When it comes to India’s diverse and unique wildlife, a recent event has captured the attention of environmental enthusiasts and conservationists alike. After a 42-year absence, the rare Namdapha flying squirrel (Biswamoyopterus biswasi) has been spotted once again in Arunachal Pradesh. This elusive species was last documented back in 1981, based on one individual discovered in the Namdapha Tiger Reserve in the district of Changlang, Arunachal Pradesh.
Unveiling the Namdapha Flying Squirrel
Known for its nocturnal behavior, the Namdapha flying squirrel finds its home in the Namdapha Tiger Reserve located in Arunachal Pradesh, India. This species distinguishes itself from other flying squirrels within the same ecosystem, such as the red giant flying squirrel (Petaurista petaurista), through its characteristic tuft of hair on its ears.
Due to the challenge of locating this creature, fears grew that it might have been mistaken for the red giant flying squirrel. Worse still, there were concerns about its potential extinction.
Under Threat: The Plight of the Namdapha Flying Squirrel
The existence of the Namdapha flying squirrel hangs in the balance due to increasing habitat loss and degradation. Human activities such as clear-felling for settlement constructions, shifting agricultural practices, and extraction of non-timber forest products are leading contributors to their waning numbers. In particular, the harvesting of leaves from the Zalacca secunda palm, often used as a roofing material, poses a significant threat.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the Namdapha flying squirrel as critically endangered. Additionally, the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, classifies it under Schedule I.
Delving into Namdapha Tiger Reserve
The Namdapha Tiger Reserve, recognized in 1983 as the 15th Tiger Project of India, boasts an illustrious history. Its journey began in 1972 when it was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary, followed by it being named a National Park in 1983. In the same year, it also became a Tiger Reserve under the Project Tiger scheme.
Embodying the spirit of the region, the term ‘Namdapha’ is derived from the river that originates from Daphabum and meets the Noa-Dehing river. The river runs across the National Park, providing it with its distinctive name.
Situated in Arunachal Pradesh, the park lies between the Dapha bum range of the Mishmi Hills and the Patkai range. Depending on the altitude, the climate ranges from sub-tropical to mountainous, with the low-lying plains and valleys experiencing tropical conditions.
A Learning Point: UPSC Civil Services Examination
To raise awareness and test knowledge about the country’s rich biodiversity, questions related to national parks often feature in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. A previous examination asked candidates about a national park with a varied climate extending from tropical to subtropical, temperate, and arctic. The correct answer was Namdapha National Park.
Another question tested the candidate’s knowledge on correctly matched pairs related to biosphere reserves, lakes, and national parks. Among the options provided were Nokrek Biosphere Reserve: Garo Hills, Logtak (Loktak) Lake: Barail Range, and Namdapha National Park: Dafla Hills. The correct answer was option (a) – Nokrek Biosphere Reserve: Garo Hills.
