Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Location, Features, Flora, Fauna

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is one of India’s most celebrated protected areas, located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in Assam. Renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, the sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Project Tiger Reserve, Elephant Reserve, and Biosphere Reserve. The detailed article on Manas Wildlife Sanctuary has been discussed below in the article.

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Baksa, Chirang, Udalguri, Kokrajhar, and Bongaigaon districts of Assam, along the India-Bhutan international border. It shares its northern boundary with Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan, forming a vital transboundary conservation landscape. The sanctuary is approximately 176 km from Guwahati, making it one of the most accessible wildlife destinations in Northeast India.

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary Geographical Features

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is characterised by its Eastern Himalayan foothill landscape, riverine ecosystems, alluvial grasslands, and dense tropical forests, making it one of India’s richest biodiversity hotspots.

• Located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in Assam.
• Covers an area of approximately 500 sq. km. as a Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Lies at an altitude of around 60-1,100 metres above sea level.
• Bordered by Royal Manas National Park (Bhutan), forming a transboundary conservation landscape.
• Named after the Manas River, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra River.
• Features extensive alluvial floodplains, riverine forests, and wetlands.
• Dominated by Terai grasslands, which support large populations of herbivores and predators.
• Includes tropical semi-evergreen, moist deciduous, and sub-Himalayan forests.
• Drained by several rivers, including the Manas, Beki, and Hakua, creating fertile habitats.
• Experiences a humid subtropical climate with heavy monsoon rainfall and mild winters.
• Forms an integral part of the Manas Biosphere Reserve and Manas Tiger Reserve.

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Manas Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary supports a rich diversity of vegetation, ranging from tropical semi-evergreen forests to alluvial grasslands and riverine forests, providing ideal habitats for numerous wildlife species.

• Dominated by Tropical Semi-evergreen Forests with dense tree cover.
• Contains extensive Moist Deciduous Forests in the lower elevations.
• Features Riverine Forests along the Manas and Beki Rivers.
• Home to vast Alluvial Grasslands, including tall Elephant Grass, an important habitat for herbivores.
• Sal (Shorea robusta) is the dominant tree species in many forest areas.
• Other common trees include Sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo), Khair (Acacia catechu), Gamari (Gmelina arborea), and Simul (Bombax ceiba).
• Rich growth of Bamboo, Cane, and Reeds supports birds and small mammals.
• Grass species such as Imperata, Saccharum, and Themeda are abundant across the floodplains.
• The sanctuary is home to numerous Medicinal Plants, Shrubs, Climbers, and Flowering Plants.

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its exceptional wildlife diversity and is home to several endangered, endemic, and globally threatened species. The sanctuary is one of India’s most important habitats for large mammals, rare birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

• Home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, protected under Project Tiger.
• Supports a significant population of the Indian Elephant under Project Elephant.
• One of the few habitats of the critically endangered Pygmy Hog.
• Known for the rare and endemic Golden Langur, found only in parts of Assam and Bhutan.
• Other important mammals include Indian Rhinoceros, Wild Water Buffalo, Clouded Leopard, Leopard, Gaur, Sambar Deer, Hog Deer, Barking Deer, and Sloth Bear.
• Notable birds include the Bengal Florican, Great Hornbill, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Ruddy Shelduck, Crested Serpent Eagle, and Fishing Eagle.
• Reptiles found here include the King Cobra, Indian Python, Monitor Lizard, Indian Cobra, and several species of Freshwater Turtles.
• Amphibians such as Tree Frogs, Toads, and other freshwater species thrive in the sanctuary’s wetlands and river systems.