Namdapha
is a botanical haven, with over 150 tree species and
many flowers and orchids, including the Blue Vanda,
one of the rarest orchids. It will be many years before
Namdapha's flora is fully surveyed. Namdapha's birdlife
includes the Satyr Tragopan, Kalij and Monal Pheasants,
Giant Hornbill, Forest Eagle Owl and the rare White-winged
Wood Duck. principal reptiles include the Indian Python,
Reticulated Python and King Cobra. For mammal watchers,
the park boasts no fewer than four large cats- Tiger,
Leopard, Clouded Leopard and Snow Leopard. It also has
a good population of the Hoolock Gibbon.
The Uniqueness of Namdapha
Certain
aspects of Namdapha makes it stand out from the rest
of park. The first is the altitude, which varies around
200 metres (nearly sea level) in the valleys to more
than 4,500 metres with snow covered mountain peaks.
Perhaps no other national park in the world can boast
of such phenomenal altitudinal variation. As a result,
the climate conditions inside the area are favorable
for different species. Though located at 27 degrees
north of the equator and hence being in the sub-tropical
zone having a tropical climate, the higher parts of
the reserve, which are mountainous and rugged experience
cold temperate round the year. Similarly, rainfall is
very variable - excessive in the tropical part and scanty
in the higher reaches.
Flora
The
beautiful forests possess great biodiversity of Flora
and Fauna. A details study of its species and genetic
variation has not yet been thoroughly done. Namdapha
is Botanist's dream and it may take as long as 50 years
to complete a conprehensive survey of its botanical
resources. There are more than 150 timber species. The
Pinus Merkusi and Abies Delavavi are not found elsewhere
in India. One of the rarest and endangered orchids,
the Blue Vanda found here. The most famous local madicinal
plant Mishimi Teeta, which is used by the local tribal
for all kinds of diseases is available here but its
export has been banned.
The Fauna
The
diverse vegetations and habitats of Namdapha grooms
diverse species of animals and birds. It is only park
in the World to have the four Feline species of big
cat namely the Tiger, Leopard Snow Leopard (Panthera
Uncia) and Clouded Leopard and numbers of Lesser cats.
A number of primate species are seen in the park, such
as Assamese Macaque, pig-tailed Macaque, stump-tailed
Macaque and number of the distinctive Hoolock Gibbons,
highly endangered and only 'Ape' species found in India
dwells in this impenetrable virgin forest. Of the many
other important animals are the Elephants, Black Bear,
Indian Bison, several species of Deers, reptiles and
a variety of arboreal animals.
Avi Fauna
Among the bird species,
most notable are the White winged Wood Ducks, a rare
and endangered species, the great Indian Hornbills,
Jungle Fowls and Pheasants flop their noisy way through
the jungle, and which harbours other colourful bird
and animal species. The inaccessibility of greater part
of the park has helped to keep the forests in their
pristine and virgin state in its natural form.
Moreover,
the park possesses great bio diversity of flora and
fauna. The lush green under growths are thick and intertwined
like cobwebs of canes, bamboos, wild bananas and variety
of vegetations The grandeur of the wet tropical rain
forest is breeding ground for varieties of animals and
birds which is remarkable and worth seeing.
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