Rich biodiversity of flora and fauna

Manas National Park is a renowned UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, Project Tiger Reserve, Elephant Reserve, and Biosphere Reserve in Assam. The park is home to several endangered species, including the Bengal tiger, Indian rhinoceros, clouded leopard, and pygmy hog. It is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 450 species of birds, including the rare Bengal florican, great hornbill, and black-necked stork.

The Manas Wildlife Sanctuary provides habitat for 22 of India’s most threatened species of mammals. In total, there are nearly 60 mammal species, 42 reptile species, 7 amphibians and 500 species of birds, of which 26 are globally threatened. Noteworthy among these are the elephant, tiger, greater one-horned rhino, clouded leopard, sloth bear, and other species.

The wild buffalo population is probably the only pure strain of this species still found in India. It also harbours endemic species like pygmy hog, hispid hare and golden langur as well as the endangered Bengal florican.

The range of habitats and vegetation also accounts for high plant diversity that includes 89 tree species, 49 shrubs, 37 undershrubs, 172 herbs and 36 climbers. Fifteen species of orchids, 18 species of fern and 43 species of grasses that provide vital forage to a range of ungulate species also occur here.

Cultural heritage

The park also boasts a unique cultural heritage, with several indigenous communities residing within its boundaries. The park derives its name from the Manas River, a significant tributary of the Brahmaputra, named after the Serpent Goddess Manasa.

Manas National Park encompasses two biomes: the Grassland Biome, housing species like the Pygmy Hog, Indian Rhinoceros, Bengal Florican, and Wild Asian Buffalo, and the Forest Biome, where creatures like the Slow Loris, Capped Langur, Sambar, Great Hornbill, and Malayan Giant Squirrel thrive.