![]() The Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve is actually a steep terrain, combined with difficult weather as well as the lack of communication. Only about 10,000 people live in this huge area, and they are primarily from the Tribal communities like Adi, Buddhist and Mishmi. There are also ten sub-Tribes reside within the reserve, including the Pasis, Padams, Karkos, Pangis, Simongs, Ashings, Tangams, Komkars, Millangs, Dalbings, Membas, Khambas, and Idu Mishmis. On the whole, the Biosphere Reserve is almost totally forested with villages and cultivations located on the lower slopes and terraces edging the major rivers systems. In some parts of the reserve, the forest appears as a continuous swath from the sub-tropics to the cold of the tree line. Apart from that, a large area of the Reserve also lies at elevations above the tree line and this area features a very special array of plants and animals. The Reserve exhibits a wonderful extent of sub-tropical forest. The Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve has quite rich natural vegetation. The vegetation in this reserve varies according to habitat. Altitude is one of the major factors in determining plant growth, as the altitude of the Reserve varies from approximately 500 to 6000 meters (with associated temperatures and rainfall variability). Apart from altitude, there are also some other factors in determining the plant growth, including the varying soils and differing exposures. Some of the major microhabitats in this Reserve include the snow peaks (with algae in the snow and lichens on exposed rocks), glacial lakes, forest ponds, stream edge habitat, etc. The Reserve represents more than 8 forest or vegetation types like the Sub-Tropical Broad Leafed, Sub-Tropical Pine, Temperate Broad Leafed, Temperate Conifer, Sub-Alpine Woody Shrub, Alpine Meadow, Bamboo Brakes, and Grass Lands. ![]() Apart from the rich variety of natural vegetation, the Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve also provides natural habitat to numerous fauna species. Some of these fauna species are endemic to the eastern Himalayas and many of these and others are considered as endangered. About 45 species of insects including Moths and Butterflies are found in the reserve and the collection of amphibians in the reserve is also great. However, the reserve is not that much rich in providing habitat to the reptiles. A wonderful cross-section of Asian Snakes can be found in the reserve. Though most of these snakes are the non-poisonous members of the Colubridae family, some poisonous snakes are found here, as well. These species include the Green Pit Vipers, Cobras (Naja and Ophiophagus) and Kraits. The Indian Rock python is also found here. The Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve is home to a rich variety of mammal species. Several members of the Cat family like Tiger, Spotted or Common Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Snow Leopard, Golden Cat, Jungle Cat, Marbled Cat, Leopard Cat, etc. can be found in different elevations in this reserve. The other important mammal species found in the Biosphere Reserve include Blue Sheep, Red Panda, Takin, Musk Deer, Bison, Serow, Himalayan Black Bear, Sloth Bear, Indian Wild Dog, Red Fox, Deer, Assamese Macaque, Otter (both common & clawless), Squirrel, Civet, Wild Boar, etc. ![]() The reserve also shares the record for low population densities with places like the Changtang Reserve in Tibet and the Gobi reserves in Mongolia. The reserve has a population density of only 2 people per sq. km. On the whole, the Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve is indeed one of the most unique and valuable biosphere reserves in India. (Last Updated on : 16-01-2015) |
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