Dibru Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve UPSC
Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve is a unique conservation area located in the northeastern state of Assam, India. It is situated at the meeting point of the Brahmaputra and Lohit rivers and covers an area of approximately 765 square kilometers (295 square miles). The biosphere reserve was established in 1997 and is known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem.
The Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve is recognized as one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the Eastern Himalayas. It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including several endangered and rare species. The reserve supports diverse habitats such as wetlands, grasslands, forests, and riverine ecosystems, making it a critical refuge for numerous plant and animal species.
Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve is home to a significant population of wildlife. It is particularly known for being a refuge for the endangered white-winged wood duck, which is one of the rarest waterfowl species in the world. The reserve is also known for its feral horses population.
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Dibru Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve Location
Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve is located in the northeastern state of Assam, India. It is situated in the Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts of Assam, near the town of Guijan. The reserve is nestled between the Brahmaputra River and the Dibru River, with the Lohit River flowing through it.
The nearest major city to the biosphere reserve is Dibrugarh, which is approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) away.
Dibru Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve is the Dibrugarh Airport, also known as Mohanbari Airport. It is located in Dibrugarh, which is approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) away from the biosphere reserve. The Dibrugarh Airport is well-connected to major cities in India, including Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati, through regular domestic flights.
Dibru Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve is the Dibrugarh Railway Station. It is located in Dibrugarh and is approximately 43 kilometers (27 miles) away from the reserve. Dibrugarh Railway Station is a major railhead in the region and is well-connected to various cities across India through regular train services.
Dibru Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve History
The history of Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve dates back to several decades. Here are some key points outlining its history:
Recognition as a wildlife sanctuary: In 1986, the area was declared as a wildlife sanctuary under the Assam Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1957. It was initially known as Dibru River Wildlife Sanctuary.
Conversion into a biosphere reserve: In 1997, the wildlife sanctuary was upgraded to a biosphere reserve and renamed as Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve. This elevated status aimed to provide enhanced protection and conservation to the area's unique ecosystems and biodiversity.
National Park Status: Dibru-Saikhowa Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as a national park in 1999.
Dibru Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve Area
Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve covers an approximate area of 765 square kilometers (295 square miles) that included the 340 km2 of wildlife sanctuary area as the core. In 1999, the 340 km2 of sanctuary area was declared as national park.
The biosphere reserve area encompasses a diverse range of habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, forests, and riverine ecosystems, making it a significant conservation area in the region.
Dibru Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve River
Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve is located at the confluence of three rivers in Assam, India. These rivers are:
(1) Brahmaputra River:
The Brahmaputra River, one of the major rivers in Asia, flows along the northern boundary of Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve. It is a transboundary river that originates in the Tibetan plateau and traverses through China, India, and Bangladesh. The Brahmaputra River is known for its vast floodplains and supports diverse aquatic and riparian ecosystems.
(2) Dibru River:
The Dibru River, after which the biosphere reserve is named, flows through the reserve. It is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River and contributes to the water flow and ecological dynamics of the area. The Dibru River adds to the diverse riverine habitats found within the biosphere reserve.
(3) Lohit River:
The Lohit River, another major tributary of the Brahmaputra River, also flows through the Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve. It originates in Tibet and enters India through Arunachal Pradesh before merging with the Brahmaputra River. The Lohit River further enhances the ecological diversity and significance of the biosphere reserve.
Dibru Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve Tribe
Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve is home to several indigenous communities and tribes in the surrounding areas. The main tribes associated with the biosphere reserve are:
(1) Mishings:
The Mishing community is one of the prominent indigenous tribes in Assam and has a significant presence in the Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve. They have their own distinct language, culture, and traditional practices. The Mishings primarily rely on agriculture, fishing, and handloom weaving for their livelihoods.
(2) Deoris:
The Deori community is another indigenous tribe found in the region surrounding the biosphere reserve. They have their unique language and cultural practices. Traditionally, the Deoris have been engaged in agriculture, weaving, and fishing.
