Wildlife Sanctuaries in Arunachal Pradesh: Complete List, Area, Wildlife and Biodiversity
Arunachal Pradesh, located in the Eastern Himalayas of northeastern India, is one of the country's richest regions in terms of forests, wildlife and biodiversity. Known for its spectacular mountains, deep valleys, rivers and dense forests, the state provides habitat for a remarkable variety of plants, mammals, birds, reptiles and other wildlife.
Surrounded by Bhutan, China and Myanmar, Arunachal Pradesh forms an important part of the Eastern Himalayan landscape. Its mountainous terrain gradually descends toward the plains of Assam, creating a wide range of ecological conditions and natural vegetation.
The state has several major forest types, including tropical evergreen, tropical semi-evergreen, deciduous, pine, temperate and alpine forests, along with grasslands. These varied ecosystems support a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
Biodiversity of Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh is widely recognized for its exceptional biological diversity. The state is home to thousands of flowering plants, numerous species of pteridophytes, conifers, bamboo, cane, rhododendrons and orchids. The source material notes more than 500 species of orchids and extensive diversity of flowering plants.
The Eastern Himalayan region of Arunachal Pradesh is also described in the source as one of the globally important ecoregions and as a major biodiversity-rich region. Protected areas play an important role in conserving this natural wealth.
List of Wildlife Sanctuaries in Arunachal Pradesh
The following table presents the wildlife sanctuaries and protected areas listed in the source, along with their year of establishment and area.
| No. | Wildlife Sanctuary | Year | Area (km²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daying Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary | 1978 | 190 |
| 2 | Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary | 1991 | 4,149 |
| 3 | Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary | 1989 | 217 |
| 4 | Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary | 1978 | 140.3 |
| 5 | Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary | 1989 | 783 |
| 6 | Kane Wildlife Sanctuary | 2007 | 31 |
| 7 | Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary | 1980 | 281.5 |
| 8 | Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary | 1977 | 861.95 |
| 9 | Sessa Orchid Sanctuary | 1989 | 100 |
| 10 | Talle Wildlife Sanctuary | 1995 | 337 |
| 11 | Yordi-Rabe Supse Wildlife Sanctuary | 1996 | 397 |
Source: Wildlife Institute of India, as cited in the original material.
1. Daying Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary
Daying Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 13 km from Pasighat and is known for its diverse vegetation and wildlife. The sanctuary provides habitat for a variety of mammals and birds.
The sanctuary is home to large carnivores such as the tiger and leopard. Other wildlife mentioned in the source includes takin, hoolock gibbon, red panda, slow loris, capped langur, wild buffalo, wild elephant and hog deer.
The sanctuary also provides habitat for resident birds as well as migratory bird species, making it an important area for wildlife observation and birdlife.
2. Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary
Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Upper Dibang Valley and covers approximately 4,149 km² according to the source. Its landscape is characterized by steep, rugged and mountainous terrain.
The sanctuary extends across a high-altitude environment, with the source giving an elevation range of approximately 1,800 to 5,000 metres. Such significant altitudinal variation creates several ecological zones and supports different types of vegetation.
Vegetation of Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary
The vegetation is mainly associated with temperate and alpine environments. Temperate broad-leaved forests are described between about 1,800 and 2,800 metres, while temperate conifer forests occur from approximately 2,800 to 3,500 metres.
At higher elevations, snow covers much of the landscape for extended periods. Vegetation becomes shorter and more stunted, with shrubs and deep-rooted herbs adapted to the harsh climatic conditions.
During the flowering season, the sanctuary becomes especially attractive because of the colourful flowering of mountain plants, including rhododendrons and other alpine vegetation. The rich plant diversity also provides food and shelter for insects, reptiles, birds and mammals.
3. Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary
Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most important wildlife and bird-watching destinations in Arunachal Pradesh. It is situated in the West Kameng region and covers about 217 km², with an elevation range of approximately 500 to 3,500 metres.
The sanctuary is known for its spectacular Himalayan landscape, dense forests, waterfalls and views of the Kameng River. The source describes Eaglenest as an important example of conservation involving government and local communities.
Birds of Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary
Eaglenest is particularly famous for its exceptional bird diversity. The source records more than 700 bird species in the sanctuary.
