Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary

Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Meghalaya, India.

Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary is a critical habitat for various species, including approximately 92 species of birds, 199 species of butterflies, and numerous other wildlife. It is home to Schedule-I species such as the Pied Hornbill, Hoolock gibbon, Slow loris, Serow, Leopard, and more.

The sanctuary experiences extremely heavy rainfall, averaging more than 6,000 mm annually, primarily due to the southwest monsoon. This favorable climate supports a rich and diverse range of flora and fauna.

The best time to visit Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary is during the monsoon season.

Table of Contents Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary Location Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary History Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary Area Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary Flora Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna Mammals Birds Reptile Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the East Jaintia Hills District of the state of Meghalaya in northeastern India. It is situated approximately 78 kilometers from Jowai, which is the district headquarters of East Jaintia Hills, and about 155 kilometers from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. 

The sanctuary is nestled in the hilly terrain of Meghalaya and is known for its pristine forests and rich biodiversity.

Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary is Guwahati Airport (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport), which is located in Guwahati, Assam. Guwahati Airport is the closest major airport to the sanctuary and is well-connected to various cities in India.

Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary is the Guwahati Railway Station, which is also located in Guwahati, Assam. Guwahati Railway Station is a major railway hub in the region and is well-connected to various parts of India through the Indian Railways network. From Guwahati, you can travel by road to reach Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary, which is approximately 155 kilometers away.

Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary History

Establishment of Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary: Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary was officially established on June 10, 2014, as per Gazette Notification No. FOR.128/2013/20. This marked a crucial step in safeguarding the unique and diverse ecosystems found in the eastern part of Meghalaya, particularly in the East Jaintia Hills District.

Survey by the Zoological Survey of India: In the years 1996-1998, the Zoological Survey of India conducted a comprehensive survey in the region. This survey was particularly significant as it was the first of its kind for the district.

Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 59.9 square kilometers (23.1 square miles). Despite its relatively modest size, Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary is ecologically significant, as it hosts diverse ecosystems and a variety of wildlife species within its protected boundaries. It plays a crucial role in preserving the natural heritage and biodiversity of the region.

Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its rich and diverse flora. The sanctuary's vegetation includes a variety of plant species, ranging from evergreen and semi-evergreen forests to shrubs and other types of vegetation.

Here is a list of plant species found in Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Castanopsis indica
• C. tribuloides
• Dysoxylum Sp.
• Elaeocarpus Sp.
• Engelhardtia spicata
• Syzygium Sp.
• Tetrameles nudiflora
• Lithocarpus fenestratus
• Castanopsis kurzii
• Quercus griffithii
• Q. semiserrata
• Schima khasiana
• Myrica esculenta
• Symplocos glomerata
• Photinia arguta
• Ficus nemoralis
• Manglietia caveana
• Acer Sp.
• Exbucklandia populnea
• Engelhardtia spicata
• Betula alnoides
• Rhododendron arboretum

Shrubs Include:

• Mahonia pycnophylla
• Daphne papyraceae
• Polygala arillata
• Camellia caduca
• Rubus Sp.

Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse and rich fauna, including a variety of mammals, birds, butterflies, reptiles, and amphibians. Here's a selection of the types of fauna that are typically observed in such tropical forested regions:

Mammals:

• Hoolock Gibbon
• Serow
• Slow Loris
• Leopard

Birds:

• Oriental Pied Hornbill
• Giant or Great Pied Hornbill
• Spangled Drongo
• Rufous- Throated Partridge

Reptiles:

• Asian Leaf Tule 
• Copper Headed Trinket Snake
• Red-necked Keelback
• Monitor Lizard 
• Varanus Bengalensis
• Rock Python
• King Cobra
• Common Cobra
• Banded Krait
• Common Krait
• Common Vine Snake
• Green Pit Viper
• Reticulated Python

Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. Where is Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary?

A. Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the East Jaintia Hills District of Meghalaya, India. It is situated in the northeastern part of India, in the state of Meghalaya, which is known for its lush forests and rich biodiversity.