Other Titles Published by Sanctuary Asia:
Pranad Patil
Forever Stripes – A Guide to Saving Tigers and
India Naturally
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Small Pratincole in its Habitat
The incredible Nameri Tiger Reserve
and National Park in Assam is just one of
the many shining examples of the natural
wealth of India. Located just two hours from
the better-known Kaziranga National Park
and adjoining the Pakhui Tiger Reserve in
The Sanctuary Nature Guide to Arunachal Pradesh, Nameri offers visitors
Nameri
the opportunity to walk its forest trails, raft
along the Jia Bhorelli river, enjoy some of
the best birding and butterfly-watching
that the Northeast has to offer and enjoy
encounters with capped langurs, otters
and elephants.
The Sanctuary Nature Guide to Nameri
will help all those interested in exploring
Nameri and nearby natural wonderlands. It
provides a glimpse into a little-discovered
reserve, its history, geography and the
wild denizens which have made this forest
their home. Readers will also learn of key
conservation issues that will help them
Divisional Forest Officer/Field Director, Western Assam, Wildlife Division, to appreciate this biodiverse Protected
Dolabari, Tezpur. Area better. The insider tips and checklists
Email: dfo.wawl@gmail.com; Website: www.nameritr.org will enhance the experience of visitors
by introducing them to some of the little
Forest Range Officer, Nameri Wildlife Range, Potasali, Sonitpur. lifeforms that this surprisingly informative
How to get there:
guidebook expertly summarises. Easy to
pack and carry, this booklet will greatly add
By air: The main entry to the reserve at Potasali is 34 km. from Tezpur, which to the joy of travelling through this gem of
is the nearest airport, and 225 km. from Guwahati. a forest.
By rail: Ranagapara junction (28 km.) and Guwahati are the nearest Note: The information contained in
rail stations. this guidebook was correct at the time of
By road: It is well connected by the NH 52 and NH 37 from Tezpur and going to press in October 2018. Visitors are
Guwahati. Regular cab and bus services (private and government) ply to and advised to double-check information just
prior to making a trip so that they are aware
from the Nameri National Park.
of changes in rules and access.
Front cover:
Varun Satose (Orange-bellied Leafbird)
Back cover:
Published by FLORA AND FAUNA Shashank Dalvi (Hodgson’s Porcupine)
BIRDING
Santosh Gavali
HISTORY
ACCOMMODATION
in association with
Western Assam Wildlife Division MAP
(Department of Environment and Forests, Assam)
CONSERVATION
Signature Spider
THE WILDLIFE GUIDE THAT TAKES YOU
TO ROADS LESS TRAVELLED.
Pranad Patil

Capped Langur with young in its habitat

MAP NOT TO SCALE.
BORDERS NEITHER AUTHENTICATED NOR VERIFIED.
 The Sanctuary Nature Guide to

NAMERI
Tiger Reserve & National Park

Varun Satose

Published by

In association with
Western Assam Wildlife Division
(Department of Environment and Forests, Assam)
 Nameri
Tiger Reserve & National Park
Contents
FOREWORD 05
THE NAMERI
JUNGLE ETIQUETTE
WHEN YOU ARE OUT
BIRDWATCHING
Editor EXPERIENCE 06
Randhir (Bittu) Sahgal WHAT A FOREST! SAVING
Executive Editor A LITTLE-KNOWN THE PYGMY HOG 26
Lakshmy Raman RESERVE
BEYOND
Senior Editors
Anirudh Nair
ABOUT NAMERI 09 THE TIGER 30

Mike Prince/Wikimedia Commons

Purva Variyar A TOUCH OF HISTORY HIDDEN SIGNS
LAY OF THE LAND
Assistant Editor A Hidden World 32
Anadya Singh FLORA AND FAUNA
Science, Natural History and Photography
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Dr. Parvish Pandya, Head IN NAMERI 34
Gaurav Shirodkar, Coordinator LOOK OUT For
Art Direction
WHAT ONE YOUNG Where to stay 44 ABOUT the SPONSOR 64
Umesh Bobade and Qamruddin Shaikh
NATURALIST ABOUT SANCTUARY
Maps PHOTOGUIDE 46
SUGGESTS CAN Nature foundation
Umesh Bobade, Gaurav Shirodkar BIRDS
BE DONE IN AND ABout the Balipara
Advertising and Marketing MAMMALS
OUTSIDE NAMERI 37 foundation
Shashi Kumar, Director REPTILES &
Mitali Baruah/Public Domain

