Biodiversity of Tripura: Flora, Fauna, Wildlife, Forests & Protected Areas
Biodiversity of Tripura is remarkably rich for one of India's smaller states. Its tropical and subtropical forests, bamboo brakes, sal-dominated woodlands, hill ranges, river valleys, wetlands and freshwater ecosystems support a distinctive mixture of Indian and Indo-Malayan flora and fauna.
Tripura lies within the North-East biogeographic zone and forms part of the wider Indo-Burma biological landscape. Its plants and animals show strong affinities with the Indo-Malayan and Indo-Chinese regions, while its geographical position between Bangladesh, Assam and Mizoram creates important ecological connections with surrounding forest landscapes.
The state is particularly important for primates. Species such as the Phayre's leaf monkey, western hoolock gibbon, capped langur, stump-tailed macaque, pig-tailed macaque, rhesus macaque and Bengal slow loris occur within its forests. Tripura also supports clouded leopard, leopard, Asiatic golden cat, marbled cat, elephant, gaur, pangolin, deer, hornbills and hundreds of bird species.
According to the India State of Forest Report 2023, Tripura has approximately 7,584.77 sq km of forest cover, representing 72.33% of its geographical area. The state also contains four wildlife sanctuaries, two national parks, conservation reserves, biodiversity heritage sites and the internationally important Rudrasagar Lake Ramsar Site.
This article provides a detailed account of the flora, fauna, forest types, bamboo and orchid diversity, mammals, primates, birds, protected areas, wetlands, biodiversity heritage sites and conservation challenges of Tripura using Forest Survey of India, Government of Tripura, Wildlife Institute of India, Tripura Biodiversity Board and Ramsar documentation.
Table of Contents
- Biodiversity of Tripura at a Glance
- Why Tripura Is Rich in Biodiversity
- Forest Cover of Tripura
- Major Forest Types of Tripura
- Flora of Tripura
- Bamboo Diversity of Tripura
- Orchids and Rare Plants of Tripura
- Medicinal and Economically Important Plants
- Fauna of Tripura
- Mammals of Tripura
- Primates of Tripura
- Bird Diversity of Tripura
- Reptiles and Amphibians
- Freshwater and Wetland Biodiversity
- Protected Areas of Tripura
- Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary & Clouded Leopard National Park
- Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary & Bison National Park
- Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary
- Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary
- Rudrasagar Lake Ramsar Site
- Biodiversity Heritage Sites of Tripura
- Biodiversity Symbols of Tripura
- Ecological Importance
- Major Threats to Biodiversity
- Biodiversity Conservation in Tripura
- Important Facts for Competitive Exams
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
- References
Biodiversity of Tripura at a Glance
| Biodiversity Feature | Key Information |
|---|---|
| Biogeographic Setting | North-East biogeographic zone with strong Indo-Malayan and Indo-Chinese affinities |
| Forest Cover | 7,584.77 sq km or 72.33% according to ISFR 2023 |
| Main Forest Types | Cachar semi-evergreen forest, moist mixed deciduous forest, sal forest and bamboo brakes |
| Reported Mammal Diversity | About 90 species in state-level compilations |
| Reported Bird Diversity | 342 species, including around 58 migratory species in state documentation |
| Reported Primate Diversity | Seven primate species in state forest compilations |
| Reported Bamboo Diversity | About 19 species in state documentation |
| Reported Orchid Diversity | 24 species in state forest documentation |
| State Animal | Phayre's Langur / Phayre's Leaf Monkey |
| State Bird | Green Imperial Pigeon |
| State Tree | Agar |
| State Flower | Nageswar |
| National Parks | Clouded Leopard National Park and Bison (Rajbari) National Park |
| Wildlife Sanctuaries | Sepahijala, Trishna, Gumti and Rowa |
| Ramsar Site | Rudrasagar Lake |
Why Tripura Is Rich in Biodiversity
Tripura's biological richness is closely connected with its geographical position, warm humid climate, extensive forests, north-south trending hill ranges and dense network of rivers and wetlands.
