This atlas is in beta. I am still checking facts, ranges, and species lists, so some of it may be wrong or incomplete. It is here early so these places get seen. If you spot an error, write to me.
Namdapha Tiger Reserve
BetaA vast Eastern Himalayan park rising from rainforest to snow, the only place recorded with four big cats.
Why this place matters
Vast Eastern Himalayan park with one of the highest elevational ranges of any Indian protected area, supporting four large cat species and exceptional Indo-Burma biodiversity.
The wildlife
TigerENEndangeredPart of a unique Eastern Himalayan tiger landscape spanning lowland rainforest to montane forest.
Clouded LeopardVUVulnerableElusive canopy and mid-elevation carnivore characteristic of Namdapha's evergreen forests.
Snow LeopardVUVulnerableOccurring at the highest elevations, highlighting the park's extreme vertical range.
Red PandaENEndangeredArboreal mammal of temperate forests in the upper reaches.
The wider field list, with current IUCN Red List status.
Mammals
- Bengal tigerPanthera tigris tigrisENEndangered
- Clouded leopardNeofelis nebulosaVUVulnerable
Himalayan black bearUrsus thibetanusVUVulnerable- Red pandaAilurus fulgensENEndangered
- Snow leopardPanthera unciaVUVulnerable
Western hoolock gibbonHoolock hoolockENEndangered
Indian leopardPanthera pardus fuscaNTNear Threatened
Birds
Great hornbillBuceros bicornisVUVulnerable
Malabar trogonHarpactes fasciatusLCLeast Concern
Songbird
Reptiles
King cobraOphiophagus hannahVUVulnerable
Bengal monitorVaranus bengalensisNTNear Threatened
Pit viper
Notable birds include Wreathed Hornbill, Great Hornbill, Beautiful Nuthatch and Ward's Trogon. Reptiles include King Cobra, Pit Vipers and Monitor Lizard.
Plan your visit
Cool, clear winter months allow multi-day treks into different elevation bands; monsoon brings spectacular but largely inaccessible conditions.
- Zones
- Trekking routes from Miao into Deban, Firmbase, Hornbill, Bulbulia and higher camps
- Safari
- multi-day guided trekking and camping; no vehicle safaris in core forest
- Typical sightings
- Forest birds, butterflies and smaller mammals at close range; large mammals and cats are elusive and require patience and extended stays.
- Light and terrain
- Dense canopy and steep valleys create low-light conditions; clearings and landslides offer occasional open views across forested slopes.
- Hides
- Ad-hoc vantage points along ridges and riverbanks; no formal tourist hides.
- Good to know
- Entry permits and local guides mandatory; routes subject to weather, river levels and local considerations.