Nishita Kanojia, Assistant HOW TO GET THERE

AMPHIBIANS YOUR FEEDBACK 65
USeful Contacts
Image Editing BUTTERFLIES
Qamruddin Shaikh notes 66
CONSERVATION
A CHECKLIST OF
Printing ISSUES 40
Sel Print India Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai NAMERI 56 Special thanks to Pankaj
Sharma, Divisional Forest
YES! YOU CAN BIRDS Officer, Western Assam
ISBN 978-81-935496-5-0 HOW AND WHAT TO TAKE GREAT MAMMALS Wildlife Division for his
LOOK FOR 14 PHOTOGRAPHS 42 BUTTERFLIES valuable inputs
While the information contained in this guide and guidance.
is accurate to the best of our information, it is
CREATURES GREAT
vital that visitors double-check all key facts and AND SMALL
new rules, if any, before their visit. LAND OF THE TIGER
THE LARGEST LAND
MAMMAL
CANOPIES OF HEAVEN
Alexandre Ultré/Public domain

THE MALAYAN
Giant SQUIRREL
WATER WORLD
A BIRDING
PARADISE 18
No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a TIPS FOR NEW

Helena Snyder/Wikimedia Commons

retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any
means without the prior written permission of the publisher.
BIRDERS 20
First published in India in 2018 by: PREPARING FOR
Sanctuary Nature Foundation YOUR TRIP 22
146, Pragati Industrial Estate,
N. M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai – 400 011.
ON FOREST TRAILS
www.sanctuaryasia.com CLOTHING
Text © Sanctuary Asia All rights reserved.
DON’T FORGET!

2 Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park 3
 FOREWORD
The Nameri and Pakke Tiger Reserves and the adjoining forest
areas make for a wilderness landscape that is one of the last beacons
of hope for the wildlife of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Nameri is not
only a refuge for tigers, but a prime habitat for important bird species
including the White-winged Wood Duck, the state bird of Assam,
plus four species of hornbills. It is the diversity of birds, rather than the
desire to spot tigers and other megafauna that attracts most visitors,
Indian and foreign. People also flock to the Nameri Tiger Reserve to
commune with nature and to witness nature up close, something that is
not possible to do if one is restricted to a vehicle.
At this point, we are working to turn tourism into a conservation
tool for Nameri and towards this end we are putting together a
coalition of partners to protect the Nameri ecosystem. Uppermost on
our agenda is the need to step up conservation education on a mass
scale through local communities and to incubate and foster love and
respect for wildlife in the minds of the young.
Towards this end, the management of the tiger reserve works
closely with experts in the arena of conservation and tourism, including
the Balipara Foundation with whose help this Sanctuary Nature Guide
has been put together.
While this encapsulated information is not by any measure a
complete or detailed exposition on the natural wealth of Nameri, it
does offer visitors entering into the realm of its forests, wetlands, and
rivers a deeper understanding of the immense diversity and value of
this wilderness, which is part and parcel of the larger Brahmaputra
landscape… awash with rhinos, elephants, river dolphins, leopards,
tigers and all manner of creatures great and small.
The Assam Forest Department recognises not just the value of
tourism as a conservation stratagem, but also of the scores of selfless
NGOs with whom we are partnering to protect the finest heritage we
could ever hope to leave our children… a living planet.

Dev Prakash Bankhwal,

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests &
Chief Wildlife Warden of Assam, Guwahati
Shashank Dalvi

4 Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park 5
 THE NAMERI EXPERIENCE
Protecting a people’s legacy

Underscoring the truth that nature will only be nurtured if ordinary

people love, understand and respect it, Bittu Sahgal, drums up a
smattering of memories of days spent in kinship with wild nature
in Nameri. It is such experiences he believes that we need to
expose young India to if we wish them to grow up with a sense
of appreciation for the exquisite natural heritage with which the
Indian subcontinent is blessed. This vital national objective can be
achieved by tourism, provided policymakers enable young Indians to
experience nature as they deserve to… the way he did when he fell
in love and dedicated his life to nature decades ago.

WHAT A FOREST! saw delivered that soul-satisfying

Rafting down the Jia Bhorelli feeling that I was passing by
river with Ranjit Barthakur, I parts of India that represented

watch as Whistling Teal and
Ruddy Shelduck scour the
banks for food. In the distance,
a Merganser pops out of the
water, fish in its serrated beak.
Vishwatej Pawar
the best that Planet Earth had
to offer.
At one point during the walk
I kneeled to examine elephant Birders throng to this forest in Northeast India hoping to catch a glimpse of the
and tiger spoor all mixed up White-winged Wood Duck, one of the most endangered birds in the world.