Indo-Malayan Biological Affinities
Government biodiversity documents place Tripura in India's North-East biogeographic zone and note that its flora and fauna show strong similarities with the Indo-Malayan and Indo-Chinese biological regions.
This explains the occurrence of species such as Phayre's leaf monkey, hoolock gibbon, clouded leopard, Chinese pangolin, several forest cats and numerous tropical plants.
Hill-and-Valley Landscape
Tripura consists of several parallel hill ranges separated by valleys and plains.
Important ranges include:
- Jampui Hills;
- Sakhan Hills;
- Longtharai Range;
- Atharamura Range; and
- Baramura-Deotamura Range.
Differences in slope, elevation, soil moisture and drainage create a variety of habitats ranging from semi-evergreen forest and sal forest to bamboo brakes, swamp vegetation and freshwater ecosystems.
Humid Tropical Climate
High monsoon rainfall, warm temperatures and humidity favour rapid plant growth and help sustain evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous vegetation.
River and Wetland Systems
Major rivers such as the Gomati, Manu, Khowai, Dhalai, Feni, Juri and Muhuri support riparian vegetation, freshwater fish, amphibians, reptiles and wetland birds.
Lakes, ponds, oxbows, seasonal waterlogged areas and reservoirs increase habitat diversity further.
Forest Cover of Tripura
The latest available national forest assessment shows that forests remain the dominant land-cover feature across much of Tripura.
According to the India State of Forest Report 2023, Tripura has approximately 7,584.77 sq km of forest cover, equivalent to 72.33% of the state's geographical area.
| Forest Density Class | Area | Share of State Area |
|---|---|---|
| Very Dense Forest | 614.43 sq km | 5.86% |
| Moderately Dense Forest | 4,929.99 sq km | 47.01% |
| Open Forest | 2,040.35 sq km | 19.46% |
| Total Forest Cover | 7,584.77 sq km | 72.33% |
| Scrub | 173.27 sq km | 1.65% |
Tripura also has approximately 247.56 sq km of tree cover outside the forest-cover category. Forest cover and tree cover together amount to approximately 7,832.33 sq km.
ISFR 2023 records a decline of approximately 95.31 sq km of forest cover compared with the revised 2021 assessment. This makes conservation of remaining natural forest particularly important.
Major Forest Types of Tripura
Tripura's natural vegetation consists mainly of tropical semi-evergreen forests, moist mixed deciduous forests, sal forests and bamboo brakes.
The latest forest-type mapping associated with ISFR 2023 identifies the following major formations:
| Forest Type | Mapped Area | Share of Mapped Area |
|---|---|---|
| Cachar Semi-Evergreen Forest | 2,141.12 sq km | 27.60% |
| Pioneer Euphorbiaceous Scrub | 1.09 sq km | 0.01% |
| Secondary Moist Bamboo Brakes | 583.60 sq km | 7.52% |
| East Himalayan Lower Bhabar Sal Forest | 195.35 sq km | 2.52% |
| East Himalayan Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest | 3,020.86 sq km | 38.94% |
| Plantation / Trees Outside Forest | 1,816.02 sq km | 23.41% |
Moist Mixed Deciduous Forests
These forests form the largest mapped natural forest type in Tripura.
Important trees include:
- Schima wallichii;
- Terminalia chebula;
- Terminalia bellirica;
- Albizia procera;
- Lagerstroemia species;
- Syzygium species; and
- Careya arborea.
Semi-Evergreen Forests
Cachar semi-evergreen forests contain a mixture of evergreen and deciduous trees and are particularly important for primates, forest birds, small cats and epiphytes.
Characteristic genera include Dipterocarpus, Artocarpus, Elaeocarpus, Syzygium and related tropical trees.
Sal Forests
Sal or Shorea robusta is an important component of several forest landscapes, particularly on suitable soils and lower hill slopes.
Bamboo Brakes
Bamboo forms extensive vegetation throughout Tripura and often develops strongly in disturbed or regenerating forest landscapes.
Flora of Tripura
Tripura supports a rich assemblage of tropical trees, shrubs, herbs, climbers, bamboo, cane, ferns, epiphytes and medicinal plants.
