Murlen

Murlen National Park is located in the Champhai district of Mizoram, India, covering 200 square kilometers of tropical semi-evergreen and sub-montane forests near the Myanmar border. Established as a national park in 1991, it protects biodiversity-rich ecosystems characteristic of the Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot. The park ranges from 400 to 1,900 meters in elevation, with Mount Murlen (1,900 m) as its highest peak, creating diverse altitudinal vegetation zones. Notable wildlife includes the hoolock gibbon, slow loris, Asiatic black bear, serow, and goral, along with rare birds such as the dark-rumped swift and Blyth's tragopan. The park's forests represent some of the last remaining contiguous forest blocks in Mizoram, providing critical habitat for species threatened by deforestation across the region. Its proximity to international borders makes it important for transboundary conservation efforts.

The park is home to diverse wildlife including rare species like clouded leopard, hoolock gibbon, and Phayre's leaf monkey. Over 150 bird species inhabit the park, including the rare Mrs. Hume's pheasant and Blyth's tragopan. The park also supports populations of barking deer, serow, and various species of primates.

Murlen National Park hosts dense tropical and semi-evergreen forests with over 380 plant species. The vegetation includes valuable timber species like teak and gurjan, along with numerous medicinal plants. The park is notable for its orchids, with over 35 species documented. The forest canopy reaches heights of 40 meters in some areas.

The park is characterized by steep mountainous terrain with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,900 meters above sea level. The landscape features limestone formations, deep gorges, and numerous caves. The soil is primarily lateritic and supports rich forest growth. The park's varied topography creates diverse microclimates that contribute to its ecological significance.

Murlen National Park experiences a moderate subtropical climate typical of northeastern India. Annual rainfall averages 2,000-3,000mm, with the heaviest precipitation occurring during the monsoon season from June to September. Winter temperatures range from 11-20°C while summers are warm with temperatures between 20-30°C. The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and dry.

Established in 1991, Murlen National Park was created to protect the region's unique biodiversity and tropical forests. The park gets its name from a village within its boundaries and has deep cultural significance for the local Mizo people. The area has historically served as a crucial wildlife corridor between India and Myanmar.

Murlen was designated a national park in 1991 as part of efforts to protect Mizoram's rapidly diminishing forest cover. The area has long been inhabited by Mizo communities practicing jhum (shifting) cultivation, a traditional agricultural system that shaped the landscape for centuries. During the colonial period and after Indian independence, commercial logging and expanded agriculture reduced forest cover significantly, making protection of remaining forests a conservation priority. The park's establishment involved relocating villages from core areas and working with communities to develop sustainable livelihoods. The region's proximity to Myanmar has made it important for addressing transboundary conservation challenges, including wildlife trafficking and illegal logging. Recent decades have seen increased recognition of the park's importance within the Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot, one of the world's most threatened ecosystems.

Murlen is often called the 'Land of Blue Mountains' due to its stunning vistas. The park features unique 'sky islands' - isolated mountaintop ecosystems with distinct biodiversity. The Khawnglung Wildlife Sanctuary nearby adds to the conservation value. Traditional villages within and around the park offer insights into local Mizo culture and customs.

Murlen is located approximately 245 kilometers from Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, accessible via road through Champhai town. The journey takes 8-10 hours, with the nearest major town being Champhai (42 km from the park). Access to the park requires permits from the Forest Department, and tourism infrastructure is limited compared to more developed parks. Visitors can arrange guided treks to Mount Murlen, though these require advance planning and good physical fitness due to steep terrain. Basic accommodation is available in Champhai, with limited facilities near the park itself. Local guides familiar with the terrain and wildlife are essential for safe and rewarding visits. The best visiting period is November through March when weather is dry and trails are passable, while the monsoon season (May-September) brings heavy rainfall making access extremely difficult.

Conservation at Murlen focuses on protecting critical habitat within one of the world's most threatened biodiversity hotspots. The park faces challenges from hunting pressure, as traditional hunting practices persist among local communities despite legal protections. Anti-poaching patrols work to reduce illegal hunting while community engagement programs provide alternative protein sources and income opportunities. Habitat restoration efforts address degradation from past jhum cultivation, with native tree plantings helping to restore forest cover. The park's location near the Myanmar border creates challenges for law enforcement, with trafficking of wildlife and timber requiring enhanced border coordination. Hoolock gibbon conservation receives particular attention, as these primates are threatened by habitat loss and hunting throughout their range. Community-based conservation programs engage villages in wildlife monitoring and forest protection, recognizing that long-term conservation success depends on local support. Climate change monitoring assesses impacts on montane species and ecosystems particularly vulnerable to temperature and rainfall changes.