wild animals on the way. For camping
at Firmbase, equipments and guide provided by the forest department is
an unique experience. |
A
Scenery from Namdapha |
HORNBILL:
Just 9 Km from Deban, this is as the name suggests is a homing ground
for hornbills. Here flocks of these birds can be frequently spotted flying
from one grove to another.
HALDIBARI:
This pictureque camping spot, just 5 Km away from Deban, lies across
the Noa-Dehing river can be reached by boat. An overnight stay here is
enjoyable experience in jungle camping.
BULBULIA:
This is an enchanting camping site overlooking a large aquifer and derives
its name from its several natural springs. You need to be extremely lucky
for an opportunity to stay here overnight and exprience close encounters
with wild animals frequenting the water holes in the dark.
CAMERA POINT:
This camping site, as the name suggests offers a vantage point
for a breath-taking view of Namdapha and its lush green landscape.
MOTIJHEEL:
There are a pair of large forest-encased aquifers in this spot
providing grazing pasture for a number of hervivorus. The 5 Km track
from Gibbonsland to this enchanting site is a veritable feast for
bird watchers. |
The animals watch tower
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GANDHIGRAM:
It is situated in the southeast periphery of Namdapha. This is
the remotest and the last village in India wedged China and Myanmar
and is the home land of Lisu (Yobin) tribe. The village is at a
distance of about 120 Km from Deban. A weeklong trek through lush
jungles is more enjoyable for those having a craving for adventure. |
A view of Gandhigram Village,
the last Indian village, Vijoynagar |
# Photos curtesy from: Dr.
S. S. Chandiramani, Reserch Officer, Namdapha Tiger Reserve.
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