Government biodiversity documentation reports the identification of approximately:
- 379 tree species;
- 320 shrub species;
- 581 herb species;
- 165 climber species;
- 16 climbing-shrub species;
- 35 fern species;
- 45 epiphyte species; and
- 4 parasitic plant species.
These numbers represent documented inventories from state sources rather than a final fixed total because botanical surveys and taxonomy continue to change.
Important Forest Trees
Important native and economically valuable trees include:
- Garjan – Dipterocarpus turbinatus;
- Sal – Shorea robusta;
- Chamal – Artocarpus chaplasha;
- Koroi – Albizia procera;
- Gamar – Gmelina arborea;
- Nageswar – Mesua ferrea;
- Agar – Aquilaria malaccensis; and
- species of Terminalia, Syzygium, Ficus and Lagerstroemia.
Rare and Restricted Plants
State documentation identifies a number of plants as rare, endemic or geographically restricted within Tripura and neighbouring regions.
Examples include:
- Cycas pectinata;
- Gnetum montanum;
- Podocarpus neriifolius;
- Mangifera sylvatica;
- tree ferns; and
- several specialized epiphytes and climbers.
Bamboo Diversity of Tripura
Bamboo is one of the most economically and ecologically important plant groups in Tripura.
State forest documentation reports approximately 19 bamboo species.
Important species include:
- Bambusa balcooa;
- Bambusa cacharensis;
- Bambusa nutans;
- Bambusa pallida;
- Bambusa polymorpha;
- Bambusa tulda;
- Dendrocalamus hamiltonii;
- Dendrocalamus longispathus;
- Dendrocalamus strictus;
- Melocanna baccifera; and
- Schizostachyum dullooa.
Ecological Importance of Bamboo
Bamboo stabilizes soil, contributes to rapid vegetation recovery, provides shelter for wildlife and helps protect slopes from erosion.
Economic and Cultural Importance
Bamboo is traditionally used for:
- house construction;
- fencing;
- baskets;
- furniture;
- handicrafts;
- agricultural tools;
- food; and
- small-scale industries.
Tripura's bamboo resources therefore link biodiversity directly with rural livelihoods and traditional knowledge.
Orchids and Rare Plants of Tripura
The humid forests of Tripura support a modest but ecologically important orchid flora.
State documentation reports around 24 orchid species, with the genus Dendrobium particularly well represented.
Notable orchids include:
- Blue Vanda – Vanda coerulea;
- Red Vanda – Renanthera imschootiana; and
- several Dendrobium species.
The Jampui hill landscape is especially important for orchids, ginger relatives, cane and other moisture-loving plants.
Medicinal and Economically Important Plants
Tripura possesses a rich tradition of plant-based medicine among tribal and rural communities.
State environmental documentation has identified approximately 266 medicinal plant species, including trees, shrubs, herbs and climbers.
Examples include:
- Aquilaria malaccensis;
- Asparagus racemosus;
- Terminalia chebula;
- Phyllanthus emblica;
- Curcuma species;
- Clerodendrum species; and
- numerous locally used forest herbs and climbers.
Agar – Tripura's State Tree
Agar or Aquilaria malaccensis is economically important because resin-rich agarwood is used in perfume, incense and traditional products.
The tree also illustrates a conservation challenge because valuable biological resources require carefully regulated cultivation and trade to prevent pressure on wild populations.
Fauna of Tripura
Tripura's fauna reflects its position between the Indian subcontinent and the Indo-Myanmar biological region.
State forest documentation reports approximately 90 mammal species belonging to 65 genera and about 342 bird species.
The state also supports a rich diversity of reptiles, amphibians, freshwater fishes, butterflies, spiders and other invertebrates.
Modern surveys by the Tripura Biodiversity Board and research institutions continue to add new records, particularly among reptiles, amphibians and arachnids. This demonstrates that Tripura's complete biodiversity inventory is still developing.
Mammals of Tripura
Tripura's forests support an unusually diverse mammal community for the state's relatively small geographical area.
