Discover Meghalaya’s Pristine Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary [MAP]

Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary

The Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, about 155 km from the capital Shillong. It was notified as a sanctuary on 10th June 2014 and covers an area of 59.9 sq km.

Area59.9 km2
Date of Notification10th June 2014
HabitatEvergreen forest, Semi-evergreen forest
Biographic zone:North-east
AnimalsHoolock Gibbon, Serow, Slow Loris, Leopard; Oriental Pied Hornbill, Giant or Great Pied Hornbill, Spangled Drongo, Rufous-Throated Partridge, 91 Species of Butterflies, Reptiles such as Asian Leaf Tule (Cyclemis Dentate), Copper Headed Trinket Snake, Red-necked Keelback, Monitor Lizard and Species of Frog (Kaloula Spp.), Varanus Bengalensis, Rock Python, King Cobra, Common Cobra, Banded Krait, Common Krait, Common Vine Snake, Green Pit Viper, Reticulated Python
PlantsCastanopsis indica, C. tribuloides, Dysoxylum Sp., Elaeocarpus Sp., Engethardtia spicata, Syzygium Sp., Tetrameles nudiflora, Lithocarpus fenestratus, Castanopsis kurzii, Ouercus griffithii, 0. semiserrata, Schima khasiana, Myrica esculenta, Symplocos gtomerata, Photinia arguta, Ficus nemoralis, Mangtietia caveana, Acer Sp., Exbucklandia populnea, Engethardtia spicata, Betula alnoides, Rhododendron arboretum Etc. Shrubs Include Mahonia pycnophylta. Daphne papyraceae, Polygala arillata, Camellia caduca, Rubus Sp
Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary is home to some of the tallest evergreen and semi-evergreen forests in Meghalaya. It receives heavy rainfall of over 6000 mm annually from the southwest monsoon. This favors the growth of rich and diverse flora and fauna.

Location and Geography

The Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary, one among the 4 wildlife sanctuary in Meghalaya is located 78 km from Jowai and 155 km from Shillong in the East Jaintia Hills district.

The sanctuary falls within the biogeographic zone of North-east India. It has a hilly terrain covered in lush green forests. Several streams and rivers flow through the area.

The favorable climate and heavy rainfall make it an ideal habitat for wildlife.

Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary MAP

Meghalaya Map with Markers
Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary
Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary

Biodiversity in Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary

Flora in Narpuh WLS

The sanctuary harbors tall evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. Some major tree species found here are:

  • Castanopsis indica
  • Elaeocarpus sp.
  • Syzygium sp.
  • Tetrameles nudiflora
  • Schima khasiana
  • Ficus nemoralis
  • Exbucklandia populnea
  • Betula alnoides
  • Rhododendron arboreum

Shrubs like Mahonia pycnophylla, Rubus sp. and herbs like Impatiens sp. are also common.

Fauna in Narpuh WLS

The Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary has a rich faunal diversity. Some noteworthy species found here include:

Mammals

  • Hoolock Gibbon
  • Serow
  • Slow Loris
  • Leopard

Birds

  • Oriental Pied Hornbill
  • Giant Pied Hornbill
  • Spangled Drongo
  • Rufous-throated Partridge

Reptiles

  • Asian Leaf Turtle
  • Copperhead Trinket Snake
  • Monitor Lizard
  • Rock Python
  • King Cobra

Butterflies

Around 199 species of butterflies have been recorded from the sanctuary. Some rare species are found only here.

Threats and Conservation Efforts

The Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary is the only large patch of pristine dense forest left in the Jaintia Hills district. It acts as an important catchment area for many rivers and streams. It provides refuge to many endangered plants and animals. Several Schedule I species listed under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 are found here. The sanctuary is thus of high conservation value and needs to be protected.

The major threats to the sanctuary are:

  • Habitat loss and fragmentation due to developmental activities
  • Hunting and poaching
  • Forest fires

To counter these threats, the following conservation efforts are needed:

  • Strengthening protection mechanisms through increased patrolling
  • Involving local communities in conservation awareness and livelihood generation
  • Habitat improvement by removal of invasive species
  • Fire prevention and management

The Meghalaya Forest Department along with conservation organizations like Wildlife Trust of India are carrying out conservation activities in the sanctuary.

More studies need to be conducted to document and monitor the rich biodiversity of this pristine forest ecosystem. Ecotourism can be promoted responsibly to spread awareness.

The Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary is a biological treasure trove that needs to be conserved for its ecological services as well as existence value. With committed conservation efforts, this rare wilderness area can be protected for posterity.

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