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