Forest Cats and Carnivores
Important carnivores recorded from Tripura include:
- clouded leopard;
- leopard;
- Asiatic golden cat;
- marbled cat;
- leopard cat;
- jungle cat;
- civets;
- mongoose species; and
- otters in suitable freshwater habitats.
Clouded Leopard
The clouded leopard is one of Tripura's most important forest carnivores.
Its presence reflects the state's strong Indo-Malayan biological character and the importance of dense forest canopy.
Tripura has also established a small national park named after the species within the Sepahijala protected landscape.
Elephant
Asian elephants occur in parts of Tripura, especially within larger forest landscapes and movement corridors.
Government documents identify elephant movement around the forested areas of Khowai and adjoining landscapes.
Gaur
Gaur, often locally referred to as Indian bison, is especially associated with Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary.
The presence of a substantial gaur population is one of the principal wildlife features of the sanctuary.
Other Herbivores
Other mammals include:
- sambar;
- barking deer;
- wild pig;
- serow in suitable hill forests;
- porcupines; and
- flying squirrels.
Chinese Pangolin
The Chinese pangolin occurs within Tripura's broader Indo-Myanmar forest landscape.
Pangolins are highly specialized mammals that feed mainly on ants and termites and are vulnerable to hunting and illegal wildlife trade.
Primates of Tripura
Primate diversity is one of the strongest features of the biodiversity of Tripura.
State forest compilations report seven primate species.
Phayre's Leaf Monkey
Phayre's leaf monkey or Phayre's langur is one of the most characteristic primates of Tripura and is the State Animal.
It is locally known as the spectacled monkey because of the pale rings around its eyes.
The species has a restricted distribution in India and therefore gives Tripura particular importance for primate conservation.
Western Hoolock Gibbon
The western hoolock gibbon is India's only ape.
It is strongly dependent on connected tree canopies because much of its movement takes place through the forest crown.
Habitat fragmentation can therefore isolate gibbon groups even when patches of forest remain nearby.
Capped Langur
Capped langurs occur within several protected and non-protected forest landscapes of the state.
Macaques
Tripura supports several macaques, including:
- stump-tailed macaque;
- pig-tailed macaque; and
- rhesus macaque.
Bengal Slow Loris
The nocturnal Bengal slow loris inhabits dense forest and is another important primate associated with the Indo-Myanmar region.
Bird Diversity of Tripura
Tripura has rich bird diversity because forests, agricultural landscapes, bamboo brakes, river valleys, wetlands and reservoirs provide a wide range of habitats.
State documentation reports approximately 342 bird species, including around 58 migratory species.
Green Imperial Pigeon
The Green Imperial Pigeon is the State Bird of Tripura.
It is a fruit-eating forest bird and contributes to seed dispersal.
Oriental Pied Hornbill
The Oriental Pied Hornbill is the hornbill species documented by the Government of Tripura from the state.
Hornbills are important seed dispersers and are sometimes called the farmers of the forest because they transport seeds of forest trees over substantial distances.
Wetland Birds
Rudrasagar, Gumti and other reservoirs and wetlands support:
- herons;
- egrets;
- cormorants;
- kingfishers;
- ducks;
- other resident waterbirds; and
- seasonal migratory species.
Forest Birds
Forested protected areas support woodpeckers, barbets, pigeons, doves, junglefowl, raptors and numerous small insectivorous and frugivorous birds.
Reptiles and Amphibians of Tripura
Tripura's humid tropical climate provides excellent habitat for snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises, frogs and other herpetofauna.
Older state-wide documentation recorded at least 32 reptile species under 28 genera and 11 families, but subsequent scientific surveys have added new state and even national records.
Important Reptiles
Recorded reptiles include:
- king cobra;
- Indian cobra;
- kraits;
- pythons;
- rat snakes;
- pit vipers;
- monitor lizards;
- forest lizards;
- turtles; and
- tortoises.
Scientific Discoveries
Rapid surveys coordinated through the Tripura Biodiversity Board have demonstrated how incompletely explored the state's smaller fauna remains.
Such surveys have produced new records of reptiles, frogs and arachnids, emphasizing Tripura's importance for continuing biodiversity research.
