Idu Mishmis and Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary

Why in news?

• Recently, National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) announced that the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh would soon be notified as a tiger reserve.
• This move has caused unrest among the Idu Mishmi tribe who feel that a tiger reserve would “hinder their access” to the forest.

About Idu Mishmis:

• Idu Mishmi is a sub-tribe of the Mishmi group in Arunachal Pradesh and neighbouring Tibet, primarily living in the Mishmi Hills bordering Tibet.
• Their ancestral homelands are spread over the districts of Dibang Valley and Lower Dibang Valley as well as parts of Upper Siang and Lohit.
• They are known for their weaving and craftsmanship skills and are estimated to comprise around 12,000 people (as per census 2011).
• Their language, also called Idu Mishmi, is considered endangered by UNESCO.

Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary:

• The Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Arunachal Pradesh.
• The sanctuary is named after the Dibang River, which flows through it.
• It is considered a biodiversity hotspot and is part of the Eastern Himalayas Endemic Bird Area.
• Flora:
  • The sanctuary has a diverse range of flora, including tropical evergreen forests, subtropical broadleaf forests, alpine meadows, and subalpine coniferous forests.
  • Some of the important tree species found here include oak, rhododendron, bamboo, and fir.
• Fauna:
  • The Sanctuary is home to several rare and endangered species of animals, including the Mishmi takin, musk deer, goral, clouded leopard, snow leopard, and tiger.
  • It is also home to several bird species such as the Satyr tragopan, Blyth's tragopan, and Temminck's tragopan.

Other Protected Areas in Arunachal Pradesh:

• Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary
• Namdapha National Park
• Mouling National Park
• Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Eagle Nest Wildlife Sanctuary.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Which of the following protected areas are located in Arunachal Pradesh?

1. Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary

2. Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary

3. Kailam Wildlife Sanctuary

4. Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2,3 and 4 only

(c) 1,3 and 4 only

(d) 1,2,3 and 4

Answer