Namdapha
National Park has perhaps the richest diversity of flora and fauna in
the Indian Subcontinent. This is because of its biogeographical location
within the Indo-Chinese subregion and its great altitudinal variation,
from 4,500 meters at Daphabum, highest point, to 200 meters in the
lowest valleys.
The
park is largely mountainous and is drained by the noa-Dehing, Deban and
Namdapha rivers. In the lower levels grow a tangled profusion of
tropical rainforests, with huge Hollock, Hollong and Mekai trees
intermixed with giant creepers, tall cane and dense bamboo stands.
Higher up are the deciduous forests, with temperate and alpine forests
higher still, where Oak, Magnolia, Pine, Betula and Rhododendrons grow
in profusion. Namdapha is a botanical haven, with over 150 tree species
and many flowers and orchids, including the Blue Vanda, one of the
rarest orchids. It will be many years before Namdapha's flora is fully
surveyed. Namdapha's birdlife includes the Satyr Tragopan, Kalij and
Monal Pheasants, Giant Hornbill, Forest Eagle Owl and the rare
White-winged Wood Duck. principal reptiles include the Indian Python,
Reticulated Python and King Cobra. For mammal watchers, the park boasts
no fewer than four large cats- Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard and Snow
Leopard. It also has a good population of the Hoolock Gibbon
SeasonNovember-May,
the best period being December-March.