Freshwater and Wetland Biodiversity of Tripura
Tripura's biodiversity is not limited to forests.
Government environmental assessments identify hundreds of freshwater wetlands, including:
- lakes and ponds;
- oxbow lakes;
- seasonally waterlogged areas;
- reservoirs;
- tanks; and
- permanent waterlogged habitats.
These wetlands support fish, frogs, turtles, snakes, aquatic vegetation, insects and waterbirds.
Large reservoirs such as Dumboor and natural wetland systems such as Rudrasagar are therefore important components of Tripura's overall biodiversity.
Protected Areas of Tripura
Tripura's main wildlife protected-area network contains four wildlife sanctuaries and two national parks.
The two national parks form core areas within the larger Sepahijala and Trishna protected landscapes. Their areas should therefore not simply be added to the wildlife-sanctuary areas when calculating the state's unique protected extent.
| Protected Area | Category | Major Biodiversity Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Sepahijala | Wildlife Sanctuary | Primates, clouded leopard, small cats, birds and wetland habitats |
| Clouded Leopard | National Park | 5.08 sq km core area within the Sepahijala landscape |
| Trishna | Wildlife Sanctuary | Gaur, primates, clouded leopard, birds and mixed forest |
| Bison / Rajbari | National Park | 31.63 sq km core area associated with Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Gumti | Wildlife Sanctuary | Large forest-wetland landscape, primates, elephant, deer and waterbirds |
| Rowa | Wildlife Sanctuary | Small but floristically rich northern sanctuary |
The state has also established conservation reserves such as Garjee Conservation Reserve and Bhairabnagar Conservation Reserve.
Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary & Clouded Leopard National Park
Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Tripura's best-known biodiversity and nature-education centres.
The forest contains bamboo, climbers, medicinal herbs, tropical trees and freshwater habitats.
Important Wildlife
Species documented from the Sepahijala landscape include:
- Phayre's leaf monkey;
- capped langur;
- pig-tailed macaque;
- rhesus macaque;
- Bengal slow loris;
- clouded leopard;
- leopard cat;
- civets;
- crab-eating mongoose;
- flying squirrel;
- porcupine;
- barking deer; and
- wild pig.
Clouded Leopard National Park
Clouded Leopard National Park covers approximately 5.08 sq km within the wider Sepahijala protected landscape.
Its establishment gives special recognition to one of Northeast India's most characteristic forest cats.
Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary & Bison National Park
Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary in southern Tripura protects a mixture of semi-evergreen forest, moist deciduous forest, bamboo, savannah woodland and freshwater habitats.
Gaur – the Signature Animal
The major wildlife attraction of Trishna is its population of gaur or Indian bison.
Gaur require a combination of forest cover, grazing areas and water and are among the largest wild bovids in the world.
Other Wildlife
The sanctuary also supports:
- hoolock gibbon;
- Phayre's leaf monkey;
- capped langur;
- pig-tailed macaque;
- slow loris;
- leopard;
- clouded leopard;
- leopard cat;
- Chinese pangolin;
- barking deer;
- wild pig; and
- numerous birds and reptiles.
Bison National Park
Bison National Park, also referred to as Rajbari National Park, covers approximately 31.63 sq km as a core protected area within the broader Trishna landscape.
Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary
Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest wildlife sanctuary of Tripura and covers approximately 389.54 sq km.
It contains a diverse mosaic of:
- semi-evergreen forest;
- mixed deciduous forest;
- savannah woodland;
- bamboo brakes;
- marshes;
- bils; and
- large reservoir-associated wetlands.
Primates of Gumti
The sanctuary management documentation records several primates, including:
- western hoolock gibbon;
- Bengal slow loris;
- capped langur;
- Phayre's leaf monkey;
- stump-tailed macaque; and
- pig-tailed macaque.
Other Mammals
Other recorded mammals include elephant, leopard, jungle cat, barking deer, leopard cat and wild pig.
Bird and Wetland Importance
The Gumti reservoir and associated marshes provide important habitat for resident and migratory waterbirds.
