Dibru-Saikhowa National Park

GS 3: Environment

• Location: Tinsukia district, Assam
• Established: Declared as a National Park in 1999
• Total Area: 340 sq km
• Biosphere Reserve: Part of the Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve (765 sq km)
• River Systems: Surrounded by the Brahmaputra and Lohit rivers

Geographic and Ecological Importance

• Eco-region: Located in the eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot
• Habitat Diversity: Tropical moist deciduous forest, semi-evergreen forest, grasslands, swamp forest, and wetlands
• Unique Feature: One of the largest swamp forest ecosystems in India
• Climate: Subtropical monsoon climate with high rainfall

Flora and Fauna

Flora

• Known for its semi-evergreen and deciduous forests, grasslands, and wetland vegetation
• Major tree species: Sal (Shorea robusta), Hollong (Dipterocarpus macrocarpus), and Kadam (Neolamarckia cadamba)

Fauna

• Mammals:
  • Endangered species: Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Gangetic Dolphin
  • Notable species: Feral Horses (descendants of abandoned army horses from World War II)
  • Primates: Hoolock Gibbon, Assamese Macaque
• Avian Diversity: Over 500 bird species, including the White-winged Wood Duck, Bengal Florican, and Black-breasted Parrotbill
• Reptiles & Amphibians: Indian Rock Python, Monitor Lizards, and various frog species

Conservation Significance

• Biodiversity Hotspot: Part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot
• Ramsar Site: Designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention