Orang National Park

Introduction

Orang National Park, a Brahmaputra floodplain ecosystem in Assam, is renowned for its one-horned rhinoceros, grasslands, wetlands and high avian diversity, making it a significant biodiversity refuge.

Location

1. Located on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra, primarily across Udalguri and Sonitpur districts of Assam.
2. The National Park presently covers about 78.81 sq km in its original notified area; subsequent additions have expanded the broader Orang Tiger Reserve landscape to 279.28 sq km.
3. It forms part of the Brahmaputra floodplain ecosystem, characterised by seasonal flooding, wetlands and alluvial grasslands.

Key Features

1. Oldest game reserve of Assam, subsequently notified as a National Park in 1999.
2. The landscape comprises alluvial grasslands, wetlands, riverine vegetation and woodland patches, supporting diverse terrestrial and aquatic fauna.
3. It is now recognised as Orang National Park & Tiger Reserve, strengthening its importance for large carnivore conservation.

Ecological Significance

1. Rhino conservation: Orang supports a significant population of the Greater One-horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis); Assam records show 101 rhinos in Orang in 2018, compared with 46 in 1999.
2. Tiger habitat: Grassland–wetland mosaics provide prey and habitat for tigers, making Orang an important component of Assam’s tiger landscape.
3. Avifaunal hotspot: About 222 bird species have been recorded, including Bengal Florican, Greater Adjutant, Lesser Adjutant, Spot-billed Pelican and Brahminy Duck.
4. Aquatic biodiversity: Wetlands support diverse fish populations and function as breeding grounds for several aquatic species.
5. Native wildlife: Besides rhino and tiger, the park supports hog deer, wild pig, elephant, civets, porcupine, Gangetic dolphin, Indian rock python, king cobra and seven turtle/tortoise species.
6. Native vegetation: Predominantly tall alluvial/riverine grasslands, interspersed with wetland vegetation and tropical deciduous/riverine woodland, providing feeding and breeding niches for herbivores and birds.

Ecological Conservation & Legislative Framework

1. Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Provides the principal legal framework for National Park protection, anti-poaching measures and species protection. A
2. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: Enables regulation of activities that may adversely affect fragile ecosystems surrounding protected areas.
3. Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980: Restricts diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes, supporting habitat conservation.
4. Biological Diversity Act, 2002: Strengthens conservation and sustainable use of biological resources and associated knowledge.
5. Indian Rhino Vision 2020: Assam’s rhino-conservation programme promoted rhino population expansion through translocation to suitable habitats, demonstrating landscape-level conservation.
6. Protected Area Network: Orang forms part of Assam’s wider protected-area system comprising National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Tiger Reserves and Elephant Reserves.

Conclusion

Orang exemplifies floodplain conservation, where grasslands, wetlands and flagship species coexist; strengthening habitat connectivity, scientific monitoring, community participation and climate-resilient management can secure its ecological future.

This Concept Has Been Mentioned In The Article: Pygmy Hog Conservation: From Species Recovery to Alluvial Grassland Restoration