Biodiversity of Mizoram: Flora, Fauna, Wildlife, Forests & Protected Areas
Biodiversity of Mizoram is exceptionally rich because the state lies within the humid hill systems of Northeast India at the meeting zone of the Indian subcontinent and the Indo-Myanmar biological region. Its steep forested ridges, deep valleys, bamboo-covered slopes, tropical evergreen forests, subtropical hill forests, wetlands and river systems support an impressive diversity of plants and animals.
Mizoram forms an important part of the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot. Its forests provide habitat for species such as the clouded leopard, western hoolock gibbon, Phayre's leaf monkey, serow, gaur, Asiatic black bear, Malayan sun bear, hornbills, Mrs. Hume's pheasant and a remarkable variety of orchids, bamboos, reptiles, amphibians and freshwater species.
The ecological importance of Mizoram is also reflected in its extensive forest cover. According to the India State of Forest Report 2023, approximately 17,990.46 sq km, or 85.34% of Mizoram's geographical area, is under forest cover.
This article examines the flora, fauna, forest types, bamboo and orchid diversity, protected areas, Dampa Tiger Reserve, Pala Wetland, threatened wildlife and conservation challenges of Mizoram using government reports, Forest Survey of India assessments, National Tiger Conservation Authority records and other verified scientific sources.
Table of Contents
- Biodiversity of Mizoram at a Glance
- Why Mizoram Is Rich in Biodiversity
- Forest Cover of Mizoram
- Major Forest Types of Mizoram
- Flora of Mizoram
- Bamboo Diversity of Mizoram
- Orchids of Mizoram
- Fauna of Mizoram
- Mammals of Mizoram
- Primates of Mizoram
- Bird Diversity of Mizoram
- Reptiles and Amphibians
- Freshwater and Wetland Biodiversity
- Protected Areas of Mizoram
- Dampa Tiger Reserve
- Murlen National Park
- Phawngpui National Park
- Pala Wetland
- Biodiversity Symbols of Mizoram
- Ecological Importance
- Major Threats to Biodiversity
- Biodiversity Conservation in Mizoram
- Important Facts for Competitive Exams
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
- References
Biodiversity of Mizoram at a Glance
| Biodiversity Feature | Key Information |
|---|---|
| Biodiversity Region | Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot |
| Forest Cover | 17,990.46 sq km or 85.34% according to ISFR 2023 |
| Major Forest Types | Semi-evergreen forest, bamboo brakes, moist mixed deciduous forest, subtropical wet hill forest and subtropical pine forest |
| Reported Bamboo Diversity | 35 species under 9 genera in state forest publications |
| Reported Orchid Diversity | About 252 species belonging to 74 genera in state biodiversity documentation |
| State Animal | Serow – locally known as Saza |
| State Bird | Mrs. Hume's pheasant |
| State Flower | Red Vanda |
| Tiger Reserve | Dampa Tiger Reserve |
| National Parks | Murlen National Park and Phawngpui National Park |
| Ramsar Site | Pala Wetland |
Why Mizoram Is Rich in Biodiversity
Mizoram's biodiversity is closely related to its geographical position, rugged topography, abundant monsoon rainfall and extensive forest cover.
Location within the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot
Mizoram lies within the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot, one of the world's major regions of biological richness and endemism.
The state's eastern and southern hill systems are biologically connected with the Chin Hills and wider Indo-Myanmar ranges. This location enables floral and faunal elements from the Indian, Himalayan and Southeast Asian regions to occur within the same broad landscape.
Hill-and-Valley Topography
Mizoram consists mainly of elongated north-south trending ridges separated by narrow valleys.
Elevation changes create differences in rainfall, temperature, soil moisture and vegetation. Consequently, tropical forests dominate lower elevations while subtropical forests and pine formations occur at higher elevations.
High Rainfall and Humidity
Strong monsoon rainfall and high atmospheric humidity favour evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, luxuriant bamboo growth, epiphytic orchids, ferns and other moisture-loving plants.
Biological Connectivity
Mizoram is bordered by Myanmar and Bangladesh as well as the Indian states of Assam, Manipur and Tripura.
