Wildlife of the Northeastern states at a glance

The northeastern regions of India is a wonderland of luxuriant green cover and a wide variety of both flora and fauna. For anyone wishing to travel to destinations that have unique wildlife experiences, northeast India is where your next travel destination should be. The area is home to an abundance of wildlife and endemic species offering tons of interesting animals to discover.

Sharing international borders with China in the north, Myanmar in the east, Bangladesh in the south-west, Nepal in the west and Bhutan in the north-west, the north-eastern regions comprise an area of 262,230 square kilometres, almost 8 percent of the total area of India. The ecosystem here attained a unique topographical features largely due to the impact of the Brahmaputra river and owing to the rich and diverse plant life and vegetation, the region offers a wonderful experience for nature lovers. Reserves in the northeast are made up of many forest types, namely tropical wet evergreen, tropical semi-evergreen, tropical moist deciduous, tropical dry deciduous, subtropical pine forests and Savannah grasslands.

At present, the northeast region of India has 76 National parks and wildlife sanctuaries, all rich in both flora and fauna. The following facts and figures will introduce you to the rich wildlife treasure of Northeast India which are unlike any you will see in the rest of the country.

Arunachal Pradesh - the land of the dawn-lit mountains

For wildlife enthusiasts, Arunachal Pradesh is a perfect destination as there are several naturally well-endowed sanctuaries as well as national parks. The state proudly enjoys the distinction of having the big four cats namely; tiger, leopard, clouded leopard, and snow leopard in its jungle.
In addition, the state is also home to two endangered feline species - golden cat and marbled cat.

The Namdapha National Park of Arunachal Pradesh which is perhaps one of the most diverse ecosystems in the Indian subcontinent is an ideal park for a birding trip. The park is mostly covered with large mountains and several water bodies that sustain the wildlife of the park. The location and climate of Namdapha suit a wide variety of birds like Satyr Tragopan, Kalij and Monal Pheasants, and Giant Hornbill. It is, however, the big four - Tiger, leopard, clouded leopard and snow leopard, which steals the show in the park.

National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries of Arunachal Pradesh are

1. Mouling National Park
2. Namdapha National Park
3. Daying Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary
4. Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary
5. Eagle Nest Wildlife Sanctuary
6. Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary
7. Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary
8. Kane Wildlife Sanctuary
9. Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary
10. Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary
11. Sessa Orchid Wildlife Sanctuary
12. Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
13. Yordi Rabe Supsi Wildlife Sanctuary

Assam - the land of the red river and blue hills

The wildlife of Assam attracts a large number of tourists and wildlife lovers for photography and nature.  The state with its magnificent natural beauty and teeming wildlife is undoubtedly one of the best wildlife destination in India. Assam boasts of rich flora and fauna and is considered one of the top biodiversity hot-spots in India. The state is known for its good population of animals and its amazing wildlife conservation activities which has successfully managed to grow the population of many endangered species.

The Kaziranga National Park which is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India which was recognized for its unique natural environment houses the largest population of the famous world one-horned rhinoceroses, a star attraction for several wildlife enthusiasts. Assam is also home to much rare and endangered wildlife and shelters a variety of mammals, birds, and reptile species.

Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in Assam are

1. Kaziranga National Park
2. Manas National Park
3. Nameri National Park
4. Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
5. Orang National Park
6. Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary
7. Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary
8. Bornodi Wildlife Sanctuary
9. East Karbi-Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary
10. Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary
11. Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary
12. North Karbi-Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary
13. Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary
14. Sonai-Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary
15. Pabitora (Pobitora) Wildlife Sanctuary
16. Panidihing Bird Wildlife Sanctuary
17. Bherjan-Borajan-Padumani (BBP) Wildlife Sanctuary
18. Nambor Wildlife Sanctuary
19. Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary
20. Nambor Doigrung Wildlife Sanctuary
21. Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary
22. Borail Wildlife Sanctuary
23. Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary

Manipur - the jeweled land

The state of Manipur is bestowed with lush green vegetation, deep forests, and rich animal resources that seek the attention of tourists. The rare State flower, a seven colored lily known as Shirui Lily is also a pride of Manipur. Many of the animal species found here are endemic, foremost amongst them being the Sangai or the Brow Antlered Deer. Hoolock Gibbon, the only ape found in India also commonly occurs in the hill districts of Manipur.

Similarly, the Slow Loris, the Stump Tailed Macaque, the Pig-Tailed Macaque, the state bird Mrs. Hume's Pheasant are other rare primates that occur in the forests of Manipur.

National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in the state are

1. Keibul-Lamjao National Park
2. Shiroi National Park.
3. Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary
4. Bunning Wildlife Sanctuary
5. Jiri-Makru Wildlife Sanctuary
6. Kailam Wildlife Sanctuary
7. Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary

Keibul Lamjao National Park which is probably the only floating national park in the world is located in the Bishnupur district of Manipur. This park houses the endangered brow antlered deer or Sangai, the dancing deer of Manipur. Besides vegetation and terrain, an important highlight of the park is the Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the northeastern regions.

Meghalaya - the abode of clouds

Meghalaya houses several wildlife sanctuaries and famous national parks. The rich wildlife of the state is not only popular among the northeastern states but considered a biodiversity hot-spot in the entire country. The forest cover of Meghalaya is dense and gives many opportunities for adventure activities to the tourists and visitors. Rare and exotic species are also spotted, making it a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers.