This combination of terrestrial forest and large aquatic habitat makes Gumti one of Tripura's most ecologically varied protected areas.
Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary
Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary in northern Tripura is extremely small compared with the state's other sanctuaries, covering less than one square kilometre.
Despite its small size, it protects a diverse patch of tropical vegetation and provides habitat for birds, primates, barking deer, wild pig and other small forest animals.
The sanctuary illustrates the conservation importance of small remnant forest patches in densely settled landscapes.
Rudrasagar Lake – Tripura's Ramsar Site
Rudrasagar Lake is an internationally important freshwater wetland in Tripura.
The Ramsar-designated area covers approximately 240 hectares.
It is a natural sedimentation reservoir receiving water from perennial streams before draining toward the Gomati river system.
Wetland Biodiversity
Rudrasagar supports:
- freshwater fish;
- aquatic plants;
- amphibians;
- reptiles;
- resident waterbirds;
- migratory birds; and
- wetland-dependent livelihoods.
Ecological Functions
The lake contributes to:
- water storage;
- groundwater recharge;
- fisheries;
- sediment retention;
- bird habitat; and
- local livelihoods.
The presence of Neermahal within the lake also gives Rudrasagar unusual cultural and tourism importance.
Biodiversity Heritage Sites of Tripura
Tripura has also used the Biodiversity Heritage Site mechanism under the Biological Diversity Act to recognize landscapes that combine ecological, cultural and scientific importance.
Government records list three notified Biodiversity Heritage Sites:
| Biodiversity Heritage Site | District | Area | Importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baramura Waterfall | Khowai | 150 ha | Forest, stream biodiversity and rare wildlife habitat |
| Unakoti | Unakoti | 40 ha | Cultural landscape, sacred vegetation, streams and forest biodiversity |
| Silachari Caves | Gomati | 100 ha | Natural caves, bat habitat, forest and aquatic fauna |
These sites demonstrate that biodiversity conservation is not limited to national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Sacred sites, waterfalls, caves and culturally important landscapes may also protect valuable habitats.
Biodiversity Symbols of Tripura
| State Symbol | Species | Scientific Name |
|---|---|---|
| State Animal | Phayre's Langur | Trachypithecus phayrei |
| State Bird | Green Imperial Pigeon | Ducula aenea |
| State Tree | Agar | Aquilaria malaccensis |
| State Flower | Nageswar | Mesua ferrea |
Ecological Importance of Tripura's Biodiversity
Watershed Protection
Forests regulate runoff and help maintain rivers such as the Gomati, Manu, Khowai and Dhalai.
Soil Conservation
Tree roots, bamboo rhizomes and forest-floor vegetation protect Tripura's hill slopes from erosion during intense monsoon rainfall.
Carbon Storage
Forests store carbon in trees, roots, litter and soil, contributing to climate regulation.
Pollination and Seed Dispersal
Birds, bats, primates, insects and other animals disperse seeds and pollinate plants.
Frugivorous species such as imperial pigeons and hornbills are particularly important for maintaining forest regeneration.
Freshwater Security
Forests and wetlands help maintain water quality, seasonal stream flow and groundwater recharge.
Livelihoods
Bamboo, cane, medicinal plants, agar, fruits, fibres and other forest products support traditional livelihoods and rural economies.
Major Threats to Biodiversity of Tripura
Decline in Forest Cover
ISFR 2023 records a decline of approximately 95.31 sq km of forest cover compared with the revised 2021 assessment.
The figure makes habitat-quality monitoring particularly important even though Tripura continues to have extensive forest cover.
Forest Fragmentation
Tripura's protected areas are surrounded in many places by villages, agriculture, plantations and infrastructure.
This can turn protected forests into ecological islands and reduce wildlife movement between habitats.
Expansion of Rubber Plantations
Rubber has become an economically important plantation crop in Tripura.
A Forest Survey of India mapping exercise conducted during 2019-20 found rubber plantations across approximately 11.90% of Tripura's geographical area.
Plantations provide tree cover and economic benefits, but they are not ecologically equivalent to species-rich natural forests. Conversion of diverse native forest into large monoculture plantations may reduce habitat diversity.
