Namdapha National Park: The only park in the world home to four feline species of big cats

Priya SrivastavaPriya Srivastava/TIMESOFINDIA.COM/ Updated : Jun 23, 2024, 09:52 IST

Namdapha National Park: The only park in the world home to four feline species of big cats

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Synopsis

Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh is a sanctuary for four big cat species. It spans 1985.23 sq km near Miao, alongside the Noa-Dihing River.

Namdapha National Park: The only park in the world home to four feline species of big cats

Namdapha National Park is a hidden gem in Arunachal Pradesh. This gem of a place holds a special place in the hearts of wildlife lovers, nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Not many must be aware of the fact Namdapha status as the sole sanctuary on the planet where four distinct species of big cats, namely big cat namely the Tiger (Panthera Tigris), Leopard (Panthera Pardus), Snow Leopard (Panthera Uncia) and Clouded Leopard (Neofelis Nebulosa) roam freely.

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Let’s know more about Namdapha National Park and its residents.

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About Namdapha National Park

Namdapha National Park, spread across 1985.23 sq km in the Changlang District of Arunachal Pradesh, is set alongside the Noa-Dihing River. The park near Miao is surrounded by misty blue hills and virgin forests rich in diverse flora and fauna. It straddles the international border between India and Myanmar (Burma). The park was designated as a Tiger Reserve in 1983 and serves as a crucial sanctuary for wildlife conservation in Northeast India.

The feline beauty

What truly distinguishes Namdapha is its unique status as the home to four feline species:

Tiger: The majestic Bengal tiger, India’s national animal, finds a secure refuge in Namdapha’s dense forests. Known for its strength and agility, the tiger plays a crucial role in the park’s ecosystem as a top predator.

Leopard: The elusive leopard, known for its adaptability, prowls through the park’s varied terrain, including forests and grasslands. Its spotted coat provides excellent camouflage amidst the dense vegetation.

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Clouded Leopard: Namdapha is one of the last strongholds for the clouded leopard, a lesser-known but equally fascinating big cat species. With its distinctive cloud-like patterns on its coat, this cat thrives in the park’s forested hills and rocky outcrops.

Snow Leopard: Among the rarest and most elusive of all big cats, the snow leopard makes its home in Namdapha’s higher reaches. Well-adapted to the harsh mountain environment, it is a symbol of resilience and conservation success in the region.

Beyond the big cats

While the big cats steal the spotlight, Namdapha National Park is also home to a diverse array of other wildlife. This includes several species of primates such as the Hoolock gibbons, Assamese macaques, and capped langurs. Birdwatchers flock to the park to catch glimpses of over 400 species of birds, including the rare and endangered white-winged wood duck.

How to reach Namdapha?

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By Air: Dibrugarh Airport in Assam is the nearest major airport (218 km) to Namdapha National Park. From Dibrugarh, visitors can opt for a scenic drive through Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to reach Miao, which serves as the gateway to Namdapha.

By Train: Tinsukia Railway Station is a major railhead in Assam and is well-connected to major cities like Guwahati. From Tinsukia, wildlife lovers can take a road journey to Miao, passing through picturesque landscapes and tea gardens.

By Road: The road journey from Dibrugarh or Tinsukia to Miao takes approximately 6-7 hours, depending on road conditions and weather. The route passes through scenic routes with views of tea gardens, rivers, and lush forests of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

In short, Namdapha National Park is not just a park; it is a sanctuary of life, where the mysterious roars of the big cats echo through the misty forests.