- Situated in Assam, India, on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River.
- Area: 79.28 sq km for the National Park; 492.44 sq km for the Tiger Reserve.
- Known as the mini Kaziranga, Orang is a biodiversity hotspot.
History and Establishment:
- Established as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1985.
- Notified as a National Park in 1999.
- Designated as a Tiger Reserve in 2016 under the Project Tiger Scheme.
Biodiversity and Flora:
- Flora: Dominated by tropical wet evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, grasslands, and riverine vegetation.
- Rich in plants like riverine grasses, reeds, and tall grass species that support wildlife.
Fauna and Wildlife:
- Tiger Population: Critical habitat for the Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris).
- Other animals include:
- One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis).
- Wild Boar, Elephant, Leopard, Hog Deer, Wild Buffalo, Gaur.
- Diverse bird species like hornbills and bustards.
- Reptiles like the Indian Python and crocodiles.
Conservation Efforts:
- Part of Project Tiger to conserve and protect Bengal tigers.
- Significant effort in habitat restoration and anti-poaching measures.
- Enhanced patrolling and use of modern technology for surveillance.
Importance:
- Biodiversity Hotspot: Rich in flora and fauna, contributes to the ecological balance of the region.
- Vital for the conservation of endangered species like tigers and rhinos.
- Acts as a corridor for wildlife movement between Kaziranga National Park and other forest reserves in Assam.
Threats and Challenges:
- Poaching and illegal hunting remain a challenge, particularly for tigers and rhinos.
- Flooding due to the Brahmaputra River, affecting habitats and infrastructure.
- Human-wildlife conflict, especially between tigers and local communities.
- Encroachment and habitat degradation from agriculture and human settlements.
Key Features and Tourist Attraction:
- Safari and Tourism: Popular for its elephant and jeep safaris.
- Visitors can see tigers, rhinoceroses, and other wildlife.
- The park is also known for its scenic beauty, especially along the Brahmaputra riverfront.
- Strategic Importance:
- Contributes to India’s efforts to preserve tigers under the Project Tiger initiative.
- Plays a role in maintaining ecological balance in the region.
Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve is a vital conservation area in Assam, safeguarding endangered species like the Bengal tiger and one-horned rhinoceros. Conservation efforts and ecotourism play a key role in sustaining its biodiversity and ecosystem.