The Balphakram national park is one of the hot-spots in Meghalaya. The star attractions here include water buffalo, red panda, elephant and eight species of cats, and also a paradise for bird lovers. Apart from exploring the wildlife of Meghalaya, adventure seekers also prefer to take part in activities like river rafting, angling, trekking, and fishing.

Wildlife sanctuaries and National parks in Meghalaya are

1. Balphakram (Balpakram) National Park
2. Nokrek National Park
3. Baghmara Pitcher Plant Wildlife Sanctuary (Reserve Forest)
4. Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary
5. Siju Wildlife Bird Sanctuary

Mizoram - the songbird of India

Mizoram has dense bamboo forests and boasts of a variety of wildlife. Orchids are abundant in Mizoram and the forest is inhabited by swamp deer, tigers, wild dogs and leopards. Wild ranges of insects and butterflies are found here and wildlife tours include sightseeing of mammals like black and wild bear.

The Phawngpui National Park often called the Blue Mountain of Mizoram is a natural home of a wonderful range of birdlife including the Blyth's tragopan, Gray Sibia, Falcon, and Mrs.Humes Pheasant. The Park is at most times covered by a thin stretch of clouds, making it appear blue from a distance. Rare animals like the mountain goat, Slow loris, leopard, and clouded leopard are found here.

National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in Mizoram are

1. Murlen National Park
2. Phawngpui Blue Mountain National Park
3. Dampa Wildlife Sanctuary (Tiger Reserve)
4. Khawnglung Wildlife Sanctuary
5. Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary
6. Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary
7. Pualreng Wildlife Sanctuary
8. Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary
9. Thorangtlang Wildlife Sanctuary
10. Palak (Tokalo) Wildlife Sanctuary

Nagaland - the land of warriors

Nagaland also hosts numerous species of birds, wildlife, and flora which are exclusive to this region. Rare and endangered species of birds such as the Blyth's Tragopan, Great Indian Hornbill, and Dark Rumped Swift are found here. The beauty of its lush forest and wilderness of the state attracts enthusiasts from various parts of the globe. The mountainous terrain of the state is also extremely rich with several species of high commercial values trees and varieties of bamboos which is considered one of the world's finest.

Intanki National Park which stretches an area of 202 square kilometers in Peren district of Nagaland is one of the best National Parks in the northeast. The park was declared an elephant reserve in 2005. The entire park which is covered with lush grass and semi-tropical trees boasts of tigers, golden langur, hoolock gibbon, sloth bear, and various other species, also creating a natural habitat for many birds, reptiles and mammals.

Wild life sanctuaries and National parks in Nagaland are

1. Intanki (Ntangki) National Park
2. Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary
3. Pulie Badze Wildlife Sanctuary
4. Rangapahar Wildlife Sanctuary

Sikkim - the paradise of the botanists.

Sikkim’s land has abundant bird life with more than 550 species constituting around 30% of all the birds found in the Indian sub-continent. The state is a hots-pot for bird watching. The thick dense forest gives secured shelter to various flora and fauna which includes many endangered species. Yaks are quite prominent and spottable here. Also, barking deer, snow leopard, and red panda are common animals found. Sikkim is an ideal destination for wildlife holidays.

The famous Khangchendzonga National Park of the state which is as well as a Biosphere reserve was inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list in  July 2016 and became the first “Mixed Heritage” site of India. The park contains many mammal species including snow leopard, wild ass, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan tahr, and Asiatic wild dog which is believed to belong to the rare and genetically distinct subspecies.

The National Parks and Wildlife sanctuaries in the state are

1. Khangchendzonga National Park
2. Barsey Rhododendron Wildlife Sanctuary
3. Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary
4. Kitam (Bird) Wildlife Sanctuary
5. Kyongnosla Alpine Wildlife Sanctuary
6. Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary
7. Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary
8. Shingba (Rhododendron) Wildlife Sanctuary

Tripura - the land of green pastures.

Tripura is an abode of many animals, birds, insects, and plant kingdoms. The state offers excellent opportunities for eco-tourism and different wildlife sanctuaries in the state offer various attractions to the tourist. Large flocks of migratory birds and waterfowls congregate in several water reservoirs developed in protected areas. Over the years the concept of eco-tourism is developing rapidly in this region.

National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in the Tripura are

1. Clouded Leopard National Park
2. Bison (Rajbari) National Park
3. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary
4. Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary
5. Sipahijola Wildlife Sanctuary
6. Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary

Sipahijola Wildlife Sanctuary of Tripura is famous for spectacles monkey which is now a very rare species. Clouded leopards, deer and, lion are some of the other attractions, and a variety of reptiles like snakes, turtle, and crocodiles also attract many visitors to have a peep around. The various migratory birds coming from different regions has become a huge tourist attraction for the state.

The northeastern states of India is undoubtedly one among the best tourist destination for wildlife tourism. A great choice for tourists who are looking for opportunities to spot rare and most endangered species of the world. Tourism here is centered around environment and community. And regardless of the many tourism development constraints such as lack of infrastructure, transportation, marketing and lack of insufficient funds, the region are waking up in promoting the industry in various ways.