Assam : Wildlife and Ecotourism

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Assam has very rich source of wild Flora and Fauna. One horned Rhino is the major wildlife species of the Assam. Among other species, which inhibits in Assam are pigmy hog, elephants, wild buffalo and tigers.

There are 18 Wildlife Sanctuaries in Assam. The details of these sanctuaries are given in the below table:

 

S.No.  

Name of  Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS)

State Established Year Area (In km²)
1 Amchang WLS Assam 2004 78.64
2 Barail WLS Assam 2004 326.25
3 Barnadi WLS Assam 1980 26.22
4 Bherjan-Borajan-Padumoni WLS Assam 1999 7.22
5 Burachapori WLS Assam 1995 44.06
6 Chakrashila WLS Assam 1994 45.56
7 DeeporBeel WLS Assam 4.14
8 DihingPatkai WLS Assam 2004 111.19
9 East KarbiAnglong WLS Assam 2000 221.81
10 Garampani WLS Assam 1952 6.05
11 Hollongapar Gibbon WLS Assam 1997 20.98
12 Lawkhowa WLS Assam 1972 70.14
13 Marat Longri WLS Assam 2003 451
14 Nambor WLS Assam 2000 37
15 NamborDoigrung WLS Assam 2003 97.15
16 Porbitora WLS Assam 1987 38.81
17 Pani-Dihing Bird WLS Assam 1995 33.93
18 SonaiRupai WLS Assam 1998 220

Source – Wildlife Institute of India

 

Assam has 5 national parks in the state. These are listed below:

 

S. No. Name of NP State Year Area (km²)
1 Dibru-Saikhowa National Park Assam 1999 340
2 Kaziranga National Park Assam 1974 858.98
3 Manas National Park Assam 1990 500
4 Nameri National Park Assam 1998 200
5 Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park Assam 1999 78.81

Source – Wildlife Institute of India

 

Wildlife and Eco-tourism:

 

 

 

The prime segments of ecotourism in Assam:

(A) Wildlife Tourism: The national parks, bird and wildlife sanctuaries of Assam are good examples of wildlife tourism. About 180 species of mammals, 195 species of reptiles and more than 800 species of birds are found here which are significant in comparison to any other state of India.

 

Due to unique presence of its wildlife and climatic conditions, Assam has very good scope of eco-tourism. Many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks has as stated above have various unique species like one-horned rhino, tiger , Red panda.

 

Kaziranga National Park:

 

Spread over an area of 858.98sq Km, Kaziranga National Park is one of the most important wildife parks in entire India.

The park is situated around 235 Km from Guwahati and the best time to visit the park is during November to March.

It is most famous for the number of one horned rhino that are found here. It is the highest anywhere in the world and is two third of the total world Population. A major potion of the park is covered with elephant grass which are quite tall. They prove to be an ideal grazing ground for the rhino. Kazirangapark also has the highest density of tigers in the world. Other animals that are found in the park are Indian bison, swamp deer, Sambar, Hog deer, sloth bear, Hoolock gibbon and many more. Kaziranga National Park is also a great nesting place for local and migratory birds like Hornbill, egret, heron, adjutant stork and fishing eagle.

 

Manas National Park

Manas National Park is located on the foothill of Himalayas with some part of the part extending into the territory of Bhutan. In December 1985, UNESCO recognized it as World Heritage Site. Today the park covers a total area of 500 sq km, has a core area of 360 squarekm. It is the only wildlife park in Assam that is comes under Project Tiger. The park is around 176 km from Guwahati and there are regular bus service between the two destinations.

 

(B) River Tourism: The mighty Brahmaputra and the Barak attract the ECOTOURISM IN ASSAM 189 water adventure lovers from different parts of the world. The tributaries of both the rivers have immense potentialities for angling, boating, canoeing, parasailing etc. The areas that have potentials in angling are: • Mathanguri (Manas River) • Umrangso (Kapili River) • Panimoor (Kapili and Amring river) • Ramghat (Burai River) • Pathali Pam (Subansiri river) To make river tourism even more interesting, the ASTC as well as the private sector of Assam have introduced cruising facilities for domestic and foreign tourists like M.V Charaideu, Sukafa, Jalparee, Alfrasco etc.

(C)Tea and Golf Tourism: The tea gardens rolling out green carpets for miles are ideal to meet the pursuit of romantic and exotic experience of modern tourists. Many tea gardens have 18-hole golf courses- another major attraction for modern tourists. There are more than 800 tea estates and 20 golf estates within the state. Mini airstrips fitted with golf courses are surely attractive destinations for the international tourists for whom ambience is the most important aspect of a leisure holiday. Some of the golf courses are:Digboi golf tourism, Margherita golf club, Biswanathan golf etc. The courses have natural greens as there is plenty of rainfall and ground water available. (Government of India). The ATDC (Assam Tourism Development Corporation) has introduced a tea festival that is held in Jorhat every year.,

Assam is a state in north-eastern India. It is known for its wildlife and ecotourism. The state is home to several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, including Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, and Dibru-Saikhowa National Park. These parks are home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, rhinoceroses, and deer.

Ecotourism is a type of tourism that focuses on the conservation of the Environment and the well-being of local communities. Ecotourism in Assam can take many forms, such as birdwatching, river rafting, elephant safaris, and jungle safaris.

Birdwatching is a popular activity in Assam. The state is home to over 500 species of birds, including the great hornbill, the hornbill, and the peacock. River rafting is another popular activity in Assam. The state is home to several rivers that are suitable for rafting, including the Brahmaputra River and the Barak River.

