|
|
|
| Home
> Wildlife Sanctuaries in India
> Manas Tiger Reserve |
| Manas Tiger Reserve |
1
2 3 4 5 |
|
|
Terrain |
| Lying at the foothills of the outer Himalayas,
the low-lying and flat Manas habitat is a linear belt that extends
between the Sankosh river to the West and the Dhansiri river
in the east. The Manas river flows through the western part
of the sanctuary, splitting into the Boki and the Hakua in the
centre of the reserve. It later joins the mighty Brahmaputra,
64 km further south. An area of startling diversity, the gently
sloping alluvial plains are watered by countless rivulets and
streams. Brooks carry large amounts of silt, pebbles and even
huge boulders downstream at the height of the monsoons. Over
time, this process has led to the formation of alluvial terraces,
comprising deep layers of deposited rock and detritus overlaid
with sand and soil of varying depth, shifting river channels
and swamps.
The terrain is characterised by rocky, porous soil like sandstone,
limestone and shale in the bhabar tract towards the north.
The coarse detritus is covered with sandy loam and a fine
layer of humus. Rich alluvial soils from the Himalayan wash
are found in the Terai belt towards the south, where the water
table lies very close to the surface. The Boki basin is quickly
inundated in the rains, but never for long, as the slopes
encourage effective drainage. In the lower reaches, beels
or seasonal wetlands are formed just within the boundary of
the reserve before the river joins the flood plains. In parts,
sandy stretches allow clusters of trees to grow isolated from
each other by water. Away from this pockmarked terrain, towards
the hills, great mixed deciduous forests carpeted with grasses
sprawl into the mountains.
|
|
Waterholes and Trails |
Wildlife sightings at Manas are neither regular
nor frequent, but when they do occur, they are usually at close
range. You can drive through the forest by jeep, which is when
you would see a variety of birds and animals. Look in the undergrowth
as well as the treetops. The endangered Bengal Florican stays
camouflaged among the marshes along jheels bordered by dry scrub
and high grass, but you can spot them easily enough during the
mating season when their aerial displays are prominently visible.
You can sight elephants and buffaloes at river banks.
|
|
Vegetation |
| The three main types of vegetation are:
(a) Tropical semi-evergreen forests in the north
(b) tropical moist and dry deciduous forests and
(c) extensive alluvial grasslands in the west, comprising
different grass species along with a variety of trees and
shrubs. The forests are moist mixed deciduous and semi-evergreen
in the riverine areas. Sal forests are found at the foothills
and small grassy glades grow under the canopy. Grasslands
cover fifty per cent of the sanctuary. The alluvial grasslands
and the savannah woodlands have replaced the evergreen forests,
following forest fires and controlled annual burning, which
ensures regeneration. They can be subdivided into wet alluvial
and highland savannah types home to a variety of grasses such
as Clerodendrum, Leea, Grewia, Premna and Mussaenda. The grasses
grow tall enough in places to hide standing elephants.
A considerable variety of aquatic flora is found along riverbanks
and in the numerous pools that dot the area.
Manas has over 540 species of plants, which include some
rare orchids. Reinwardtia indica, Desmodium motorium, Pueraria
subspicata and Biden pilosa are some of the other rare plants
found here. The Elaichi phool is a gorgeous flower that dazzles
when in full bloom between the months of January and March.
|
|
Take a Break |
| Assam has troubled spots because of the ongoing
political unrest. Enquire about safe routes before venturing
out. The office of the Field Director is the best source for
information.
Cross over to the part of the reserve in Bhutan for an almost
certain sighting of the golden langur. A small rowing boat
is used to go across the narrow, shallow part of the river,
for a short trip. The summer palace of the king is located
in the park and is worth a visit too. Bhutanese tribals weave
colourful fabrics for sale. Get permission from The Forest
Department before venturing out.
The ‘Guwahati Tea Auction Centre’ (GATC), is
the largest of its kind in India and a visit here can be a
lovely experience. Stop over at Guwahati, either en route
to the reserve or while returning.
A monastery and shrine of the Vaishnavite reformer, Mahadeva
-- a great disciple of Lord Shiva -- exists in the district
of Barpeta, also the home of the Manas National Park. The
associated kirthanghar attracts Vaishnavites from all over
India.
|
|
|
1
2 3 4 5 |
|
