Manas National Park, located in Assam, is one of the most popular biodiversity hotspots in India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Project Tiger Reserve, an Elephant Reserve, and a Biosphere Reserve, a rare combination that signifies its ecological value. The park lies at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas and shares its northern boundary with Bhutan’s Royal Manas National Park. Manas is named after the Manas River, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra, which flows through the park. Known for its rare and endangered species, it is a key site for conservation studies.
Manas National Park
Manas National Park was established as a sanctuary in 1928 and declared a national park in 1990, which is spread across 950 sq. km and forms part of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. It gained UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1985 but was briefly listed as ‘World Heritage in Danger’ due to political unrest and poaching. It was removed from the danger list in 2011 after successful restoration efforts.
Manas National Park is jointly managed by the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) and the Assam Forest Department, and it plays an important role in protecting critically endangered species like the Pygmy Hog, Golden Langur, and Assam Roofed Turtle.
Also Read: Tadoba Andhari National Park
Geographical Features of Manas National Park
Manas National Park is located in the Barpeta and Baksa districts of Assam, stretching along the Bhutanese border. The Geographical Features of Manas National Park lie within the Terai and Bhabar zones, giving rise to diverse landscapes such as alluvial grasslands, tropical forests, and marshy wetlands.
- Location: Assam, along the Indo-Bhutan border
- Area: Approx. 950 sq. km
- Altitude: 60-110 meters above sea level
- River: Manas River, a major Brahmaputra tributary
- Terrain: Floodplains, grasslands, riverine forests, and wetlands
- Climate: Subtropical with heavy monsoon rainfall
Manas National Park Flora
The Manas National Park Flora comprises a unique blend of tropical semi-evergreen forests, deciduous forests, alluvial grasslands, and riverine vegetation. These diverse plant communities support an equally diverse range of animal species.
| Manas National Park Flora | |
| Category | Details |
| Major Tree Species | Sal (Shorea robusta), Khair, Sissoo |
| Grasses & Groves | Bamboo groves, Elephant Grass (Saccharum species) |
| Wetland & Lowland Flora | Orchids, Ferns, Aquatic Plants |
| Seasonal Flora | A variety of flowers bloom post-monsoon |
| Special Ecosystem | Phumdis – floating grasslands that serve as grazing grounds for herbivores and bird breeding sites |
Manas National Park Fauna
Manas National Park Fauna is home to more than 60 mammal species, over 450 bird species, and numerous reptiles, amphibians, and fish. It hosts several endangered and endemic species, making it a crucial conservation area under multiple international and national programs.
| Manas National Park Fauna | |
| Category | Species |
| Mammals |
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| Birds |
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| Reptiles & Amphibians |
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| Conservation Note | Manas is vital to India’s conservation efforts due to the presence of several critically endangered species. |
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