Stopping at a forest guard hut, with who knows which birds’

we roasted sweet potatoes in
the embers of a fire they used to
cook their food and drank pure
unfiltered glacier water directly
from the river. Though I walked
five kilometres by crystal forest
pools, open grasslands and
canopied forests, I was unable
to spot the White-winged Wood
Duck I had my heart set on, but
every Darter, Grey Heron, snipe,
sandpiper, stint and wagtail I
appearance on Earth. I felt so
footprints. Tarrying a while to
very lucky to be alive.
allow the others in our group to
A LITTLE-KNOWN RESERVE
vanish from sight, I shut my eyes
Nameri is part of the
and then opened them to vistas
northern bank landscape of
where no trace of humans was
the Brahmaputra river. Located
visible. I do that where I can.
near the border of Assam and
It’s one of those idiosyncratic
Arunachal Pradesh, it boasts of
pleasures of my life… to place
an avian diversity checklist of
myself in pristine spaces where I
nearly 330 species. This includes
pretend I have slipped through a
the endangered White-winged
time warp to a time when Homo
Wood Duck Cairina scutulata.
sapiens had not yet made an
Author and birdman,
Bikram Grewal, with whom I
have spent much time in Nameri
says, “Little work was done
on its birdlife till Maan Barua
and Pankaj Sharma produced
the first serious checklist in
2005, which has now been
much augmented. The birdlife
boasts of at least eight globally
threatened species and five
near-threatened ones, including
the White-winged Wood
Duck and the Rufous-necked
Hornbill. Other fabled birds
that inhabit the area include the
Pied Falconet, White-cheeked
Partridge, Black Baza, Ibisbill
and Jerdon’s Baza. To add to all
this excitement Sujan Chatterjee
had reported the Black-throated
Diver, backed by just-about-
identifiable photographs. It is
also the only place in India
where a Chestnut-cheeked
Starling Sturnus philippensis has
been authentically seen.”
I have been to Nameri
several times, often
accompanied by Ranjit, to
whom Nameri is second home.
On one trip, we were joined
by the economist Lord Nicholas
Stern. On a six-kilometre trek

“The real movers and shakers, the keepers of the

Avinash Bhagat

natural capital of the Eastern Himalaya are its rural

communities, thus our focus on rural futures.”
Nameri is elephant country. Intrepid travellers can sight large herds as well as lone tuskers
such as the one above. – Ranjit Barthakur, Founder, Balipara Foundation
6 Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park 7

