Tripura Protected Areas

Introduction

Tripura, a state in the northeastern part of India, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty. The region is home to several national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and Ramsar sites, making it a significant destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. This article provides an overview of Tripura’s national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and Ramsar sites, highlighting their unique features and importance.

National Parks in Tripura

Tripura has two designated national parks, each with its unique characteristics and conservation goals.

1. Clouded Leopard National Park

• • Location: Situated within the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary in Bishalgarh Sub-Division of Sepahijala District.
  • Establishment: Established in 2007, it is India’s first dedicated wildlife park for clouded leopards.
  • Area: Covers about 5.08 square kilometers.
  • Flora and Fauna: Known for its clouded leopards, hoolock gibbons, and various bird species like the white ibis and open-billed stork.

2. Rajbari National Park (Bison National Park)

• • Location: Located within the Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary in South Tripura District.
  • Establishment: Established in 2007, within the Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary created in 1988.
  • Area: Covers about 31.63 square kilometers.
  • Flora and Fauna: Primarily established to protect the Indian gaur (bison), it also hosts leopards, gibbons, and various bird species.

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Tripura

Tripura boasts several wildlife sanctuaries that are crucial for the conservation of its diverse wildlife.

1. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary

• • Location: Situated in the southeastern corner of Tripura.
  • Area: Spreads across approximately 389.54 square kilometers.
  • Flora and Fauna: Home to Asian elephants, sambar, barking deer, bison, and various reptiles. The sanctuary is also known for its large water reservoir.

2. Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary

• • Location: Located about 25 km from Agartala, the capital city.
  • Area: Covers about 19 square kilometers.
  • Flora and Fauna: Famous for its clouded leopards and migratory birds like the lesser whistling teal and white ibis. It also hosts slow lorises and capped langurs.

3. Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary

• • Location: Situated in South Tripura District.
  • Area: Spreads across about 163 square kilometers.
  • Flora and Fauna: Known for its Indian gaur (bison), hoolock gibbons, and golden langurs. The sanctuary includes tropical semi-evergreen and mixed deciduous forests.

4. Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary

• • Location: Located in the Dharmanagar Forest Sub Division of North Tripura District.
  • Area: Covers a small area of about 0.86 square kilometers.
  • Flora and Fauna: Rich in medicinal plants and reptiles, it is a natural heritage site.

Ramsar Sites in Tripura

Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance, recognized for their role in maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance.

Rudrasagar Lake

• Location: Situated in the Melaghar Block under Sonamura sub-division of Sepahijala District.
• Features: An artificial lake built by an Ahom King, it is a natural sedimentation reservoir fed by three perennial streams.
• Importance: Known for being an ideal habitat for the Three-Striped Roof Turtle (Critically Endangered) and a popular tourist destination during festivals.

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