Orang National
Park
Total Coverage Area: 78.81 sq kms/78810 ha.
Established
In: 1985 as a sanctuary
1999
as a National Park
Location:
Orang National Park is spread over two districts of the state of Assam --
Darrang and Sonitpur -- on the north bank of the Brahmaputra.
Description:
The
area comprises the alluvial flood plains of the Brahmaputra. Two distinct
alluvial terraces, the lower portion of mere recent origin along the
Brahmaputra and older upper portion to its north, are separated by a high
bank cutting through the national park from east to west. The national park
on the whole is a flat land. The altitude ranges from is 45m to 70 m. The
southern and eastern boundaries of the park comprise channels, and islands
of the Brahmaputra.The western boundary is an artificial boundary demarcated
by a trench from villages. The villages almost from its all sides surround
the entire area. Even in the southern side, the riverine islands are now
inhabited by human habitation and the national park is under constant biotic
pressure. The area comprises alluvial flood plains of the Brahmaputra. The
park on the whole is a flat land and the terrain is gentle slope from north
to south. The area enjoys typical subtropical monsoon climate and major
precipitation occurs during the period from May to September.
Temperature
:
| Months |
Morning |
Afternoon |
| October-March |
5-15º Celsius |
20-25 º Celsius |
| April |
12-25 º Celsius |
25-30º Celsius |
| May-June |
20-28 º Celsius |
30-32º Celsius |
Average
annual Rainfall 3000mm
Park
Safari Timings:Visitors can enter the area only in the
mornings or afternoon preferably on elephant back.
Accommodation
and facilities: Orang offers two resthouses and one dormitory
facility for visitors.
Wildlife:Flora:
The floral wealth of the park is very significant. The Natural Forest
species are like Bombax ceiba, Dalbergia sisoo, Sterculia villosa, Trewia
nudiflora, Zizypphus jujuba, Litsaea polyantha, etc. Among the non aquatic
grassland species the prominent are Phragmites karka, Arundo donax, Imperata
cylindrical, Saccarum spp. etc. The aquatic grass/plants species are
Andropogon spp., Ipomea reptans, Enhydra flushians, Nymphia spp., Wichornia
spp. etc
Mammals: Apart from the greater Indian
one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), which is the dominant species
of the national park, the other key species sharing the habitat, are the
Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris), Asiatic elephant (Elephas maxima), hog
deer (Axis percinus), wild boar (Sus scrofa). Besides, there are other small
mammals like civets, leopards, hare, and porcupines. There are more than 50
species of fish. Among reptiles, turtles like Lissemys punctata, Kachuga
tecta, and among snakes pythons and cobras are known to frequent these
areas.
Birds:
Orang National Park is rich in avifauna. According to Bombay Natural
History Society (BNHS), after Manas National Park, it is Orang which is the
most important habitat of the Bengal florican in Assam. The estimated
population is about 30-40. BN Talukdar, and P Sarma have prepared a
checklist of other species of birds in the national park. Important avifauna
are Bengal Florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis), Spot-billed Pelican
(Pelicanus philippensis), Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus),
Greater Adjutant Stork (Leptoptilos dubius), Lesser Adjutant (Leptoptilos
javanicus), Wooly-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus), Rudy Shelduck (Tadorna
ferruginea), Gadwall (Anas strepera), Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Pintail
(Anas acuta), Pallas's Fishing Eagle (Haliaeetus leucoryphus) and a number
of others including forest and grassland birds.
Tiger Den Resort has
20 air-conditioned double bed rooms built in cottages style along with a
multi cuisine restaurant serving Indian, Continental and Chinese. Other
facilities include, Park Safaris, folk dances and campfires. Each
airconditioned bedroom has private bathroom with bath and/or shower and
toilet.
Wildlife in India
