Sessa Orchid Sanctuary UPSC
The Sessa Orchid Sanctuary is a protected area located in the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. It is known for its rich biodiversity, particularly its diverse collection of orchid species.
The sanctuary is renowned for its impressive variety of orchid species. It is home to over 200 species of orchids, including some rare and endemic ones. Orchids are known for their striking and intricate flowers, making the sanctuary a popular destination for orchid enthusiasts and nature lovers.
In addition to orchids, the Sessa Orchid Sanctuary is rich in biodiversity. It features a range of flora and fauna, including various species of rhododendrons, ferns, and medicinal plants. The sanctuary is also inhabited by a variety of wildlife, such as red pandas, hoolock gibbons, and various bird species.
The sanctuary comprises different types of habitats, including tropical wet evergreen forests, sub-tropical broadleaf and coniferous forests, and montane wet temperate forests.
The Sessa Orchid Sanctuary can be visited round the year.
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Sessa Orchid Sanctuary Location
The Sessa Orchid Sanctuary is located in the West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is situated in the Himalayan foothills in the Bhalukpong Forest Division of West Kameng District.
Sessa Orchid Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to the Sessa Orchid Sanctuary is Tezpur Airport, also known as Salonibari Airport. It is located in Tezpur, Assam, which is the nearest major city with an airport. From Tezpur Airport, you can travel by road to reach the Sessa Orchid Sanctuary.
Sessa Orchid Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to the Sessa Orchid Sanctuary is in Bhalukpong, which is a town located nearby. Travelers can reach Bhalukpong by train. From Bhalukpong, you can continue your journey to the sanctuary by road, which is the most common mode of transportation to reach the sanctuary.
Sessa Orchid Sanctuary History
Establishment: The Sessa Orchid Sanctuary was officially notified as a sanctuary on October 18, 1989. Its establishment as a protected area was a significant step in conserving the unique biodiversity of the region, particularly its diverse collection of orchid species and other flora and fauna.
Recognition of Orchid Diversity: The region's exceptional orchid diversity and its status as a habitat for various other wildlife species were recognized by conservationists and botanists.
Conservation Efforts: Following its notification as a sanctuary, efforts were made to conserve the orchids and other plant species found within its boundaries. This included the establishment of the Orchid Research and Development Centre (ORDC) nearby, which played a crucial role in orchid research, cultivation, and conservation.
Research and Study: The ORDC conducted research on orchid species, their taxonomy, and conservation. It also engaged in the cultivation of orchids and the conservation of rare and endangered species.
Importance in Conservation: The Sessa Orchid Sanctuary is not only important for orchid enthusiasts but also for scientists, ecologists, and conservationists. It is part of larger conservation efforts in the Eastern Himalayas and is connected to the Kameng Protected Area Complex (KPAC).
Recognition as an IBA: BirdLife International designated Sessa Orchid Sanctuary, along with Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, as an Important Bird Area (IBA). This recognition highlights its significance for avian biodiversity.
Sessa Orchid Sanctuary Area
The Sessa Orchid Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 100 square kilometers (38.6 square miles). This sanctuary is a protected area known for its diverse collection of orchid species and rich biodiversity.
It is one of the significant conservation areas in the Eastern Himalayas and plays a vital role in preserving the unique flora and fauna found in the region.
Sessa Orchid Sanctuary River
The Sessa Orchid Sanctuary is drained by the Tippi Naala (Tippi River), which flows through the sanctuary. The Tippi Naala eventually joins the Kameng River at Tippi village, which is located on the Bhalukpong-Bomdila highway.
Sessa Orchid Sanctuary Tribe
The Sessa Orchid Sanctuary is inhabited by three tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, India. These tribes are:
(1) Akas Tribe:
The Akas are one of the indigenous tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. They have their own distinct culture, language, and traditions.
(2) Mijis Tribe:
The Mijis are another tribal community residing in the Sessa Orchid Sanctuary area. They have their own unique cultural practices and are known for their traditional knowledge of the local flora and fauna.
(3) Sherdukpans Tribe:
The Sherdukpans are yet another tribal group found in the vicinity of the sanctuary.
Sessa Orchid Sanctuary Flora
The Sessa Orchid Sanctuary is renowned for its diverse and unique flora. While orchids are the highlight, the sanctuary is home to a variety of other plant species as well. Here are some of the notable flora found in the Sessa Orchid Sanctuary:
(1) Orchids (Orchidaceae):
The sanctuary is famous for its orchid diversity, with over 200 species of orchids found here. This includes various genera such as Dendrobium, Bulbophyllum, Coelogyne, Eria, Phaius, and Liparis. Some of these orchid species are rare and endemic to the region, making the sanctuary a significant site for orchid enthusiasts and researchers.
(2) Rhododendrons:
Various species of rhododendrons are found in the sanctuary, adding to its floral beauty. Rhododendrons are known for their colorful and showy flowers.
(3) Ferns:
The sanctuary's lush and moist environment supports a wide range of fern species, contributing to its greenery.
(4) Coniferous Trees:
In addition to broadleaf forests, the sanctuary also has areas of sub-tropical broadleaf and coniferous forests.
Sessa Orchid Sanctuary Fauna (Sessa Orchid Sanctuary Animals)
The Sessa Orchid Sanctuary is not only known for its rich flora, including its diverse collection of orchid species, but it also supports a variety of fauna. Here are some of the notable wildlife species that can be found in the Sessa Orchid Sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Tiger
- Clouded Leopard
- Asian Elephant
- Gaur
- Red Panda
- Capped Langur
- Marbled Cat
- Golden Cat
Birds:
- Bugun Liocichla
- Blyth’s Tragopan
- Marsh Babbler
- Rufous-necked Hornbill
- Beautiful Nuthatch
- Satyr Tragopan
- Ward’s Trogon
- Great Pied Hornbill
Reptiles:
- Indian Python
- Reticulated Python
- King Cobra
Sessa Orchid Sanctuary UPSC Questions
A. The Sessa Orchid Sanctuary is located in the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. It is situated in the West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh, in the Himalayan foothills. This sanctuary is renowned for its rich biodiversity, particularly its diverse collection of orchid species, and it is considered one of the famous orchid sanctuaries in India.
Q. What is the Sessa Orchid Sanctuary famous for?
A. The Sessa Orchid Sanctuary, located in the West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh, India, is famous for several reasons:
(i) Orchids: The sanctuary is renowned for its diverse collection of orchid species. It is home to over 200 species of orchids, including many rare and endangered ones. Orchids are known for their striking and intricate flowers, making the sanctuary a popular destination for orchid enthusiasts and nature lovers.
(ii) Rich Biodiversity: In addition to orchids, the Sessa Orchid Sanctuary is rich in biodiversity. It features a range of flora and fauna, including various species of rhododendrons, ferns, and medicinal plants. The sanctuary is also inhabited by a variety of wildlife, such as red pandas, hoolock gibbons, and various bird species.
(iii) Conservation: The primary purpose of the Sessa Orchid Sanctuary is conservation. It was established to protect and preserve the unique orchid species and other wildlife found in the region. The sanctuary also plays a crucial role in scientific research and ecological studies.
(iv) Trekking and Eco-Tourism: The sanctuary offers opportunities for trekking and eco-tourism, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty and observe the diverse flora and fauna. Trekking trails in the sanctuary provide a chance to experience the pristine wilderness of the Eastern Himalayas.
(v) Cultural Significance: The sanctuary is inhabited by three tribes of Arunachal Pradesh: the Akas, Mijis, and Sherdukpans. These tribes have their own unique cultures and traditions, adding to the cultural significance of the area.
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