How Many National Park in Assam? A Complete List for 2025

January 22, 2025
How many national park in assam
Quick Summary

Quick Summary

  • Do you know how many national park in Assam? Assam is home to seven national parks, including the iconic Kaziranga and Manas, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • These parks safeguard endangered species like the one-horned rhinoceros, golden langur, and Bengal tiger, contributing to global biodiversity.
  • Assam’s national parks are critical for eco-tourism, drawing nature lovers and providing sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

Table of Contents

Can you imagine a one-horned rhinoceros grazing peacefully with exotic birds soaring above? This isn’t a scene from a wildlife documentary; it’s a typical day in Assam’s national parks. Assam is a hotspot of remarkable diversity. The rich landscape of the state, from rolling hills to vast grasslands, harbours some of India’s most precious wildlife treasures.

When people ask, “How many national park in Assam?” They’re often surprised to learn about this region’s wealth of protected areas. Assam has seven national parks, which is quite huge compared to other states. These national parks are not just a few dots on a geographical map; they are breathing, living ecosystems where nature can be captured at its best.

So, let’s take a closer look at these natural treasures and understand why they are integral to preserving India’s rich biodiversity.

How Many National Parks Are in Assam?

Assam proudly hosts seven national parks, making it a leader in wildlife preservation in India. These parks range from UNESCO-recognized heritage sites to recently established gems. The table below answers how many national park in Assam, along with their key features:

Park NameEstablishedFamous ForArea (sq km)
Kaziranga1974One-horned Rhinoceros430
Manas1990Tiger Reserve500
Dibru-Saikhowa1999Migratory Birds340
Orang1999Mini Kaziranga78.8
Nameri1998Bird Watching200
Raimona2021Golden Langur422
Dihing Patkai2021Rainforest Ecosystem111.19
National Parks in Assam

A Closer Look at Assam’s National Parks

How many national park in Assam are dedicated to conservation? Each of Assam’s seven national parks tells its own unique story. These parks protect some of Earth’s most amazing creatures, from the famous one-horned rhinos to rare birds. Let’s explore what makes each park special and whether they have any link with biosphere reserves:

Kaziranga National Park

  • Area: 430 square kilometers.
  • Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Home to over 70% of the world’s one-horned rhinoceros (1,855 rhinos).
  • It also shelters 85 tigers, 1,246 elephants, and rare species like eastern swamp deer and hog deer.
  • Hosts 480 bird species, including 25 globally threatened species.
  • Offers morning elephant safaris for close wildlife encounters.

Manas National Park

  • Area: 500 square kilometers along the Bhutan border.
  • Transitioned from a hunting ground in 1928 to a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
  • Protects 60 mammal species, including pygmy hog and golden langur.
  • Home to 31 tigers, over 1,000 elephants, and 200+ butterfly species.
  • Birdwatchers can spot 500 bird species.
  • It functions as a critical wildlife corridor between India and Bhutan.

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park

  • Area: 340 square kilometers with an island-like setting.
  • It is designated as both a National Park and a Biosphere Reserve.
  • Known for its population of feral horses.
  • Contains 36 mammal species, including tigers, elephants, and Gangetic dolphins.
  • Offers habitats for 382 bird species, such as the Greater Adjutant Stork, White-Winged Wood Duck, and Bengal Florican.
  • Features natural regeneration of Salix trees, enhancing ecological significance.

Nameri National Park

  • Area: 200 square kilometers near the northeastern border of Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Known for wildlife tourism and adventure activities like rafting on the Jia Bhoroli River.
  • Home to tigers, leopards, elephants, and a variety of reptiles.
  • Hosts rare turtle species like the Assam Roofed Turtle.
  • Bird species include the White-Winged Wood Duck and three hornbill species.
  • It acts as an essential elephant corridor due to its location.
  • Offers activities like bird watching, angling, and nature exploration.

Orang National Park

  • Area: 78.8 square kilometers (smallest national park in Assam).
  • Nicknamed “Mini Kaziranga” due to its similar landscapes and wildlife.
  • Located on the Brahmaputra’s northern bank, featuring unique wetland habitats.
  • Protects rhinos, tigers, elephants, and 222 bird species, including the Bengal Florican.
  • The small size allows better wildlife viewing opportunities, especially in winter.

