Located in Assam at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, Manas National Park is one of India’s most biologically diverse regions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is celebrated for its exceptional flora and fauna, offering a harmonious blend of tropical forest ecosystems, riverine landscapes, and grassland habitats that support rare and endangered wildlife.
Flora of Manas National Park
Manas has a diverse vegetation structure with over 540 plant species, ranging from dense forests to alluvial grasslands. The park features:
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Semi-Evergreen Forests in the northern hills
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Moist and Dry Deciduous Forests in the plains
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Alluvial Grasslands along the riverbanks
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Wetlands and Riparian Forests near the Manas River
Prominent trees include Sal (Shorea robusta), Simul (Bombax ceiba), Udal (Sterculia villosa), Sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo), and Eucalyptus. The grasslands are vital for the park’s large herbivores like rhinos, deer, and wild buffaloes.
Fauna of Manas National Park
Manas is home to over 60 mammal species, 450 bird species, 50 reptiles, and three amphibian species, making it one of India’s richest wildlife destinations.
Key Mammals in Manas National Park
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Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros – Reintroduced from Kaziranga under the Rhino Vision 2020 program.
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Asian Elephant – Often seen in large herds along forest corridors.
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Bengal Tiger – A flagship species and symbol of Manas Tiger Reserve.
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Golden Langur – Found only in western Assam and Bhutan, this species is unique to Manas.
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Wild Water Buffalo – The park shelters one of the world’s largest remaining populations.
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Pygmy Hog & Hispid Hare – Two of the rarest mammals globally, found only in Assam’s grasslands.
Birdlife in Manas National Park
Manas is a birdwatcher’s paradise, recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International. Key bird species include:
Reptiles and Amphibians in Manas National Park
The park is also home to King Cobras, Monitor Lizards, Rock Pythons, Turtles, and numerous amphibian species that thrive in its wetlands.
Conservation Importance
Manas is a Project Tiger Reserve, an Elephant Reserve, and part of the Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot. Several successful wildlife conservation programs—such as rhino relocation and pygmy hog breeding—have made Manas a model for wildlife protection in India.
Best Time to Explore Flora and Fauna in Manas National Park
The ideal time to experience the park’s biodiversity is from November to April, when safaris operate and animals can be spotted easily around water bodies and grasslands.
Quick Info Table of Manas National Park
| Category | Details | Highlights |
|---|
| Location | Baksa & Chirang Districts, Assam | Foothills of Eastern Himalayas |
| Area | 950 sq. km | Bordering Bhutan’s Royal Manas National Park |
| Flora Types | Semi-evergreen, Deciduous, Alluvial Grasslands | Over 540 plant species |
| Major Trees | Sal, Simul, Sissoo, Udal, Eucalyptus | Dense forest & riverine vegetation |
| Mammals | 60+ species | Rhino, Elephant, Tiger, Golden Langur |
| Birds | 450+ species | Great Hornbill, Bengal Florican, Adjutant Stork |
| Reptiles | 50+ species | King Cobra, Rock Python, Turtles |
| Endangered Species | Pygmy Hog, Hispid Hare, Bengal Florican | Unique to Assam’s ecosystem |
| Conservation Programs | Rhino Vision 2020, Project Tiger | Successful breeding & relocation |
| Best Visit Time | November–April | Peak wildlife activity season |
FAQs with Short Answers
1. What types of flora are found in Manas National Park?
Manas has semi-evergreen, moist deciduous, and grassland vegetation with Sal, Simul, and Sissoo trees.
2. How many plant species are recorded in Manas?
Over 540 plant species have been identified.
3. What animals are most commonly seen in Manas?
Rhinos, elephants, wild buffaloes, deer, and golden langurs.
4. Is Manas National Park a tiger reserve?
Yes, Manas is part of India’s Project Tiger program.
5. Are golden langurs found only in Manas?
Yes, they are endemic to western Assam and Bhutan, seen mainly in Manas.
6. What rare animals are found in Manas?
Pygmy hog, hispid hare, Bengal florican, and golden langur.
7. How many bird species are found in Manas National Park?
Over 450 bird species including hornbills and storks.
8. What reptiles live in Manas National Park?
King cobras, pythons, monitor lizards, and various turtle species.
9. Which conservation projects are active in Manas?
Rhino Vision 2020 and Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme.
10. When is the best time to explore the flora and fauna?
Between November and April.
11. Is Manas a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes, designated in 1985 for its biodiversity value.
12. Are birds easy to spot in Manas?
Yes, early morning safaris and riverbanks offer great birdwatching.
13. What makes Manas different from Kaziranga?
Manas has more forested landscapes, golden langurs, and diverse terrain.
14. How large is Manas National Park?
The park covers about 950 square kilometers.
15. Is Manas part of the Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot?
Yes, it’s one of the key protected areas within this global hotspot.