(3) Sonowal Kacharis:
The Sonowal Kachari tribe is an indigenous community with a historical presence in the area around Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve. They have their own language and cultural heritage. The Sonowal Kacharis are primarily agriculturists and practice both settled and shifting cultivation.
Dibru Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve Flora
What is the flora of Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve?
Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve is renowned for its rich and diverse flora, which includes various types of vegetation. The reserve's unique ecosystems support a wide range of plant species, including the following:
(1) Semi-Evergreen Forests:
The biosphere reserve comprises semi-evergreen forests that feature a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees. Some prominent tree species found in these forests are Dillenia indica (elephant apple), Trewia nudiflora (twiggy trewia), Bombax ceiba (red silk cotton tree), Lagerstroemia speciosa (pride of India), and Dipterocarpus tuberculatus (gurjan).
(2) Moist Mixed Deciduous Forests:
These forests consist of a combination of deciduous and semi-deciduous tree species. Common examples include Terminalia alata (Indian laurel), Lagerstroemia parviflora (crape myrtle), Albizia lebbeck (sirish), Bombax ceiba (red silk cotton tree), and Sterculia villosa (kalakopa).
(3) Canebrakes:
The biosphere reserve has extensive areas covered with dense canebrakes, which are thickets of tall bamboo-like plants. These canebrakes are mainly composed of various species of cane (bamboo) such as Dendrocalamus strictus, Bambusa balcooa, and Bambusa tulda.
(4) Grasslands:
The reserve includes grasslands and meadows, which provide essential grazing grounds for herbivores. These grasslands are dominated by species such as Imperata cylindrica (cogon grass), Saccharum ravennae (ravenna grass), Arundo donax (giant cane), and Heteropogon contortus (black spear grass).
(5) Wetland Vegetation:
The wetlands within the biosphere reserve are characterized by aquatic plants, reeds, and grasses. These include species like Phragmites karka (common reed), Typha angustifolia (narrowleaf cattail), Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth), and Nelumbo nucifera (lotus).
Dibru Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve Fauna (Dibru Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve Animals)
What animals are in Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve?
Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve is a haven for diverse and abundant wildlife. The reserve's unique ecosystems, wetlands, and riverine habitats provide a suitable environment for a wide range of animal species. Some of the notable fauna found in the Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve include:
Mammals:
- Bengal Tiger
- Indian Elephant
- Hoolock Gibbon
- Indian Wild Dog
- Clouded Leopar
- Asiatic Water Buffalo
- Indian Rhinoceros
- Fishing Cat
- Leopard Cat
- Smooth-coated Otter
- Barking Deer
- Hog Deer
- Sambar Deer
- Indian Pangolin
- Gangetic Dolphin
- Feral Horses
Birds:
- White-winged Wood Duck
- Greater Adjutant
- Spot-billed Pelican
- Grey-headed Fish Eagle
- Swamp Francolin
- Bengal Florican
- Black-breasted Parrotbill
- Jerdon's Babbler
- Marsh Babbler
- White-rumped Vulture
- Great Hornbill
Reptiles:
- Indian Python
- King Cobra
- Indian Rock Python
- Assam Roofed Turtle
- Indian Cobra
- Common Monitor Lizard
- Assam Pit Viper
Top Things to do in Dibru Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve
Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve offers a range of activities and experiences for nature enthusiasts. Here are some top things to do in the reserve:
- Wildlife Safari
- River Cruise
- Birdwatching
- Trekking and Nature Walks
- Visit Guijan Ghat
- Camping
- Visit Maguri-Motapung Beel
- Interact with Local Communities
- Nature Photography
- Ecotourism Initiatives
Dibru Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Dibru Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve located?/Dibru Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve is located in which state?
A. Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve is located in the Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts of Assam, India. The reserve is situated in the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River and is bordered by the river itself to the north and the Dibru and Lohit rivers to the south.
Q. When was Dibru-Saikhowa declared as biosphere reserve?
A. Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve was declared as a biosphere reserve in the year 1997. The designation was given by the Government of India's Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The biosphere reserve status recognizes the ecological significance and biodiversity of the area, promoting its conservation and sustainable development.
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