Raimona and Dehing Patkai National Parks

  • Dehing Patkai National Park:
    • Area: 111.19 square kilometers.
    • Protects species like hoolock gibbons, clouded leopards, and rare birds and butterflies.
    • Represents the last stretch of Assam’s upper rainforest areas.
    • Rich in biodiversity and ecological importance.
  • Raimona National Park:
    • Renowned for a significant population of golden langurs.
    • It functions as a vital wildlife corridor for elephants.
    • Strengthens forest conservation in Assam.
  • Both parks were added to Assam’s conservation network in 2021, enhancing efforts to protect diverse ecosystems and endangered species.

Importance of National Parks in Assam

How many national park in Assam do more than protect wildlife? Assam’s national parks are nature’s treasure boxes, saving endangered species, boosting local economies, and helping fight climate change. These parks are living proof that when we protect nature, both wildlife and humans benefit.

  • Conservation of Biodiversity

These parks are great tourist attractions, but most importantly, they’re survival shelters for countless species. When asking “how many national park in Assam,” remember that each park is significant in maintaining ecological balance. They protect endangered species and preserve natural habitats; these parks are nature’s insurance policy.

  • Eco-Tourism and Community Impact

Local communities near these parks have transformed from mere spectators to active participants in conservation. Many villagers now work as guides, sharing their traditional knowledge with visitors. The parks generate significant revenue through tourism, supporting local economies.

  • Global Recognition

With two UNESCO World Heritage Sites among its national parks, Assam has earned international recognition for conservation efforts. This global attention helps secure resources and support for protection efforts.

Assam’s Role in India’s National Park Network

There are 104 national parks in India, and Assam’s seven parks form a significant part of this network. These parks form a crucial wildlife corridor in Northeast India. They connect with protected areas in neighbouring states and other countries like Bhutan, helping animals move freely across their natural ranges.

Assam’s parks protect over 70% of the world’s one-horned rhinos. They also shelter about 60% of India’s wild buffalo population. The state’s parks cover different types of land – from grasslands to rainforests. This variety helps protect many other species. For example, Kaziranga’s wetlands protect water birds, while Dehing Patkai’s rainforests shelter rare primates.

Assam’s success with rhino conservation shows other states how to protect endangered species. The state’s “shoot at sight” policy against poachers has helped rhino numbers grow.

A Legacy Worth Preserving: The Future Ahead

Assam’s national parks face challenges and opportunities. Climate change and human encroachment pose threats, but growing awareness and community involvement offer hope. These parks are our natural heritage, promising a better future for wildlife and humans.

Hence, people must recognise that we’re not just preserving nature when we protect these parks. We’re securing our future. So next time someone asks, “How many national park in Assam? ” Tell them it’s not just about the number seven. It’s about seven unique ecosystems that make our world a better place.

FAQs

1. How many national parks are there in Assam?

Assam has seven national parks: Kaziranga, Manas, Dibru-Saikhowa, Orang, Nameri, Raimona, and Dihing Patkai. These national parks have beautiful, shining biodiversity and conserve endangered species, unique ecosystems, and habitats. Every park has different attractions, making Assam a perfect spot for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

2. What makes Kaziranga National Park famous?

Kaziranga National Park is internationally recognized for its one-horned rhinoceroses, which constitute two-thirds of the worldwide population. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a habitat for the tiger, elephant, and swamp deer. The tremendous beauty of the landscapes in wetlands, grasslands, and forests has made this park a place for ecotourism and wildlife photography.

3. How do Assam’s national parks contribute to biodiversity?

The national parks of Assam are biodiversity treasure hunts. They encompass critical habitats such as wetlands, forests, and grasslands, where endangered species like the one-horned rhinoceros and the Bengal tiger are conserved. These national parks safeguard the flora and fauna unique to Assam, maintain ecological balance, increase climate resilience, and ensure critical ecosystems survive.

4. What is the significance of Manas National Park?

Manas National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its diverse flora and fauna. It is a well-known tiger reserve. Most of its rich biodiversity is of unique species like the golden langur and pygmy hog, which are rare to find anywhere else. Nestled at the foot of the Himalayas, Manas is a place of scenic beauty that is important for the conservation of Assam’s natural heritage.

5. How do national parks in Assam impact eco-tourism?

Assam’s national parks attract thousands of tourists yearly, boosting eco-tourism and creating livelihood opportunities for local communities. From jeep safaris in Kaziranga to birdwatching in Nameri, these parks offer unique experiences. This sustainable tourism model helps fund conservation efforts and fosters environmental awareness while supporting Assam’s economy.

Got a question on this topic?