Kamlang Tiger Reserve UPSC
Kamlang Tiger Reserve is a protected area located in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. It was established in 2016 and covers an area of approximately 783 square kilometers (302 square miles). The reserve is named after the Kamlang River, which flows through it.
The terrain of Kamlang Tiger Reserve is characterized by dense forests, hills, and valleys, making it a suitable habitat for wildlife. The reserve is located in the Eastern Himalayas, and its elevation ranges from 200 meters (656 feet) to 4,572 meters (15,000 feet) above sea level. The diverse topography contributes to the richness of its biodiversity.
The primary objective of Kamlang Tiger Reserve is the conservation and protection of the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), which is an endangered species. However, the reserve is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including other mammals like Asian elephants, clouded leopards, Himalayan black bears, and various species of deer.
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Kamlang Tiger Reserve Location
Kamlang Tiger Reserve is located in the south-eastern part of the Lohit District of Arunachal Pradesh in India. It is surrounded by the Kamlang River on the Northern side and Namdapha National Park on the Southern side.
Kamlang Tiger Reserve Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Kamlang Tiger Reserve is the Dibrugarh Airport (also known as Mohanbari Airport), which is located in Dibrugarh, Assam. The airport is approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) away from the reserve. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kamlang Tiger Reserve.
Kamlang Tiger Reserve Nearest Railway Station:
Regarding the nearest railway station, the Tinsukia Junction Railway Station is the closest one to Kamlang Tiger Reserve. It is located in Tinsukia, Assam, at a distance of approximately 170 kilometers (106 miles) from the reserve. Similar to the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus from the railway station to reach the reserve.
Kamlang Tiger Reserve History
Kamlang Tiger Reserve has a relatively short history, as it was established as a protected area relatively recently. Here is a brief overview of its history:
Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1989, Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary was established as a protected area. It served as a sanctuary for various wildlife species, including the Bengal tiger.
Tiger Reserve Status: In 2016, Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve under Project Tiger, a conservation program in India aimed at protecting the Bengal tiger and its habitat. With this declaration, it became Kamlang Tiger Reserve, officially recognized as the 50th tiger reserve in India.
The upgrade to a tiger reserve signifies an increased focus on tiger conservation efforts, including stricter protection measures, anti-poaching initiatives, habitat restoration, and community involvement. Kamlang Tiger Reserve plays a significant role in the conservation of the Bengal tiger and the preservation of the Eastern Himalayan ecosystem.
Kamlang Tiger Reserve Area
Kamlang Tiger Reserve covers an approximate area of 783 square kilometers (302 square miles). This area encompasses the protected forest and wildlife habitat within the reserve's boundaries. The reserve area consists of dense forests, hills and valleys.
Kamlang Tiger Reserve Hills
Kamlang Tiger Reserve is located in the Eastern Himalayas, which is characterized by its hilly terrain. The reserve itself is surrounded by hills and is home to numerous hill ranges that contribute to the diverse landscape and ecosystem of the area. These hills provide a variety of habitats for wildlife species and contribute to the overall scenic beauty of the reserve.
Kamlang Tiger Reserve River
Kamlang River:
Kamlang Tiger Reserve is traversed by the Kamlang River, which flows through the reserve. The river holds significant importance in the ecosystem of the reserve as it provides water for wildlife and supports a diverse range of aquatic species.
The Kamlang River originates from the Mishmi Hills in Arunachal Pradesh and passes through various parts of the reserve. It adds to the natural beauty of the area with its clear waters and is surrounded by lush green vegetation along its banks.
The river serves as a vital water source for wildlife in the reserve, attracting animals to its banks for drinking and providing a habitat for various aquatic species. The presence of the Kamlang River contributes to the overall biodiversity and ecological balance within the reserve.
Kamlang Tiger Reserve Lake
The Kamlang Tiger Reserve has a number of elevated water bodies, including Glow Lake.
Glow Lake:
Glow Lake is one of the elevated water bodies located within Kamlang Tiger Reserve. It covers an area of approximately 8 square kilometers. The lake is situated amidst the hills and forests of the reserve, adding to the scenic beauty of the region.
Kamlang Tiger Reserve Tribe
The Kamlang Tiger Reserve is surrounded by the traditional lands of various tribal communities in the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. The Mishmi, Digaro Mishmi, and Miju Mishmi are some of the tribal communities that reside in the vicinity of the reserve.