Shifting Cultivation and Shortened Fallow Cycles
Traditional jhum cultivation has long formed part of hill agriculture.
Its ecological effect depends heavily on the length of fallow periods and the ability of vegetation to recover between cultivation cycles.
Short recovery periods can promote secondary scrub and reduce mature forest structure.
Forest Fire
Forest fires can damage regenerating vegetation, soil organisms and wildlife habitat.
Fire is particularly important in landscapes containing bamboo, grass and secondary vegetation.
Hunting and Wildlife Extraction
Unsustainable hunting can reduce populations of primates, birds, deer, pangolins and other wildlife even where forest cover appears relatively intact.
Wetland Degradation
Siltation, filling of wetlands, pollution and alteration of drainage can affect fish and waterbird habitats.
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Elephant movement through fragmented landscapes can bring wildlife into contact with settlements and agricultural fields.
Biodiversity Conservation in Tripura
Tripura's biodiversity conservation system combines protected areas, forest management, biodiversity institutions and community participation.
Protected-Area Network
Sepahijala, Trishna, Gumti and Rowa wildlife sanctuaries and the two national parks provide protection to representative forest ecosystems.
Conservation Reserves
Conservation reserves such as Garjee and Bhairabnagar extend conservation beyond the traditional national park and sanctuary model.
Biodiversity Heritage Sites
Baramura Waterfall, Unakoti and Silachari Caves demonstrate how the Biological Diversity Act can protect smaller landscapes with high ecological and cultural significance.
Tripura Biodiversity Board
The Tripura Biodiversity Board supports documentation of biological resources, People's Biodiversity Registers, biodiversity research and recognition of biodiversity-rich landscapes.
Joint Forest Management
Community participation through Joint Forest Management Committees and Eco-Development Committees helps connect conservation with local livelihood needs.
Protection of Wildlife Corridors
Maintaining forest links between larger habitats is essential for elephants, primates, carnivores and other animals that move beyond protected-area boundaries.
Scientific Surveys
Continued surveys are important because research in Tripura continues to produce new records of reptiles, amphibians, spiders and other poorly studied groups.
Wetland Conservation
Protection of Rudrasagar and other freshwater habitats requires control of siltation, pollution, encroachment and unsustainable extraction.
Biodiversity of Tripura: Important Facts for Competitive Exams
| Important Question Point | Answer |
|---|---|
| Forest cover according to ISFR 2023 | 7,584.77 sq km or 72.33% |
| State Animal of Tripura | Phayre's Langur |
| State Bird of Tripura | Green Imperial Pigeon |
| State Tree of Tripura | Agar |
| State Flower of Tripura | Nageswar |
| National Parks of Tripura | Clouded Leopard National Park and Bison (Rajbari) National Park |
| Wildlife Sanctuaries of Tripura | Sepahijala, Trishna, Gumti and Rowa |
| Largest Wildlife Sanctuary of Tripura | Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Sanctuary famous for gaur | Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary |
| National Park named after a forest cat | Clouded Leopard National Park |
| India's only ape found in Tripura | Western Hoolock Gibbon |
| Ramsar Site of Tripura | Rudrasagar Lake |
| Major bamboo-rich forest formation | Secondary Moist Bamboo Brakes |
| Important hornbill recorded from Tripura | Oriental Pied Hornbill |
| Notified Biodiversity Heritage Sites | Baramura Waterfall, Unakoti and Silachari Caves |
Frequently Asked Questions About Biodiversity of Tripura
Why is Tripura rich in biodiversity?
Tripura is rich in biodiversity because of its humid tropical climate, extensive forest cover, varied hill-and-valley landscape, freshwater ecosystems and biological connections with the Indo-Myanmar region.
How much forest cover does Tripura have?
According to the India State of Forest Report 2023, Tripura has approximately 7,584.77 sq km of forest cover, equal to 72.33% of its geographical area.
What is the State Animal of Tripura?
Phayre's langur or Phayre's leaf monkey is the State Animal of Tripura.
What is the State Bird of Tripura?
The Green Imperial Pigeon is the State Bird of Tripura.