Forest connectivity across this wider landscape is ecologically important for animals that require large home ranges or disperse over considerable distances.
Forest Cover of Mizoram
The latest available national forest assessment demonstrates the importance of forest ecosystems to Mizoram's landscape.
According to the India State of Forest Report 2023, Mizoram has a total forest cover of approximately 17,990.46 sq km, accounting for 85.34% of the geographical area assessed by the Survey of India.
| Forest Density Class | Area | Share of Geographical Area |
|---|---|---|
| Very Dense Forest | 261.52 sq km | 1.24% |
| Moderately Dense Forest | 8,635.76 sq km | 40.96% |
| Open Forest | 9,093.18 sq km | 43.14% |
| Total Forest Cover | 17,990.46 sq km | 85.34% |
The figures show an important ecological characteristic of Mizoram: although forest cover is extensive, much of it occurs in the moderately dense and open forest categories. Therefore, percentage forest cover alone should not be interpreted as a complete measure of forest quality.
Major Forest Types of Mizoram
Forest Survey of India classifications used by the Mizoram Forest Department identify six important forest formations within the state.
| Forest Type | Broad Distribution / Character | Typical Vegetation |
|---|---|---|
| Cachar Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forest | Widely distributed in Mizoram | Dipterocarpus, Terminalia, Careya and associated evergreen and deciduous species |
| Secondary Moist Bamboo Brakes | Extensive across disturbed and regenerating landscapes | Melocanna, Dendrocalamus and other bamboos |
| Pioneer Euphorbiaceous Scrub | Exposed and regenerating slopes | Macaranga, Mallotus and fast-growing pioneer vegetation |
| East Himalayan Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest | Distributed across much of the state | Schima wallichii, Syzygium, Albizia, Dillenia and Terminalia |
| East Himalayan Subtropical Wet Hill Forest | Higher and wetter hill areas | Quercus, Castanopsis, Litsea and associated hill species |
| Assam Subtropical Pine Forest | Especially associated with higher landscapes toward eastern Mizoram | Pinus kesiya with oak, Schima and rhododendron associates |
The coexistence of tropical, subtropical, bamboo-dominated and montane forest communities within a relatively small area contributes greatly to Mizoram's species diversity.
Flora of Mizoram
Mizoram's plant diversity includes tropical hardwood trees, bamboo, palms, canes, orchids, ferns, shrubs, climbers, grasses and high-elevation species.
Important forest trees include species of Dipterocarpus, Mesua, Michelia, Terminalia, Castanopsis, Schima, Syzygium, Artocarpus and Albizia.
Evergreen and Semi-Evergreen Flora
Moist valleys and sheltered hill slopes support tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen vegetation.
These forests are structurally complex and contain tall trees, understorey shrubs, lianas, palms, epiphytes and shade-loving herbs.
Montane Vegetation
Higher elevations such as the Phawngpui or Blue Mountain landscape support distinctive hill vegetation.
Rhododendrons, orchids and other montane plants occur around the highest ridges, creating a floristic environment different from the warmer lower valleys.
Medicinal and Useful Plants
Forest plants have traditionally provided local communities with food, medicine, fibres, construction material, fuel, dyes and other products.
Traditional plant knowledge remains an important component of Mizoram's biological and cultural heritage.
Bamboo Diversity of Mizoram
Bamboo is one of the most characteristic features of Mizoram's vegetation and has major ecological, economic and cultural significance.
Mizoram Forest Department publications report approximately 35 bamboo species belonging to 9 genera.
Melocanna baccifera – Mautak
The dominant bamboo species is Melocanna baccifera, locally known as Mautak.
State forest documentation estimates that it contributes roughly 93% of the state's bamboo growing stock.
It commonly forms extensive bamboo brakes, particularly at lower elevations and in areas that have undergone disturbance or shifting cultivation.
Other Important Bamboo Species
Other bamboos occurring in Mizoram include:
- Bambusa tulda;
- Dendrocalamus longispathus;
- Dendrocalamus hamiltonii;
- Dendrocalamus sikkimensis;
- Bambusa nutans;
- Melocalamus compactiflorus; and
- several locally uncommon or restricted bamboo species.
