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NAMDAPHA
TIGER RESERVE
Namdapha came under Project Tiger in 1983 and derives its name from
a river that flows through this area. It spreads
over 1,985 sq. kms with a core area of 1,808 sq.kms. The entire area is
under the unitary control of
the field director. Located
at the confluence of three biotic provinces, the Himalayan Highlands, Bengal
rain forests, and Burmese monsoon forests the area has a high bio-diversity
along with an array of endemic forms.
Altitudinal diversity is
high from 200 msl to 4,500 msl, moving from riverine grasslands to sub-alpine
and alpine vegetation.
The reserve is remote, inacessible,
hilly with difficult terrain and a high rainfall of 2,800 mm. These factors
prevent biotic pressures on the core and sustain the excellent vegetation.
This is also one of India's biosphere
reserves and detailed studies
have been done in areas that are accessible in an effort to document the
living organisms that are so varied under this incredible umbrella. 73
species of lichens, 59 Bryophytes, 112 Pteridoplytes, 5 Gymosperms, 801
angiosperms are only a few of the species recorded, in 60% of the area
of this reserve.
Under the umbrella of this
forest live threatened, rare and endangered species and 2 new genera, 4
new species and 14 new distributional records have been recorded. There
is a high level of endemism. Pinus merkusii and Abier delavavi are found
only here in India. Mishmi tita used for medicine, is also found here.
It is the only reserve in
India that is home to four of the large cats, tiger, leopard, clouded leopard
and snow leopard. There are 96 species of Mammals out of which 29 species
are on schedule I of the Wildlife Act. A
new species the Namdapha
flying squirrel was discovered for the first time in 1983, so far 350 species
of birds have been recorded. 14 beetles, 5 ollusks, 5 fish, and 3 amphibians
are some of the never ending species recorded so far.
After Project Tiger various
infrastructures have developed including wireless communication for better
management and protection. A small museum and interpretation centre reveals
the story of man and forest. There are only 54 kms of roads in the area.
Research activities still have to gather a momentum but it is hoped that
this rich biodiversity will soon attract serious research. It is through
such in-depth studies of threatened endemic flora and fauna that ways will
be found to preserve this unique biosphere into the future. There were
said to be 29 tigers in 1979 and present estimates indicate a number of
49. Other population estimates have not been done. The area caters to very
few tourists. The local tribals hunt on traditional and ceremonial occasions,
but not on an excessive scale. There are however incidents of commercial
poaching on the lndo-Burmese border. The Chakma tribals tend to live in
harmony with the forest. There are a few habitations
on the northern and eastern
boundary of the reserve which could pose a threat in the future in terms
of biotic pressure. Eco-developments measures are being initiated in these
areas, so as to reduce the serious nibbling
that occurs and causes damage
to this habitat.
The staff has not been trained
in wildlife management and this is vital for a commitment and dedication
especially since this is one of the most unique habitats of the tiger.
Though there are no extremists,
frequent patrolling of the army in search of possible insurgents occurs
and could be a cause of concern in the future.
Namdapha is very special
not only for India but the entire planet. A vital facet of its future concerns
research and through this mankind will find answers to disease, infections
and sickness. But this seems to be an umbrella of nature that is still
magical. We must ensure that it remains that way. |