Dampa Tiger Reserve UPSC
Dampa Tiger Reserve is located in the northeastern state of Mizoram in India. It is one of the prominent tiger reserves in the country and is known for its rich biodiversity and pristine natural beauty. The reserve covers an area of approximately 500 square kilometers.
The Dampa Tiger Reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several endangered and endemic species. Apart from tigers, the reserve supports populations of animals such as Asian elephants, clouded leopards, leopard cats, wild boars, barking deer, sambar deer, and various species of primates. It also houses a variety of bird species, making it a significant destination for birdwatchers.
|
Table of Contents
|
Dampa Tiger Reserve Location
Dampa Tiger Reserve is located in the Mamit District of the state of Mizoram in northeastern India. It lies along the international border with Bangladesh. On the West, the Dampa Tiger Reserve is bound by the Chittagong hill tracts (Sazek hill range) of Bangladesh.
The reserve is approximately 130 kilometers (80 miles) west of Aizawl, the capital city of Mizoram. It is nestled within the lush landscapes of the lower Western Dampa Hills, offering a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife.
Dampa Tiger Reserve Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Dampa Tiger Reserve is Lengpui Airport (also known as Aizawl Airport) in Mizoram. Lengpui Airport is located in the capital city of Aizawl, which is approximately 130 kilometers (80 miles) east of the reserve. From Lengpui Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Dampa Tiger Reserve.
Dampa Tiger Reserve Nearest Railway Station:
As for the nearest railway station, the major railway station closest to Dampa Tiger Reserve is Silchar Railway Station in the neighboring state of Assam. Silchar Railway Station is situated approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) away from the reserve. From Silchar, you can continue your journey to Dampa Tiger Reserve by road via private vehicles or public transportation.
Dampa Tiger Reserve History
Dampa Tiger Reserve has a rich history associated with its establishment and conservation efforts. Here's an overview of its history:
Early History: The Dampa area, which encompasses the present-day Dampa Tiger Reserve, has been inhabited by indigenous communities for centuries. The indigenous people of Mizoram, including tribes like the Mizo, lived in harmony with the forest and wildlife in the region.
Reserve Declaration: In 1985, Dampa Wildlife Sanctuary was initially declared under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. It aimed to protect the biodiversity of the area, including the tiger population.
Tiger Reserve Status: In 1994-95, Dampa Wildlife Sanctuary was designated as a tiger reserve, primarily to safeguard the endangered Bengal tigers. This upgrade in status emphasized the significance of the reserve for tiger conservation.
Dampa Tiger Reserve Area
Dampa Tiger Reserve covers an approximate area of 500 square kilometers (193 square miles). The area of Dampa Tiger Reserve can be divided as follows:
- Core/critical tiger habitat: 500 sq.km.
- Buffer/peripheral area: 488 sq.km.
- Total: 988 sq.km.
Core/Critical Tiger Habitat: The core or critical tiger habitat within Dampa Tiger Reserve covers approximately 500 square kilometers. This area is particularly important for the conservation and protection of the Bengal tiger population, as it provides essential breeding, feeding, and territorial spaces for these majestic big cats.
Buffer/Peripheral Area: The buffer or peripheral area surrounding the core habitat of Dampa Tiger Reserve extends over approximately 488 square kilometers. This area acts as a transition zone between the core tiger habitat and the surrounding human-dominated landscapes. The buffer zone typically allows for more sustainable human activities while still supporting ecological connectivity and wildlife movement.
Total Area: When considering the combined core and buffer areas, the total area of Dampa Tiger Reserve is approximately 988 square kilometers.
Dampa Tiger Reserve Hills
The highest point of the Dampa Tiger Reserve is the Chhawrpialtlang with an altitude of 1095m. Other peaks are Dampatlang (869 M) and Pathlawilunglentlang (780 m).
Dampa Tiger Reserve River
The rivers within Dampa Tiger Reserve play a significant role in shaping the landscape and supporting the diverse ecosystems. Here are the rivers and their tributaries that flow through the reserve:
(1) Khawthlangtuipui River:
The western side of the Dampa Tiger Reserve is drained by the Khawthlangtuipui River. Also known as the Kaladan River, it is a major river in Mizoram and flows through the western part of the state. The Khawthlangtuipui River contributes to the hydrological balance of the reserve and provides water to the surrounding areas.