One of its most significant species is the Bugun Liocichla, a bird associated with the region. The sanctuary also supports numerous mammals, amphibians, reptiles, butterflies, moths and a wide variety of plants, including rhododendrons.
Because of its extraordinary birdlife and varied elevations, Eaglenest is an important destination for birdwatchers, researchers, nature enthusiasts and wildlife tourists.
4. Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary
The Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary is located around Arunachal Pradesh's capital, Itanagar. The sanctuary is bounded by rivers and streams including the Pam River, Pachin and Chingke stream, as described in the source.
The area supports a mixture of tropical semi-evergreen and wet evergreen forests. These forests contain a diverse mixture of species, while bamboo patches are also common across the sanctuary.
The sanctuary formerly supported a rich population of wildlife including sambar, barking deer, elephants, tigers and panthers. Hornbills were also commonly observed. Habitat loss has affected some wildlife populations, although the sanctuary continues to support wildlife, particularly in its northern and eastern areas.
5. Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in the southeastern part of Arunachal Pradesh, Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary takes its name from the Kamlang River, which flows through the sanctuary.
The sanctuary is noted for its mountainous landscape, perennial water sources and scenic natural environment. One of its prominent attractions is Glow Lake, situated about 20 km from Wakro according to the source.
Wildlife and Flora of Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary
Kamlang is known for its diverse wildlife. The source lists four large cat species—tiger, leopard, clouded leopard and snow leopard—as well as species such as hoolock gibbon, slow loris, leopard cat and Himalayan palm civet.
The sanctuary also contains around 150 tree species, including Canarium resiniferum, Terminalia chebula, Gmelina arborea and Amoora wallichii.
6. Kane Wildlife Sanctuary
Kane Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. The source lists its area as approximately 31 km² in the sanctuary table, while the descriptive section mentions an area of 55 km²; readers should therefore treat the area figure as requiring verification against an official current source.
The sanctuary has an altitude range of approximately 120 to 1,500 metres and consists mainly of hilly, densely vegetated terrain.
It receives considerable rainfall, with the source mentioning approximately 2,500 mm annually, mainly during the southwest monsoon. The sanctuary supports a variety of birds and mammals, including the White-winged Wood Duck, Rufous-necked Hornbill, wild dog, gaur and black bear.
The area's varied topography and altitudinal zones contribute to its rich flora and fauna. The source also mentions Mishmi Teeta (Coptis teeta), Taxus baccata, orchids and numerous species of mammals and birds.
7. Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary
Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by rugged mountains, dense forests and natural lakes. It is described in the source as an important natural area for tourists as well as researchers working in fields such as ornithology, zoology, botany and ecology.
The sanctuary contains diverse plant life, including Mishmi Teeta (Coptis teeta), orchids and other forest species. Its varied vegetation supports a wide range of fauna.
Wildlife of Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary
The source lists wildlife such as tiger, leopard, elephant, wild pig, langur, white-browed gibbon, musk deer and Mishmi takin.
Birdlife includes hornbills, babblers, bulbuls, warblers, flycatchers and pigeons, along with numerous other species. The sanctuary also supports reptiles, insects and other components of the forest ecosystem.
8. Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary
Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary, associated with the Pakke (Pakhui) Tiger Reserve, is located in Pakke Kessang. Its elevations range from approximately 100 to 2,000 metres, creating a landscape of mountains, valleys, riverine areas and forested slopes.
The sanctuary contains several important forest habitats, including lowland semi-evergreen forest, evergreen forest and Eastern Himalayan broadleaf forest.
Flora of Pakke
The source records 343 woody flowering-plant species from the lowland areas and notes the presence of numerous additional vascular plant species.
The forests also contain a rich diversity of orchids. Major emergent tree species mentioned include Bhelu (Tetrameles nudiflora), Borpat (Ailanthus grandis) and Jutuli (Altingia excelsa).
Wildlife of Pakke
Pakke is especially important for birds and mammals. The source notes frequent sightings of hornbills and records around 40 mammal species in the Pakhui Tiger Reserve.
Important mammals include Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, clouded leopard, wild dog, Asiatic jackal, elephant, barking deer, gaur, sambar, rhesus macaque, Assamese macaque and capped langur.
