Focus: GS-III Environment and Ecology, Prelims
Why in news?
An estimated 29 tigers were present in Arunachal Pradesh’s Dibang-Kamlang-Namdapha Block, according to the Status of Tigers, Co-predators, and Prey in India report (2018).
Significance
- The estimation comes amid concerns about the proposed diversion of large forest areas around Dibang Valley Wildlife Sanctuary for a power project and a dam, which experts say will impact both the tigers and their prey.
- The 3000+ MW Etalin Hydropower Project will impact more than 1000 hectares and the Dibang Multipurpose Dam and more than 4500 hectares in the unclassified state forests and other community lands.
- Dibang Valley holds unique importance for in-situ conservation of this “unique and genetically diverse lineage of tigers” as the local aboriginal community of Idu Mishmis considers tigers as their elder brothers.
- The 2018 estimation has recommended discussions with Idu Mishmis before proceeding with any notification of the sanctuary as a tiger reserve.
- Some of the prey cross the Talon river or are found in abundance along the river like the Mishmi Takin.
Other important Highlights
- The 2018 NTCA report said Arunachal Pradesh has large contiguous forests over 136,000 km, which include Pakke Tiger Reserves, Tale Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Mouling National Park, D’Ering Wildlife Sanctuary, Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kamlamg and Namdapha Tiger Reserve.
- The report added the 1,811 km Trans Arunachal Highway will become a barrier for the movement of the wildlife species in several of these corridors.
Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary
- The Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the eight wildlife sanctuaries of Arunachal Pradesh, India.
- Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary is located fully or partly within Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve.
- Rare mammals such as Mishmi Takin, Red Goral, Musk Deer (at least two species), red panda, Asiatic black bear, occasional Tiger and Gongshan muntjac occur while among birds there are the rare Sclater’s monal and Blyth’s tragopan.
Click Here to read more about the Tiger Survey report
-Source: Hindustan Times