These indigenous tribal groups have lived in the region for generations and have a deep connection with the land and its natural resources. They have their unique cultures, traditions, and lifestyles that are closely tied to the forests, rivers, and mountains of the Eastern Himalayas.
Kamlang Tiger Reserve Flora
The flora of Kamlang Tiger Reserve is incredibly diverse due to its location in the Eastern Himalayas. The reserve is home to a wide variety of plant species, including the following:
(1) Tropical Evergreen Forests:
The lower elevations of the reserve are covered by tropical evergreen forests. These forests feature a dense canopy of tall trees, with species such as Dipterocarpus, Terminalia, Syzygium, Mesua, and Canarium. They also support a variety of climbers, epiphytes, and understory plants.
(2) Subtropical Broadleaf Forests:
As the elevation increases, the vegetation transitions to subtropical broadleaf forests. These forests consist of species such as Castanopsis, Altingia, Michelia, Engelhardtia, Lithocarpus, and Rhododendron.
(3) Alpine Vegetation:
At higher elevations, the reserve is characterized by alpine vegetation. This includes dwarf shrubs, grasses, mosses, lichens, and various alpine flowering plants adapted to the cold and harsh climate.
(4) Bamboo Groves:
Bamboo is abundant in the Kamlang Tiger Reserve, particularly in the foothills and lower elevations. Species like Melocanna baccifera and Dendrocalamus hamiltonii are commonly found.
(5) Medicinal Plants:
The reserve also houses a variety of medicinal plants that are used by the local communities for traditional healthcare practices. These include species like Aconitum heterophyllum, Datura metel, Picrorhiza kurroa, and Swertia chirata, among others.
Kamlang Tiger Reserve Fauna (Kamlang Tiger Reserve Animals)
Kamlang Tiger Reserve is home to a rich and diverse array of wildlife species. The reserve's varied habitats, including forests, hills, and rivers, provide suitable conditions for a wide range of fauna.
Here are some of the notable animal species found in Kamlang Tiger Reserve:
Mammals:
- Royal Bengal Tiger
- Common Leopard
- Clouded Leopard
- Marbled Cat
- Leopard Cat
- Snow Leopard
- Asian Elephant
- Wild Boar
- Sambar
- Barking Deer
- Black Giant Squirrel
- Golden Cat
- Malayan Sun Bear
- Slow Loris
- Stump-tailed Macaque
- Pig-tailed Macaque
- Assamese Macaque
- Rhesus Macaque
- Capped Langur
- Hoolock Gibbon
- Leaf Muntjac
- Takin
Birds:
- White-bellied Heron (Critically Endangered)
- Great Hornbill
- Rufous-necked Hornbill
- Beautiful Nuthatch
- Slenderbilled Vulture
- White-bellied Heron
- Greater Spotted Eagle
- Blyth’s Tragopan
- Snowy-throated Babbler
- Beautiful Nuthatch
- Ward’s Trogon
- Blackish breasted Babbler
- Rusty-bellied Shortwing
Reptiles:
- King Cobra
- Assam Roofed Turtle
- Indian Rock Python
- Reticulated Python
- Monitor Lizards
Top Things to do in Kamlang Tiger Reserve
When visiting Kamlang Tiger Reserve, there are several exciting activities and experiences that you can engage in. Here are some top things to do in Kamlang Tiger Reserve:
- Wildlife Safari
- Nature Walks and Trekking
- Birdwatching
- Camping and Picnicking
- Photography
- Cultural Interaction
- Nature Conservation Activities
Kamlang Tiger Reserve UPSC Questions
Q. Kamlang Tiger Reserve is located in which state?/What is the exact location of Kamlang Tiger Reserve?
A. The Kamlang Tiger Reserve is located in the south-eastern part of the Lohit District of Arunachal Pradesh in India.
Q. Which river flows through Kamlang tiger Reserve?
A. Kamlang river flows through Kamlang tiger Reserve.
Q. Which is the 50th Tiger Reserve of India?
A. Kamlang Tiger Reserve is the 50th Tiger Reserve of India.
Q. What is Kamlang tiger Reserve famous for?
A. Kamlang Tiger Reserve is famous for several reasons, which contribute to its significance and appeal:
- Tiger Conservation
- Rich Biodiversity
- Scenic Landscapes
- Tribal Communities
- Adventure Activities
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