Ecological Importance of Bamboo
Bamboo helps bind soil on steep slopes, provides shelter and food for wildlife and quickly colonizes disturbed land.
It also supports rural livelihoods because bamboo is used for house construction, baskets, agricultural implements, household objects, food and handicrafts.
Bamboo Flowering and Landscape Ecology
Large-scale flowering and subsequent mortality of some bamboo populations can temporarily transform forest structure and influence food availability for wildlife and rodents.
For this reason, bamboo ecology has implications not only for forestry but also for agriculture, wildlife and rural livelihoods in Mizoram.
Orchid Diversity of Mizoram
Mizoram is particularly rich in orchids because of its humid climate, forest canopy and wide elevational range.
State biodiversity documentation reports approximately 252 orchid species belonging to 74 genera. The figure should be understood as a documented inventory rather than a permanently fixed total because botanical surveys and taxonomy continue to change.
Epiphytic orchids are especially well represented, although terrestrial species also occur.
Important Orchids
Examples recorded from Mizoram include:
- Red Vanda – Renanthera imschootiana;
- Blue Vanda – Vanda coerulea;
- Paphiopedilum hirsutissimum;
- Paphiopedilum villosum;
- Dendrobium chrysotoxum;
- Dendrobium densiflorum;
- Rhynchostylis retusa; and
- numerous Coelogyne, Bulbophyllum and Dendrobium species.
The humid forests of Murlen, Phawngpui, Dampa and other protected landscapes provide important orchid habitat.
Fauna of Mizoram
Mizoram supports a remarkable mixture of South Asian, Himalayan and Indo-Myanmar animal communities.
A state compilation published in the State of Environment Report recorded 920 vertebrate species, including 96 mammals, 505 birds, 117 reptiles, 60 amphibians and 142 fishes.
An earlier Zoological Survey of India assessment documented a smaller total. The difference illustrates an important point: biodiversity totals depend on the year of survey, geographical coverage, taxonomic revisions and the level of sampling. Therefore, the figures should not be treated as a final 2026 checklist.
| Faunal Group | Species Reported in State Compilation |
|---|---|
| Mammals | 96 |
| Birds | 505 |
| Reptiles | 117 |
| Amphibians | 60 |
| Fishes | 142 |
| Total Vertebrates | 920 |
Mammals of Mizoram
The forests of Mizoram support a particularly interesting mammalian community because the state lies close to the biological transition between South Asia and mainland Southeast Asia.
Large Carnivores
Important carnivores recorded from Mizoram include:
- tiger;
- leopard;
- clouded leopard;
- Asiatic golden cat;
- marbled cat;
- leopard cat;
- jungle cat;
- dhole or Asiatic wild dog;
- Asiatic black bear; and
- Malayan sun bear.
This diversity of forest cats and other carnivores is one of the most distinctive features of Mizoram's wildlife.
Clouded Leopard
The clouded leopard is particularly associated with dense forests of Northeast India and Southeast Asia.
Mizoram lies within an important part of its Indian range, and the species has been recorded in protected areas including Dampa.
Herbivores
Important herbivorous mammals include:
- gaur;
- serow;
- sambar;
- barking deer;
- wild pig; and
- Asian elephant in suitable landscapes.
These animals form an essential part of forest food webs and, in the case of deer and wild pig, provide prey for large carnivores.
Primates of Mizoram
Mizoram is especially important for primate conservation.
Forest Department and NTCA documentation records a diverse primate community including:
- western hoolock gibbon;
- Phayre's leaf monkey;
- capped langur;
- stump-tailed macaque;
- northern pig-tailed macaque;
- Assamese macaque;
- rhesus macaque; and
- Bengal slow loris.
Western Hoolock Gibbon
The western hoolock gibbon is India's only ape.
It is strongly dependent on forest canopy because it moves primarily through trees. Fragmentation of continuous forest therefore creates a major conservation challenge for gibbons.
Phayre's Leaf Monkey
Phayre's leaf monkey is another characteristic primate of the Indo-Myanmar region found in Mizoram.
Its occurrence illustrates the state's strong Southeast Asian biogeographical affinities.
Bird Diversity of Mizoram
Mizoram's forests, bamboo brakes, wetlands and high ridges support a rich bird community.
