Topic 3: Manas National Park: A Himalayan Foothill Wilderness (Extended Detail)
I. Introduction: A Jewel in the Eastern Himalayas
Manas National Park, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, Tiger Reserve, Elephant Reserve, and
Biosphere Reserve, is a breathtaking wilderness located in the foothills of the Himalayas in Assam,
India. It shares a long boundary with Bhutan's Royal Manas National Park, making it a crucial
transboundary conservation area. The park's diverse landscape and remarkable array of rare and
endangered species make it one of the most significant Protected Areas in South Asia.
II. Geography and Ecosystem Diversity
The park spans approximately 950 sq km on the Indian side and is defined by the Manas River, a
major tributary of the Brahmaputra, which flows through the park. The topography is characterized
by a dramatic shift from high-altitude Himalayan ranges to the flat alluvial plains of Assam.
Habitats: The park encompasses several distinct ecosystems:
Sub-Himalayan Bhabar Terai: Tall, dense grasslands that transition into dense semi-evergreen
forests.
Alluvial Grasslands: Expansive grasslands crucial for herbivores like the wild water buffalo and rhino.
Moist Deciduous Forests: Found higher up in the foothills.
Climate: The region experiences a subtropical climate with heavy monsoons, which sustain the lush
vegetation and high humidity crucial for its biodiversity. The park is often closed to tourists during
peak monsoon season (May to September).
III. Biodiversity Hotspot: Rarest of the Rare
Manas is internationally renowned for its rich faunal diversity and the presence of numerous
threatened species. It holds the distinction of having the maximum number of endangered species
listed in the IUCN Red Data Book in India.
Flagship and Endangered Species:
Pygmy Hog (Porcula salvania): Manas holds the only viable population of this critically endangered
and smallest wild pig in the world. It is the focus of a specialized breeding and reintroduction
program run by the Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme (PHCP).
Royal Bengal Tiger: As a major Tiger Reserve, efforts here have successfully increased the tiger
population.
Asiatic Elephant: Manas is a major Elephant Reserve, crucial for the movement of herds between
India and Bhutan.
Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis): Although poached to extinction in the 1990s, successful
reintroduction programs have re-established a population.
Other Rarities: Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, golden langur, and the Bengal Florican (a critically
endangered bustard species).
Avifauna: The park is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 450 species recorded. It is a critical habitat
for grassland specialists, including the Slender-billed Vulture, White-bellied Heron, Pallas's Fish
Eagle, and Great Hornbill.
IV. History, Conflict, and Recovery
The park has a complex history marked by political instability in the region, which heavily impacted
its wildlife populations.
Historical Context: Originally a Reserved Forest and a hunting ground for the Cooch Behar Royal
Family and British officials, it was declared a Sanctuary in 1928 and a National Park in 1990.
Insurgency Era: During the peak of the Bodo insurgency in the 1980s and 1990s, the park suffered
immense damage. Infrastructure was destroyed, and rampant poaching led to the local extinction of
rhinos and a severe depletion of the tiger and elephant populations. This led UNESCO to list Manas
as a "World Heritage Site in Danger" in 1992.
The Turnaround: Following a peace accord with Bodo groups and strong efforts by the local
community and the Forest Department, conservation efforts were revitalized. This success story led
UNESCO to remove Manas from the 'danger list' in 2011, recognizing its significant recovery.
V. Management, Ecotourism, and Local Communities
Modern conservation in Manas relies heavily on involving the local Bodo community members who
once engaged in insurgency or poaching and now act as frontline conservationists and tourist guides.
Tourism: The primary entry point is Bansbari in the Baksa district. The park offers jeep safaris,
elephant rides, and river rafting opportunities. The best time to visit is from November to April.
Transboundary Cooperation: The joint management and patrolling efforts between Royal Manas
National Park (Bhutan) and Manas National Park (India) are essential for maintaining connectivity
and preventing cross-border poaching.
Future Focus: Current efforts focus on ensuring the long-term viability of reintroduced species,
mitigating human-elephant conflict, and strengthening community-based conservation models.