9. Sessa Orchid Sanctuary
Sessa Orchid Sanctuary is located in the Himalayan foothills of West Kameng district and covers approximately 100 km² according to the source.
The sanctuary is particularly important for orchid conservation. A nursery contains representative orchid species, while a demonstration farm includes Cymbidium hybrids for cut-flower production.
Orchids of Arunachal Pradesh
Orchids occur in both terrestrial and epiphytic forms. Many species are epiphytes that grow on tree trunks and branches where suitable environmental conditions exist.
The source notes the exceptional orchid diversity of Arunachal Pradesh and records about 605 identified orchid species in the state.
10. Talle Wildlife Sanctuary
Talle Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Hapoli in Lower Subansiri district. According to the source, it covers approximately 337 km² and is situated among the Subansiri, Sipu and Pange rivers.
The sanctuary is surrounded by densely forested mountains ranging from approximately 2,000 to 4,000 metres in elevation. At around 2,400 metres, the Talle plateau is characterized by forests containing silver fir and pine.
Flora and Wildlife of Talle Sanctuary
Talle is home to several bamboo species, including Arundinaria, Cephalostachyum capitatum, Chimonobambusa callosa and Phyllostachys species.
The sanctuary is also an important habitat for the clouded leopard and several rare and endangered plant species. The source lists around 16 species of rare and endangered flora associated with the sanctuary.
11. Yordi-Rabe Supse Wildlife Sanctuary
Yordi-Rabe Supse Wildlife Sanctuary is included in the source's list of protected areas in Arunachal Pradesh. The table gives its establishment year as 1996 and an area of 397 km².
The supplied source does not provide a separate descriptive section for Yordi-Rabe Supse Wildlife Sanctuary. For a more detailed section covering its exact location, vegetation, wildlife and conservation importance, current official information should be added after verification.
Importance of Wildlife Sanctuaries in Arunachal Pradesh
The wildlife sanctuaries of Arunachal Pradesh are important because they protect a wide range of Himalayan and tropical ecosystems. The state's dramatic changes in altitude, temperature, rainfall and vegetation create habitats ranging from tropical forests to temperate and alpine environments.
These protected areas support important wildlife, including tigers, leopards, clouded leopards, red pandas, takins, hoolock gibbons, elephants, hornbills and many other mammals and birds. They also conserve orchids, rhododendrons, bamboo, conifers and numerous other plant species.
For students of geography and environmental science, Arunachal Pradesh provides an excellent example of how altitudinal variation influences vegetation and biodiversity. For wildlife enthusiasts and researchers, its protected forests represent some of the most ecologically diverse landscapes in northeastern India.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many wildlife sanctuaries are listed in Arunachal Pradesh?
The supplied source lists 11 protected areas under its wildlife sanctuary table, including Sessa Orchid Sanctuary.
Which is the largest wildlife sanctuary listed in the source?
Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary, with an area of 4,149 km², is the largest sanctuary in the supplied table.
Which wildlife sanctuary is famous for birdwatching?
Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is particularly well known for its rich bird diversity, with the source noting more than 700 bird species.
Which sanctuary is particularly famous for orchids?
Sessa Orchid Sanctuary is specifically associated with orchid conservation and cultivation-related activities described in the source.
Which sanctuary has high-altitude temperate and alpine vegetation?
Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary contains temperate broad-leaved and temperate conifer forests across different elevation zones, along with alpine vegetation at higher elevations.
Conclusion
Arunachal Pradesh is one of India's most remarkable biodiversity regions, where tropical forests, temperate forests, alpine landscapes, rivers and mountains occur within a relatively small geographical region. Its wildlife sanctuaries and other protected areas provide essential habitats for a remarkable variety of flora and fauna.
From the bird-rich forests of Eaglenest and Pakke to the high-altitude landscapes of Dibang, the orchid-rich forests of Sessa, and the diverse ecosystems of Kamlang, Mehao and Talle, the protected areas of Arunachal Pradesh demonstrate the extraordinary ecological diversity of the Eastern Himalayas.
For geography students, researchers, wildlife enthusiasts and travellers, studying the wildlife sanctuaries of Arunachal Pradesh provides valuable insight into the relationship between relief, climate, vegetation and biodiversity in the Eastern Himalayan region.