The state biodiversity compilation cited above reported more than 500 bird species, while an NTCA assessment recorded 242 bird species within Dampa Tiger Reserve alone.
Mrs. Hume's Pheasant
Mrs. Hume's pheasant, locally known as Vavu, is the State Bird of Mizoram.
It inhabits hill forests and is one of the most recognizable bird species associated with the state.
Blyth's Tragopan
Blyth's tragopan occurs in suitable high-elevation forest habitats and is one of the threatened pheasants associated with Northeast India's hill forests.
Hornbills
Hornbills play an important ecological role as dispersers of large forest seeds.
Species recorded from Mizoram include:
- Great Hornbill;
- Wreathed Hornbill;
- Oriental Pied Hornbill;
- Brown Hornbill; and
- Rufous-necked Hornbill.
The presence of multiple hornbill species indicates the ecological value of mature forests containing large fruiting trees and suitable nesting cavities.
Other Notable Birds
Other notable birds documented from the state include Black Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Kalij Pheasant, Red Junglefowl, White-cheeked Partridge, green pigeons and numerous forest passerines.
Reptiles and Amphibians of Mizoram
Mizoram's warm, humid climate and dense drainage network provide favourable conditions for reptiles and amphibians.
State biodiversity records contain numerous species of frogs, toads, lizards, snakes, turtles and tortoises.
Notable reptiles and amphibians documented from protected areas include:
- king cobra;
- Burmese python;
- keeled box turtle;
- Asian brown tortoise;
- flying lizards;
- forest lizards; and
- several stream and forest frogs.
Amphibians are particularly sensitive to changes in moisture, water quality and forest cover, making them valuable indicators of ecosystem condition.
Freshwater and Wetland Biodiversity of Mizoram
Although Mizoram is predominantly a hill state, rivers, streams, marshes and natural lakes create important freshwater habitats.
The best-known wetland landscape is Pala Wetland in southern Mizoram.
Freshwater ecosystems support fish, amphibians, aquatic plants, reptiles, birds and mammals while also supplying water and supporting agriculture and local livelihoods.
Protected Areas of Mizoram
Mizoram has developed a network of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and a tiger reserve to conserve representative ecosystems.
State Forest Department publications use slightly different totals depending on whether Dampa is counted simultaneously under its sanctuary and tiger-reserve status. To avoid double counting, the table below treats Dampa as one protected landscape.
| Protected Area | Category | Major Biodiversity Value |
|---|---|---|
| Dampa | Tiger Reserve | Large forest landscape, cats, primates, bears, hornbills and other wildlife |
| Murlen | National Park | Dense subtropical and semi-evergreen forest, orchids, pheasants and mammals |
| Phawngpui | National Park | High-elevation Blue Mountain ecosystem, rhododendrons and montane wildlife |
| Ngengpui | Wildlife Sanctuary | Southern tropical and semi-evergreen forests |
| Khawnglung | Wildlife Sanctuary | Hill forests supporting serow, deer and primates |
| Lengteng | Wildlife Sanctuary | High-elevation subtropical evergreen and semi-montane forest near the Myanmar frontier |
| Tawi | Wildlife Sanctuary | Semi-evergreen forests, orchids and diverse fauna |
| Thorangtlang | Wildlife Sanctuary | Hill forest biodiversity |
| Pualreng | Wildlife Sanctuary | Hornbills, primates and forest carnivores |
| Tokalo | Wildlife Sanctuary | Large southern forest landscape with cats, bears, primates and hornbills |
Dampa Tiger Reserve
Dampa Tiger Reserve in western Mizoram is the state's largest and most important protected forest landscape.
National Tiger Conservation Authority documentation gives the wider tiger reserve an area of approximately 988 sq km, including about 500 sq km of critical tiger habitat or core area.
The reserve lies in Mamit district close to the Bangladesh boundary and contains a rugged landscape of ridges, streams and densely forested valleys.
Vegetation of Dampa
Dampa contains:
- tropical wet evergreen forest;
- tropical semi-evergreen forest;
- moist deciduous forest;
- bamboo-dominated vegetation; and
- higher-elevation grass and forest communities.
