Dibru-Saikhowa
India
About Dibru-Saikhowa
Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is situated at the confluence of the Brahmaputra and Lohit rivers. The park is known for its semi-evergreen forests and wetlands. It provides habitat for numerous endangered species including white-winged wood ducks and feral horses.
Fauna
The park is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, including 36 mammal species, 382 bird species, and numerous reptiles and amphibians. Key mammals include feral horses, hoolock gibbons, elephants, tigers, and dolphins. It's particularly famous for its avifauna, hosting many endangered birds like the Bengal Florican, White-winged Duck, and Greater Adjutant Stork. The park also supports significant populations of water birds and is a crucial stopover for migratory species. The Gangetic dolphin can be spotted in the park's river systems.
Flora
Dibru-Saikhowa hosts a diverse array of vegetation types, including semi-evergreen forests, moist mixed deciduous forests, and extensive grasslands. The park features over 680 species of plants, including rare medicinal herbs and orchids. Notable species include Hollong (Dipterocarpus macrocarpus), Terminalia myriocarpa, and various bamboo species. The grasslands are dominated by tall elephant grass (Imperata cylindrica) and reed brakes. Several threatened plant species find refuge here, making it a significant botanical preserve.
Geology
The park is situated in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplains, characterized by alluvial soil formations and numerous river islands (chapories). The landscape was shaped by the mighty Brahmaputra and its tributaries, creating a complex network of water bodies and wetlands. The terrain consists of semi-permanent sandbars, grasslands, and elevated regions that remain above water during floods. The soil is primarily composed of fine alluvial deposits, making it highly fertile but also susceptible to erosion.
History
Dibru-Saikhowa was initially declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1986 and later elevated to National Park status in 1999. The park's name derives from 'Dibru' meaning a blister, referring to a river branch, and 'Saikhowa' meaning the golden-red color of soil. Historically, the area served as a refuge during the 1950 Assam earthquake and has been home to various indigenous communities. The park's formation was crucial for protecting its unique semi-evergreen forests and wetland ecosystems that were under threat from human activities and natural disasters.
Notable Features
The park's most distinctive features include its unique feral horse population, one of the last remaining in India, and its extensive network of river islands. The Maguri-Motapung Beel, a wetland adjacent to the park, is renowned for bird watching. The park's semi-evergreen forests represent one of the last remaining patches of such habitat in the region. The confluence of the Brahmaputra and Lohit rivers creates a spectacular landscape, while the numerous chapories (river islands) provide essential habitats for wildlife. The park also serves as an important elephant corridor and is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA).
Climate & Weather
Dibru-Saikhowa experiences a subtropical monsoon climate with distinct seasons. Summers (March-May) are warm and humid with temperatures reaching 35°C, while winters (November-February) are mild with temperatures ranging from 7-20°C. The park receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon season (June-September), averaging 2,300-3,800mm annually. The best time to visit is between November and April when the weather is pleasant and wildlife viewing conditions are optimal. Flooding is common during monsoons, which can limit park access.