Elephant safaris are a popular way to see the wildlife of Assam. Elephants are used to transport tourists through the jungles of the state. Jungle safaris are another popular way to see the wildlife of Assam. Tourists can go on jeep safaris or on foot safaris through the jungles of the state.

Tea tourism is also a popular activity in Assam. The state is home to several tea gardens that offer tours and tastings. Temple tourism is another popular activity in Assam. The state is home to several temples, including the Kamakhya Temple and the Umananda Temple.

Wildlife conservation is a major issue in Assam. The state is home to several endangered species of animals, including the tiger, the rhinoceros, and the elephant. The government of Assam is working to protect these animals and their habitats.

Eco-friendly tourism is a growing trend in Assam. Tourists are increasingly looking for ways to travel that are environmentally friendly and socially responsible. Eco-friendly tourism can take many forms, such as staying in eco-lodges, using public transportation, and eating local food.

Responsible tourism is another growing trend in Assam. Tourists are increasingly looking for ways to travel that have a positive impact on the local community. Responsible tourism can take many forms, such as supporting local businesses, volunteering with local organizations, and donating to local Charities.

Assam is a beautiful and diverse state with a rich history and culture. The state is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, rhinoceroses, and deer. Assam is also home to several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, which are popular tourist destinations. Ecotourism is a popular activity in Assam, and there are many ways to experience the natural beauty of the state while also supporting conservation efforts.

What is wildlife?

Wildlife is the collective term for all non-domesticated Plants and animals. It includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, and plants.

What is ecotourism?

Ecotourism is a type of tourism that involves visiting natural areas to learn about and appreciate the environment. It is often done in a way that minimizes the impact on the environment.

What are the benefits of wildlife and ecotourism?

Wildlife and ecotourism can provide a number of benefits, including:

  • Economic benefits: Wildlife and ecotourism can generate jobs and income for local communities.
  • Environmental benefits: Wildlife and ecotourism can help to protect and conserve natural areas.
  • Educational benefits: Wildlife and ecotourism can provide opportunities for people to learn about the environment.
  • Social benefits: Wildlife and ecotourism can help to promote understanding and respect for different cultures.

What are the challenges of wildlife and ecotourism?

Wildlife and ecotourism can also face a number of challenges, including:

  • Habitat loss: Habitat loss is a major threat to wildlife. As human populations grow, they encroach on natural areas, destroying habitats and displacing wildlife.
  • Overpopulation: Overpopulation is another major threat to wildlife. When populations of animals grow too large, they can damage their habitats and compete for Resources.
  • Poaching: Poaching is the illegal killing of animals for their fur, meat, or other body parts. It is a major threat to many species of wildlife.
  • Climate change: Climate Change is a major threat to both wildlife and ecotourism. As the climate changes, natural areas are becoming more and more disrupted. This can lead to the loss of habitat, the displacement of wildlife, and the decline of ecotourism.

What can be done to address the challenges of wildlife and ecotourism?

There are a number of things that can be done to address the challenges of wildlife and ecotourism, including:

  • Protecting habitats: One of the most important things that can be done to protect wildlife is to protect their habitats. This can be done through a variety of means, such as creating Protected Areas, managing land use, and reducing pollution.
  • Reducing poaching: Poaching is a major threat to wildlife. It is important to reduce poaching through a variety of means, such as increasing law enforcement, educating people about the importance of wildlife, and providing alternative livelihoods for poachers.
  • Addressing climate change: Climate change is a major threat to both wildlife and ecotourism. It is important to address climate change through a variety of means, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in RENEWABLE ENERGY, and protecting forests.
  • Promoting sustainable tourism: Sustainable tourism is a type of tourism that minimizes its impact on the environment. It is important to promote sustainable tourism in order to protect wildlife and ecotourism.

What is the future of wildlife and ecotourism?

The future of wildlife and ecotourism is uncertain. The challenges facing wildlife and ecotourism are significant, but there are also a number of things that can be done to address these challenges. The future of wildlife and ecotourism will depend on the actions that we take to protect the environment and promote sustainable tourism.

Sure, here are some MCQs about Assam:

  1. Which of the following is not a national park in Assam?
    (A) Kaziranga National Park
    (B) Manas National Park
    (C) Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
    (D) Namdapha National Park

  2. Which of the following is not a wildlife sanctuary in Assam?
    (A) Orang National Park
    (B) Laokhowa National Park
    (C) Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary
    (D) Kaziranga National Park

  3. Which of the following is the largest river in Assam?
    (A) Brahmaputra
    (B) Barak
    (C) Manas
    (D) Dibru

  4. Which of the following is the capital of Assam?
    (A) Guwahati
    (B) Dibrugarh
    (C) Jorhat
    (D) Tezpur

  5. Which of the following is the main language spoken in Assam?
    (A) Assamese
    (B) Bengali
    (C) Hindi
    (D) English

  6. Which of the following is the main religion in Assam?
    (A) Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism
    (B) Islam
    (C) Christianity
    (D) Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism

  7. Which of the following is the main crop grown in Assam?
    (A) Rice
    (B) Tea
    (C) Jute
    (D) Wheat

  8. Which of the following is the main tourist attraction in Assam?
    (A) Kaziranga National Park
    (B) Manas National Park
    (C) Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
    (D) Namdapha National Park

  9. Which of the following is the main festival celebrated in Assam?
    (A) Bihu
    (B) Durga puja
    (C) Holi
    (D) Diwali

  10. Which of the following is the main sport played in Assam?
    (A) Football
    (B) Cricket
    (C) Hockey
    (D) Kabaddi

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