The variation in altitude, rainfall and topography creates numerous ecological niches.
Wildlife of Dampa
Important mammals recorded from the reserve include:
- tiger;
- leopard;
- clouded leopard;
- marbled cat;
- Asiatic golden cat;
- dhole;
- Asiatic black bear;
- Malayan sun bear;
- gaur;
- serow;
- sambar;
- elephant;
- western hoolock gibbon; and
- Phayre's leaf monkey.
The NTCA has also recorded approximately 242 bird species from Dampa.
Landscape Connectivity
Dampa's long-term ecological importance extends beyond its legal boundary.
Forest connectivity with adjoining landscapes is particularly important for wide-ranging carnivores, elephants, primates and other species whose movements cannot be confined to a single protected area.
Murlen National Park
Murlen National Park lies in eastern Mizoram near the Indo-Myanmar frontier and protects approximately 100 sq km of rugged forested terrain.
The park contains subtropical, semi-evergreen and sub-montane forest communities.
Its forests support:
- serow;
- goral;
- leopard;
- Asiatic black bear;
- hoolock gibbon;
- pheasants;
- orchids; and
- numerous forest birds.
Botanical studies cited by the state have recorded rare orchid species from Murlen, emphasizing the importance of intact forest canopy for epiphytic plant diversity.
Phawngpui National Park – Blue Mountain
Phawngpui, popularly known as the Blue Mountain, contains the highest mountain landscape in Mizoram.
The national park protects approximately 50 sq km of high-elevation habitat.
Its flora differs from many lower-elevation areas and includes rhododendrons, orchids and montane vegetation.
Wildlife recorded from the wider landscape includes:
- serow;
- goral;
- leopard;
- sambar;
- pheasants; and
- other hill and forest birds.
Phawngpui illustrates how altitude creates distinct biological communities within Mizoram.
Pala Wetland – Mizoram's Ramsar Site
Pala Wetland, also known as Palak Wetland, is located in Siaha district in southern Mizoram.
It was designated a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in 2021.
The Ramsar boundary covers approximately 1,850 hectares and includes the natural lake together with its surrounding forested catchment.
Biodiversity of Pala Wetland
Current Ramsar documentation records at least:
- 7 mammal species;
- 222 bird species;
- 11 amphibian species; and
- 21 reptile species.
Important animals include sambar, wild pig, barking deer, western hoolock gibbon and Phayre's leaf monkey.
The forest surrounding the lake is therefore just as important as the water body itself.
Importance to Local Communities
Pala Wetland is deeply connected with the history and cultural traditions of the local Mara people.
It also provides freshwater, fish and water for agriculture and horticulture to communities living around the wetland.
Biodiversity Symbols of Mizoram
| Symbol | Species | Local / Common Reference |
|---|---|---|
| State Animal | Serow | Saza |
| State Bird | Mrs. Hume's Pheasant | Vavu |
| State Flower | Red Vanda | Renanthera imschootiana |
Ecological Importance of Mizoram's Biodiversity
Watershed Protection
Forests slow surface runoff, stabilize steep slopes and protect the numerous streams that drain Mizoram's hill ranges.
This role is especially important in a landscape dominated by steep slopes and intense monsoon rainfall.
Soil Conservation
Tree roots, bamboo rhizomes and forest-floor vegetation reduce erosion and help retain soil on hill slopes.
Carbon Storage
Extensive forest ecosystems store carbon in vegetation and soil and therefore contribute to climate regulation.
Pollination and Seed Dispersal
Birds, bats, insects and mammals transport pollen and seeds between plants.
Hornbills are especially important dispersers of large forest seeds.
Livelihood Resources
Forests provide bamboo, edible plants, medicinal resources, fibres, fuelwood and other non-timber forest products.
Conservation therefore has a direct relationship with rural livelihoods.
Major Threats to Biodiversity of Mizoram
Forest Fragmentation
Even where overall forest cover remains high, roads, settlements, repeated disturbance and other forms of land-use change can divide continuous forests into smaller fragments.
Fragmentation is particularly serious for canopy-dependent primates and wide-ranging mammals.