(2) Teirei River:
The eastern side of the Dampa Tiger Reserve is drained by the Teirei River. This river originates in the hills of Mizoram and flows through the reserve. It forms an important watercourse within the reserve and supports the local ecosystems.
(3) Tributaries of Teirei River:
The Teirei River is further supplemented by several tributaries that flow through the Dampa Tiger Reserve. These tributaries include the Keisalam River, Seling River, and Aivapui River. These smaller rivers and streams contribute to the water network of the reserve and provide habitats for various aquatic species.
Dampa Tiger Reserve Flora
Dampa Tiger Reserve is known for its rich and diverse flora. Here are some common types of flora that can be found in Dampa Tiger Reserve:
(1) Tropical Evergreen Forests:
The moist valleys within Dampa Tiger Reserve are home to tropical evergreen forests. These forests are characterized by dense vegetation, with trees that remain green throughout the year. They typically consist of tall, broad-leaved trees, forming a canopy that provides shade to the forest floor.
(2) Semi-Evergreen Forests:
The reserve also features semi-evergreen forests, which are found on the steeper slopes. These forests have a mix of evergreen and deciduous elements, meaning that some trees shed their leaves seasonally. This variation in leaf shedding creates a diverse and dynamic forest ecosystem.
(3) Bamboo Forests:
Dampa Tiger Reserve is known for its extensive bamboo forests. These forests are dominated by two main species: Melocanna baccifera, which is a monopodial bamboo species, and Dendrocalamus cf. longispathus, which is a sympodial bamboo species. These bamboos form an important component of the understorey vegetation within the reserve.
Dampa Tiger Reserve Fauna (Dampa Tiger Reserve Animals)
Dampa Tiger Reserve is home to a diverse array of wildlife. The reserve supports a range of fauna, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Here are some examples:
Mammals:
- Bengal Tiger
- Leopard
- Clouded Leopard
- Golden Cat
- Leopard Cat
- Marbled Cat
- Wild Dog (Dhole)
- Himalayan Black Bear
- Malayan Sun Bear
- Indian Elephant
- Gaur
- Sambar
- Barking Deer
- Serow
- Wild Pig
- Chinese Pangolin
- Himalayan Crestless Porcupine
- Brush-Tailed Porcupine
- Malayan Giant Squirrel
- Hoolock Gibbon
- Rhesus Macaque
- Assamese Macaque
- Pig-Tailed Macaque
- Stump-Tailed Macaque
- Phayre’s Leaf Monkey
- Capped Langur
- Slow Loris
Note- Dampa had one of the highest population densities of clouded leopards.
Birds:
- Great Indian Hornbill
- Wreathed Hornbill
- Pied hornbill
- Imperial Pheasant
- Bhutan Peacock Pheasant
- Khaleej Pheasant
- Red Jungle Fowl
- Red Headed-trogon
Reptiles:
- Indian Rock Python
- King Cobra
- Russell's Viper
- Common Krait
- Bengal Monitor Lizard,
- Indian Flying Lizard
Top Things to do in Dampa Tiger Reserve
Dampa Tiger Reserve offers a range of activities and experiences for visitors who are interested in exploring its natural beauty and wildlife. Here are some top things to do in Dampa Tiger Reserve:
- Wildlife Safari
- Birdwatching
- Nature Walks and Hiking
- Photography
- Visit Tribal Villages
- Nature Conservation and Awareness
Dampa Tiger Reserve UPSC Questions
Q. Dampa Tiger Reserve is located in which state/district?/Where is Dampa Tiger Reserve?
A. Dampa Tiger Reserve is located in the Mamit District of the state of Mizoram in northeastern India.
Q. In which year was Dampa Sanctuary declared as a tiger reserve?
A. Dampa Santuary declared as a tiger reserve in 1994-95.
Q. Which river flows through dampa Tiger Reserve?
A. Khawthlangtuipui river, Teirei river, Keisalam, Seling and Aivapui river flow through the Dampa Tiger Reserve.
Q. How many tigers are there in Dampa?
A. In the tiger census of 2018, no tiger was found in Dampa Tiger Reserve.
Q. What is the Dampa Tiger Reserve famous for?
A. Dampa Tiger Reserve is famous for several reasons. Here are some of the notable aspects that make the reserve renowned:
- Bengal Tiger Conservation
- Biodiversity Hotspot
- Conservation Significance
- Pristine Natural Beauty
- Tribal Culture
- Adventure and Nature Tourism
No comments:
Post a Comment