What is the State Tree of Tripura?
Agar, Aquilaria malaccensis, is the State Tree of Tripura.
What is the State Flower of Tripura?
Nageswar, Mesua ferrea, is the State Flower of Tripura.
How many national parks are there in Tripura?
Tripura has two national parks: Clouded Leopard National Park and Bison National Park, also known as Rajbari National Park.
How many wildlife sanctuaries are there in Tripura?
Tripura has four principal wildlife sanctuaries: Sepahijala, Trishna, Gumti and Rowa.
Which is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Tripura?
Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest, covering approximately 389.54 sq km.
Which protected area of Tripura is famous for gaur?
Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary is especially known for its gaur or Indian bison population.
Is the clouded leopard found in Tripura?
Yes. Clouded leopard is recorded from Tripura, and Clouded Leopard National Park has been established within the Sepahijala protected landscape.
Is the hoolock gibbon found in Tripura?
Yes. The western hoolock gibbon occurs in suitable forest habitats in Tripura and is India's only ape.
Which is the Ramsar Site of Tripura?
Rudrasagar Lake is Tripura's Ramsar Site and covers approximately 240 hectares under the Ramsar designation.
What are the Biodiversity Heritage Sites of Tripura?
Government records list Baramura Waterfall, Unakoti and Silachari Caves as notified Biodiversity Heritage Sites of Tripura.
Conclusion
The biodiversity of Tripura reflects the state's location between the Indian and Indo-Myanmar biological regions and its combination of tropical forests, bamboo brakes, sal forests, wetlands, rivers and hill landscapes.
Its forests support an impressive range of mammals, including Phayre's langur, western hoolock gibbon, capped langur, Bengal slow loris, clouded leopard, leopard, gaur, elephant and Chinese pangolin. The state also contains hundreds of bird species, diverse reptiles and amphibians and a rich flora of bamboo, orchids, medicinal plants and tropical trees.
Sepahijala, Trishna, Gumti and Rowa wildlife sanctuaries, together with Clouded Leopard and Bison National Parks, form the core of the state's wildlife protected-area system. Rudrasagar adds an internationally important freshwater ecosystem, while Baramura Waterfall, Unakoti and Silachari Caves broaden conservation to culturally and scientifically important landscapes.
At the same time, Tripura faces significant challenges. Forest-cover decline, fragmentation, monoculture expansion, fire, wetland degradation and wildlife conflict can reduce ecological quality even where substantial tree cover remains.
The future of Tripura's biodiversity therefore depends not simply on maintaining a high percentage of green cover, but on protecting the quality, diversity and connectivity of natural forests, conserving wetlands and wildlife corridors, supporting scientific research and involving local communities in sustainable forest management.
References
Forest Survey of India. India State of Forest Report 2023, Volumes I and II. Used for current forest-cover figures, forest-density classes, forest types, tree cover, rubber-plantation context and forest-cover change.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. Official ISFR 2023 forest and tree-cover data.
Government of Tripura – Forest Department. Official documentation on flora, fauna, wildlife protected areas, bamboo, medicinal plants and forest resources.
Government of Tripura – Economic Review. Used for protected-area network, conservation reserves and Biodiversity Heritage Sites.
Tripura Biodiversity Board. Technical reports, People's Biodiversity Register guidance, biodiversity hotspot surveys and research on herpetofauna, arachnids and traditional biological knowledge.
Wildlife Institute of India. Protected-area database and Management Effectiveness Evaluation documentation for Tripura.
Zoological Survey of India. State fauna and taxonomic literature used for broader faunal context.
Department of Science, Technology & Environment, Government of Tripura. Official information on the State Animal, State Bird, State Tree and State Flower.
Ramsar Sites Information Service. Official documentation on Rudrasagar Lake Ramsar Site.
Research Note: Biodiversity inventories evolve as additional surveys are conducted and taxonomy changes. Species totals quoted in this article are therefore presented as figures reported in specific government or scientific compilations rather than as permanent 2026 totals. Current forest-cover figures are based on ISFR 2023, the latest national forest assessment presently available.