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Dehang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve In Arunachal Pradesh

Written by Sudhir Kumar

The Dehang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve In Arunachal Pradesh  is one of the few nature preserves around the world which are untouched from the modern civilization. Non of the parts of the BR is approachable by road and has to be approached on foot only.

About Dehang Dibang Biosphere Reserve :

Dihang-Dibang or Dehang-Debang is a Biosphere Reserve constituted under the scheme of Man & Biosphere Programme. It is located in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. The Mouling National Park and the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary are located fully or partly within this biosphere reserve. The reserve spreads over three districts, viz., Dibang Valley, Upper Siang and West Siang. It covers high mountains of Eastern Himalaya and Mishmi Hills. The elevation in the reserve ranges from less than 1000 to more than 5000 m asl. The habitat in Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve ranges from tropical wet evergreen in the river gorges to subtropical, temperate, alpine and permanent snow.
The reserve is rich in wildlife. Rare mammals such as Mishmi takin, Red goral, Musk deer (at least two species), Red panda, Asiatic black bear, occasional Tiger and Gongshan muntjac occurs while among birds there is the rare Sclater’s Monal and Blyth’s Tragopan. Two flying squirrels, new to science have been recently discovered from the vicinity of this reserve. These are named as Mechuka Giant Flying Squirrel Petaurista mechukaensis and Mishmi Hills Giant Flying Squirrel Petaurista mishmiensis.

Attractions Dehang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve In Arunachal Pradesh :

The Dihang Dibang Biosphere Reserve spreads across the Upper Siang, West Siang & Dibang Valley districts of Arunachal Pradesh. It covers a part of Jengging, Tuting, Gelling and Singa in Upper Siang district and Mippi and Anini in Dibang Valley district. It covers the mighty Eastern Himalayan ranges, Abor Hills and Mishmi Hills.

The Reserve is located at 28.27′-29.03’N and 94.29′-95.49’Eat an altitude of 500 – 16000 feet above sea level. The hilly terrain of the reserve ranges from 500 meters to 6000 meters above sea level.

The reserve forest derives its name from the Dibang River which is the main river flowing through the area.

The geographical location of the Dihang Dibang Biosphere Reserve forest is such that it is very difficult to have road transport and also the innumerable streams make commuting difficult. There are no proper roads that lead to the reserve. The only way to reach the Buffer Zone is by walking. This has resulted in the reserve being one of the very few that is untouched by the humans.

The area is scarcely inhabited. The area has a small population of tribes who survive on the traditional method of agriculture.

The tribes inhabiting around the forest are Adi, Buddhist and Mishmi tribes with ten sub tribes that are the Pasis, Padams, Karkos, Pangis, Simongs, Ashings, Tangams, Komkars, Millangs, Dalbings, Membas, Khambas, and Idu Mishmis.

The tribes live in great harmony with the geographical conditions of the forest and maintain great ecological friendliness.

Location :

Dihang-Dibang or Dehang-Debang is a Biosphere Reserve constituted under the scheme of Man & Biosphere Programme. It is located in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. The Mouling National Park and the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary are located fully or partly within this biosphere reserve. The reserve spreads over three districts, viz., Dibang Valley, Upper Siang and West Siang. It covers high mountains of Eastern Himalaya and Mishmi Hills. The elevation in the reserve ranges from less than 1000 to more than 5000 m asl. The habitat in Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve ranges from tropical wet evergreen in the river gorges to subtropical.

History Dehang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve :

Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve was established under the Man & Biosphere Scheme Programme to protect and converse the rich biological and cultural diversity of the area. The forest area was declared as a Biosphere Reserve in 1998.

How To Reach :

The reserve forest is spread over the Dibang Valley, West Siang and Upper Siang districts. Visitors can reach the forest from any of the three districts.

Anini city from Dibang Valley, Pasighat from East Siang, Along of West Siang, Daporijo of Upper Subansiri, Yingkiong of Upper Siang, Roing of Lower Dibang Valley are the major cities from where one can reach the Biosphere.

Visitors can hire a taxi/cab to reach the forest. However a sturdy vehicle is required that can run on rough and hilly areas. Vehicles do not go upto the biosphere. Visitors need to walk a long distance to reach the buffer area of the forest.

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Sudhir Kumar

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