Shifting Cultivation and Shortened Fallow Periods
Jhum or shifting cultivation is a long-established agricultural system in the hill regions of Northeast India.
Its ecological effects depend greatly on the size of cultivated areas, fire management and, particularly, the duration of the fallow period.
Where adequate fallow periods allow forest recovery, vegetation can regenerate substantially. Repeated cultivation with shortened recovery periods, however, may favour secondary scrub and bamboo while reducing mature forest structure.
Forest Fire
Dry-season fires can damage regenerating vegetation, wildlife habitat and soil organisms.
Repeated burning may gradually simplify forest structure.
Hunting and Wildlife Extraction
Unsustainable hunting can reduce populations of birds and mammals even where apparently suitable forest remains.
Large birds, primates and ungulates can be particularly vulnerable because many reproduce slowly.
Infrastructure and Road Development
Roads can improve connectivity for people but may also fragment habitat, increase erosion and open previously inaccessible forests to additional disturbance.
Climate Change
Changes in rainfall, temperature and extreme weather can alter the distribution of species, flowering cycles, water availability and forest composition.
Montane ecosystems such as Phawngpui and Lengteng may be especially sensitive because high-elevation species have limited opportunities to shift further upward.
Biodiversity Conservation in Mizoram
Conservation in Mizoram operates through a combination of protected areas, government forestry programmes, community institutions and local participation.
Protected-Area Network
Dampa Tiger Reserve, Murlen and Phawngpui National Parks and the state's wildlife sanctuaries provide legal protection to representative forest landscapes.
Village Forests and Community Conservation
Mizoram has a long tradition of village-level forest management.
Village Safety Reserves and Supply Reserves demonstrate how local institutions can influence forest use and protection.
Community participation is particularly important because wildlife regularly moves through forests outside formally protected areas.
Joint Forest Management
State forest programmes have promoted village participation in forest restoration, protection and sustainable resource use through Village Forest Development and Eco-Development structures.
Wetland Conservation
Protection of Pala Wetland requires maintaining both the lake and its forested catchment because erosion, forest loss and water-quality changes in the surrounding hills can directly influence the aquatic ecosystem.
Wildlife Corridors
Maintaining connectivity between protected areas and surrounding forests is essential for elephants, carnivores, primates and other wide-ranging animals.
Scientific Monitoring
Camera trapping, bird surveys, botanical inventories, freshwater studies and long-term monitoring are necessary because biodiversity records continue to change as new surveys are completed and taxonomy is revised.
Biodiversity of Mizoram: Important Facts for Competitive Exams
| Important Question Point | Answer |
|---|---|
| Biodiversity hotspot containing Mizoram | Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot |
| Forest cover according to ISFR 2023 | 17,990.46 sq km or 85.34% |
| Tiger Reserve of Mizoram | Dampa Tiger Reserve |
| National Parks of Mizoram | Murlen National Park and Phawngpui National Park |
| Highest mountain landscape of Mizoram | Phawngpui or Blue Mountain |
| Ramsar Site of Mizoram | Pala Wetland |
| State Animal | Serow |
| State Bird | Mrs. Hume's Pheasant |
| State Flower | Red Vanda |
| Dominant bamboo | Melocanna baccifera or Mautak |
| Reported bamboo diversity | About 35 species under 9 genera |
| Reported orchid diversity | About 252 species under 74 genera |
| India's only ape found in Mizoram | Western Hoolock Gibbon |
| Major wetland in southern Mizoram | Pala Wetland / Palak Wetland |
Frequently Asked Questions About Biodiversity of Mizoram
Why is Mizoram rich in biodiversity?
Mizoram is rich in biodiversity because it lies within the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot and contains extensive forests, heavy monsoon rainfall, varied elevations and biological connections with the Indo-Myanmar hill ranges.
How much of Mizoram is covered by forest?
According to the India State of Forest Report 2023, Mizoram has approximately 17,990.46 sq km of forest cover, equal to about 85.34% of the state's geographical area assessed by the Survey of India.
What is the main bamboo species of Mizoram?
Melocanna baccifera, locally known as Mautak, is the dominant bamboo of Mizoram and accounts for the overwhelming majority of the state's bamboo growing stock according to state forest documentation.
