Namdapha Tiger reserve in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh is spread in an area of 1,850-sq-kms rugged terrain. Perhaps no other national park in the world has a wider altitudinal variation than the Namdapha national park that rises from 200m to 4,500m in the snow-capped mountain. This variation has given rise to the growth of diverse habitats of flora and fauna. For the truly dedicated wilderness and wildlife fan, a visit to the Namdapha National Park is a challenging goal. It is also an ideal for trekking and hiking.

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.

The Uniqueness of Namdapha

Certain aspects of Namdapha makes it stand out from the rest of park. The first is the altitude, which varies around 200 metres (nearly sea level) in the valleys to more than 4,500 metres with snow covered mountain peaks. Perhaps no other national park in the world can boast of such phenomenal altitudinal variation. As a result, the climate conditions inside the area are favorable for different species.

Though located at 27 degrees north of the equator and hence being in the sub-tropical zone having a tropical climate, the higher parts of the reserve, which are mountainous and rugged experience cold temperate round the year. Similarly, rainfall is very variable - excessive in the tropical part and scanty in the higher reaches.

Flora

The beautiful forests possess great biodiversity of Flora and Fauna. A details study of its species and genetic variation has not yet been thoroughly done. Namdapha is Botanist's dream and it may take as long as 50 years to complete a conprehensive survey of its botanical resources. There are more than 150 timber species. The Pinus Merkusi and Abies Delavavi are not found elsewhere in India . One of the rarest and endangered orchids, the Blue Vanda found here. The most famous local madicinal plant Mishimi Teeta, which is used by the local tribal for all kinds of diseases is available here but its export has been banned.

Fauna

The diverse vegetations and habitats of Namdapha grooms diverse species of animals and birds. It is only park in the World to have the four Feline species of big cat namely the Tiger, Leopard Snow Leopard (Panthera Uncia) and Clouded Leopard and numbers of Lesser cats. A number of primate species are seen in the park, such as Assamese Macaque, pig-tailed Macaque, stump-tailed Macaque and number of the distinctive Hoolock Gibbons, highly endangered and only 'Ape' species found in India dwells in this impenetrable virgin forest. Of the many other important animals are the Elephants, Black Bear, Indian Bison, several species of Deers, reptiles and a variety of arboreal animals.

Avi Fauna

Among the bird species, most notable are the White winged Wood Ducks, a rare and endangered species, the great Indian Hornbills, Jungle Fowls and Pheasants flop their noisy way through the jungle, and which harbours other colourful bird and animal species. The inaccessibility of greater part of the park has helped to keep the forests in their pristine and virgin state in its natural form.

Moreover, the park possesses great bio diversity of flora and fauna. The lush green under growths are thick and intertwined like cobwebs of canes, bamboos, wild bananas and variety of vegetations The grandeur of the wet tropical rain forest is breeding ground for varieties of animals and birds which is remarkable and worth seeing.