On the
Assam-Bhutan border, the reserve harbours the largest number of
endangered species of any protected area in India and was declared a
World Heritage site in 1985. The Manas river flows through the grassland
and riverine forests of the park.
The
annual monsoon floods provide Manas's wonderful diversity, as the
vegetation is prevented from reaching its full growth. A variety of
tropical semi-evergreen, evergreen and deciduous forests support a
diverse range of faunal species. The dimunitive and extremely rare pygmy
hog and hispid hare are found in the grasslands but more visible species
are elephants, gaur, wild buffalo, hog deer, swamp deer, capped langur,
the rare golden langur, tiger and rhino. The rare Finn's baya nests here
and one can enjoy the sight of a Bengal florican's breeding display.
Four different species of hornbill feed and nest in the reserve's
fruiting trees and in winter the ibisbill visits the river's edge.
Elephant rides are available.
The Manas National Parks in India
and Bhutan are the only known home of the Golden Leaf Monkey discovered
only a few decades ago. Other mammals, includethe rare and endangered
hispid hare and pygmy hog. Lager mammals include the Indian elephant,
gaur, water buffalo and Indian rhinoceros.
