Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary

Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

The Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the northeastern state of Mizoram, which is part of the eastern Himalayan region of India. It is known for its rich biodiversity and serves as a habitat for various species of flora and fauna.

The sanctuary encompasses several mountain peaks, including the second highest peak in Mizoram. The elevation within the sanctuary ranges from 400 meters to 2,141 meters above sea level. The vegetation consists of tropical evergreen forests and sub-tropical montane forests.

The best time for visiting the sanctuary is between the months of October and April. This period is considered the best for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

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

Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Champhai district of Mizoram, India. It is situated in the eastern part of Mizoram. 

The sanctuary is positioned near the Indo-Burma border and lies to the north of Murlen National Park. The nearest town to the Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary is Ngopa. 

Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary is Lengpui Airport, which is located near the city of Aizawl in Mizoram. Lengpui Airport is the primary airport serving the state of Mizoram, and it's approximately the closest airport to the sanctuary.

Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

As for the nearest railway station, there isn't a railway station directly in Lengteng or Champhai district itself. Travelers often use the Silchar Railway Station, which is located in the neighboring state of Assam. From Silchar, you can then continue your journey to Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary by road. 

Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary History

Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary has a relatively short history as a designated protected area. Here's a brief overview of its history:

Notification as a Protected Area: Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary was officially notified as a protected area on April 8, 1999. This marked the formal recognition of the sanctuary's importance for conservation and biodiversity.

Designation as a National Wildlife Sanctuary: Subsequently, on May 31, 2001, the Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests designated Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary as a national wildlife sanctuary. This elevated its status and increased its protection and conservation efforts.

Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary covers an approximate area of 60 square kilometers. This sanctuary encompasses a range of elevations and various mountain peaks, making it a significant habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna

Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary Hills

The Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the eastern part of Mizoram, India, and it includes several mountain peaks within its boundaries. One of the notable features of the sanctuary is that it contains the second highest peak in all of Mizoram. The elevation within the sanctuary ranges from 400 meters to 2,141 meters above sea level.

Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary boasts a rich and diverse flora due to its varied elevations and climatic conditions. Here are some of the notable plant species and types of flora that can be found within the sanctuary:

(1) Tropical Evergreen Forests:

These forests are characterized by a continuous canopy of evergreen trees that provide a lush and verdant environment. They often include species like Dipterocarpus, Hopea, and various species of hardwood trees.

(2) Subtropical Montane Forests:

As the elevation increases within the sanctuary, the vegetation transitions to subtropical montane forests. These forests are home to a different set of plant species adapted to cooler temperatures. You may find species like oak (Quercus leucotrichophora), Lithocarpus dealbata, Schima wallichii, Lyonia ovalifolia, and Vaccinium sprengelii.

(3) Bamboo Groves:

Bamboo is a common plant in the region and can be found in various parts of the sanctuary. Bamboo provides important habitat and food sources for many wildlife species.

(4) Understory Plants:

Underneath the taller canopy trees, you can find a diverse range of understory plants, including ferns, mosses, and various shrubs and herbs.

(5) Rhododendrons:

In the higher elevations, rhododendron species are often found. These flowering shrubs contribute to the sanctuary's floral diversity.

Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse and rich fauna. Here are some of the notable wildlife species that can be found within the sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Tiger
• Leopard
• Leopard Cat 
• Himalayan Black Bear
• Sambar Deer
• Barking Deer
• Goral
• Serow
• Ferret Badger
• Large Indian Civet
• Hoolock Gibbon
• Slow Loris
• Grey Langur
• Rhesus Macaque
• Slow Loris 
• Stumptailed Macaque 
• Assamese Macaque 
• Capped Langur

Birds:

• Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant
• Great Indian Hornbill
• Wreathed Hornbill
• Kaleeej Pheasant
• White-cheeked Partridge
• Grey Sibia
• White-naped Yuhina
• Dark-rumped Swift 
• Grey Peacock Pheasant
•  Red Junglefowl
• Mountain Bamboo

Reptiles:

• Tortoise
• Lizards
• Snakes

Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which state?

A. Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Mizoram, which is situated in the northeastern region of India. Mizoram is known for its lush forests, hills, and diverse biodiversity.