Orang National Park is a famous wildlife park in India known for its rich variety of animals and birds. It has thick forests, open grasslands and peaceful water bodies that make it a perfect home for wild creatures. The park is often called the ”Mini Kaziranga” because it look similar to another popular national park. It is a great place for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.
Location of Orang National Park
Orang National Park is a special place for nature lovers. It is located in the Indian state of Assam, on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River. The park covers around 79.28 square kilometers and is home to many wild animals like the Indian rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, elephants and rare birds. It became a national park in 1999 and plays a big role in protecting wildlife.
History of the Park
Earlier, local tribes lived in this area. But around 1900, they left due to disease. The British government declared it a game reserve in 1915. It became a wildlife sanctuary in 1985. In 1992, it was briefly renamed Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, but due to public protest, the name was changed back. Finally, it was declared a National Park in 1999.
Geography and Landscape
The park lies in the Darrang and Sonitpur districts. It is surrounded by rivers like the Pachnoi, Belsiri and Dhansiri. During the monsoon, the rivers flood the land, creating many small lakes and water bodies. The park has forests, grasslands, wetlands and sandy areas, with a gentle slope and flat terrain. Villages surround the park, so people and animals sometimes come into contact.
Threats to the Park
Orang faces many challenges. Illegal human activities like poaching, farming and cutting down trees harm the animals and plants. Rhinos were heavily hunted, and their number dropped. The number of rhinos was once only 48. Though it is increased to 68 in 2006, poaching is still a problem.
Conservation Efforts
To save the animals, several groups have come forward. A committee with local officials was formed. International groups like WWF and the International Rhino Foundation started projects to protect rhinos and increase their population to 300.
For tigers, the park runs a program using camera traps and GPS to track them. Groups like AARANYAK work with locals to prevent human-animal conflicts and help protect these wild animals.