How many bamboo species are found in Mizoram?
Mizoram Forest Department publications report approximately 35 bamboo species belonging to nine genera.
How many orchid species are found in Mizoram?
State biodiversity documentation reports around 252 orchid species belonging to 74 genera. The exact total may change as surveys and botanical taxonomy are updated.
What is the State Animal of Mizoram?
The serow, locally called Saza, is the State Animal of Mizoram.
What is the State Bird of Mizoram?
Mrs. Hume's pheasant is the State Bird of Mizoram.
What is the State Flower of Mizoram?
The Red Vanda, Renanthera imschootiana, is the State Flower of Mizoram.
Which is the Tiger Reserve of Mizoram?
Dampa Tiger Reserve in Mamit district is the only tiger reserve of Mizoram.
Which are the National Parks of Mizoram?
The two national parks are Murlen National Park and Phawngpui National Park.
Which is the Ramsar Site of Mizoram?
Pala Wetland in southern Mizoram is a Ramsar Site. Its Ramsar boundary includes the natural lake and surrounding forested catchment.
What are the major wild animals of Mizoram?
Important wild mammals include clouded leopard, leopard, tiger, dhole, gaur, serow, sambar, western hoolock gibbon, Phayre's leaf monkey, Asiatic black bear and Malayan sun bear.
Which biodiversity hotspot includes Mizoram?
Mizoram forms part of the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot.
Conclusion
The biodiversity of Mizoram is a product of its forested hills, monsoon climate, wide elevational range and strategic position within the Indo-Burma biological region.
Its natural landscapes contain tropical semi-evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, subtropical hill forests, pine formations and vast bamboo brakes. These ecosystems support an exceptional variety of plants ranging from orchids and rhododendrons to economically and culturally important bamboo species.
The fauna is equally distinctive. Clouded leopard, western hoolock gibbon, Phayre's leaf monkey, serow, gaur, bears, hornbills, Mrs. Hume's pheasant and many other species illustrate Mizoram's strong ecological links with the forests of mainland Southeast Asia.
Dampa Tiger Reserve, Murlen National Park, Phawngpui National Park, the wildlife sanctuaries and Pala Wetland form the core of formal biodiversity conservation. Yet much of Mizoram's wildlife also depends on forests outside protected areas.
For this reason, the future of Mizoram's biodiversity depends on maintaining forest connectivity, protecting watersheds, reducing unsustainable hunting and repeated burning, managing infrastructure carefully and strengthening community participation in forest conservation.
The state's high percentage of forest cover is a major ecological asset, but long-term biodiversity conservation requires protecting not only the quantity of forest but also its quality, maturity, connectivity and ecological diversity.
References
Forest Survey of India. India State of Forest Report 2023, Volume II – Mizoram. Used for current forest-cover area and forest-density classes.
Government of Mizoram. Economic Survey of Mizoram 2024–2025. Used to cross-check the latest ISFR forest-cover figures.
Environment, Forests & Climate Change Department, Government of Mizoram. Splendid Wildlife Habitats of Mizoram. Used for bamboo diversity, protected areas, mammals, primates, birds, state biodiversity symbols and habitat descriptions.
Environment, Forests & Climate Change Department, Government of Mizoram. State of Environment Report of Mizoram. Used for forest types, orchid documentation and compiled faunal diversity.
National Tiger Conservation Authority. Dampa Tiger Reserve – Management Effectiveness Evaluation and habitat documentation. Used for current reserve extent, vegetation, mammals and bird diversity.
Wildlife Institute of India. Protected Area Database for Mizoram. Used for protected-area names, categories and historical notified areas.
Zoological Survey of India. Fauna of Mizoram and subsequent national faunal checklists. Used for taxonomic and faunal context.
Ramsar Sites Information Service. Pala Wetland – Ramsar Site No. 2484. Used for wetland area, biodiversity and ecological significance.
Research Note: Biodiversity inventories change as new surveys are carried out and scientific names are revised. Species totals quoted in this article are therefore identified as reported figures from specific official compilations rather than presented as fixed 2026 totals. Forest-cover figures use the latest available national assessment, ISFR 2023.