Joydip suchandra kundu
A solitary hog deer can be seen in the tall grasslands and reed beds adjoining the Jia
Bhorelli river.
through the reserve’s riverine
forests, we had stopped at a
large, sweet-waterbody, bustling
with waterfowl of all descriptions
and marvelled at the manner
in which disparate creatures all
managed to fashion a living out
of a common resource, without
spoiling it for other species.
We moved on, following the
pugmarks of a tiger that had
stopped to drink at the same
crystal water source for over
500 m., and found ourselves
variously in tall grassland, thick
forest and sandy river beds.
Everywhere there were signs of
Archyusman Dubey
The Jia Bhorelli and the Bor-Dikorai rivers flowing through the west and east of the park
respectively are vital lifelines for the flora and fauna found here.
8 Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park
life… the tiger, of course, and
wild pig, sambar, elephant
and more.
“This forest is a carbon
storehouse,” said Nick, gazing
about him in wonder at the
sheer beauty and productivity
of the forest. “It makes
economic sense for India to
protect such biodiversity vaults,
as it searches for ways to
meet the legitimate aspiration
of development of the poor,
without destabilising the
ecological foundations upon
which all economic security
is dependent.”
ABOUT NAMERI
One hundred years of conservation
The Nameri National Park is located at 26°50’48” to 27°03’43”
North and 92°39’00” to 92°59’00” East. This 200 sq. km. park lies
in the foothills of the Eastern Himalaya in Assam and forms the core
of the Nameri Tiger Reserve (344 sq. km.). To the east of the park,
flows the Bor-Dikorai river while the Jia Bhorelli flows to its west.
Tributaries of the Jia Bhorelli traverse the length and width of the
park. The two rivers join at the park’s southern border. Along with the
Pakhui Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh that it is contiguous with
in the north, Nameri extends to around 1,000 sq. km. The Balipara
Reserve Forest adjoins Nameri to the west.
A TOUCH OF HISTORY Aniruddha.
Public domain
The Nameri After the battle,
National Park lies Banasura’s
in the northern part daughter Usha
of the Sonitpur was married to
district of Assam. It is a part of Aniruddha and the defeated
the ‘North Bank Region’ of the Asura king spent his life in
Brahmaputra, which includes worship of Lord Shiva in
D’Ering, Dibru-Saikowa, the Himalaya.
Eagle’s Nest, Mehao, Pakke In the 8th and 9th centuries,
(Pakhui) and Sonai-Rupai, the area is believed to
and which, in turn, is a part have been under the rule
of the greater Indo-Burma of the Guptas. Some of the
hotspot. The main town here architecture of the historical
is Tezpur, or the city of blood, ruins as seen in the Bamuni
a reference, according to hills stand testament to this.
legends, to the gory battle Post the British annexation
between Lord Krishna and the in 1826, lower Assam and
Asura king Banasura who had Central Assam were made
captured Krishna’s grandson into a separate division and
Koolzadityax/Public DOmain
Sculptures on the Agnigarh hill in Tezpur portray the mythological battle between Lord Shiva and
Krishna’s followers. Legend has it that the rivers of blood that flowed lent its name to the city.
Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park 9
 this included the Darrang,
Nagaon and Raha areas. Later,
Darrang was constituted as a
separate district and Tezpur
was made its headquarters
in 1835. Several tea estates
were soon established and this
changed the landscape of the
area forever.
Post-independence,
Darrang district was divided
and a new administrative
district of Sonitpur was created.
In 2015, Sonitpur district was
bifurcated as Tezpur (Sadar)
and Biswanath District 28.
During colonial times,
two reserve forests – Balipara
and Nauduar – had been
created here in 1874 and
1876 respectively. More than
a century later, in September
1985, the Nameri Wildlife
Sanctuary was carved out from
the Nauduar Reserve Forest.
Of the five national parks in Assam, Nameri is arguably the most scenic.
Vikramjit Kakati/Public domain
10
In August 1998, it was notified
as the Nameri National Park.
In March 2000, the national
park along with the Nauduar
Reserve Forest and part of
the Balipara Reserve Forest
were together constituted as
the Nameri Tiger Reserve. It
was notified as part of the
Pakhui-Nameri Tiger Reserve.
The national park forms the
core of the tiger reserve with
part of the Nauduar Reserve
Forest forming its buffer to the
east and part of the Balipara
Reserve Forest forming its
buffer to the west. The tiger
reserve is also contiguous with
the Charduar Reserve Forest
on the west, the Bishwanath
Reserve Forest on the east
and Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary,
Papum Parre Reserve Forest
and Doimara Reserve Forest in
Arunachal Pradesh to the north.
Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park
The core area of the reserve
is under the administrative
control of the Western
Assam Wildlife Division,
Tezpur, in Sonitpur district
and is monitored by the
Nameri Wildlife Range with
its headquarter at Potasali.
The East Buffer is under
the administrative control
of Sonitpur East Division,
Biswanath Chariali, and is
looked after by the Diplonga
Range with its headquarter at
Itakhola. The West Buffer is
under the administrative control
of Sonitpur West Division,
Tezpur, and is looked after by
the Charduar Range Office with
its headquarter at Charduar.
The East Buffer has 21
Compartments under Hatipati
Block of Nauduar RF. The West
Buffer has 16 Compartments
of Bhorelli Block and one
Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park
compartment of Satai Block
under Balipara Reserve Forest.
LAY OF THE LAND
The reserve’s terrain is
undulating and ranges
between 80-100 m. above
sea level along the Jia
Bhorelli and its tributaries to
200–225 m., above sea level in
the central and northern parts
of the park. The soil is mainly
sandy or sandy loam alluvial in
composition. One of the richest
and most threatened reservoirs
of plant and animal life in the
world, the area is drained by the
Jia Bhorelli and its tributaries,
namely the Diji, Dinai,
Doigurung, Nameri, Dikorai
and Khari. The percolation of
water at lower elevation and
depressed terrain zones has led
to the formation of numerous
swamps and streams. This land
receives heavy rainfall between
11
 Sandipan Mukherjee

Seen usually in pairs or small groups, the Ruddy Shelduck’s beautiful rusty orange plumage
distinguishes it from other species of waterfowls.

May and September, with
winters being mostly cool
and dry.
FLORA AND FAUNA
Most parts of Nameri
are covered by moist mixed
deciduous forests and over 600
species of plants are found in
the area. Tropical evergreen and
semi-evergreen forests mingle
here with the moist deciduous
forests, while cane and bamboo
brakes and narrow strips of
open grassland can be found
along the many waterbodies.
Orchids are found in abundance
in the region and the forests are
also rich in epiphytes and lianas.
Semi-aquatic plants thrive in the
wet alluvial soil.
The park’s management plan
reports that the vegetation of the
park is a mosaic of four major
forest types – Eastern alluvial
secondary semi-evergreen forest,
which includes species such
as Pterospermum acerifolium,
Dillenia indica, Dysoxylum
procerum, Bischofia javanica,
Artocarpus chaplasha, Duabanga
sonneratoides and Litsea sebifera;
Low alluvial savannah woodland
species such as Bombax ceiba,
Albizzia procera, Dillenia indica,
Cordia dichotoma, Premna
bengalensis and Trewia nudiflora
with dense tall grass including
Saccharum spp. and Erianthus
spp.; Eastern Dillenia swamp
forest including Dillenia indica,
Bischofia javanica, Albizzia lucida,
Lagerstroemia flos-reginae and
Terminalia chebula; and Wet
bamboo forest, which can
be seen along streams or on
badly-drained hollows, with
areas of cane brakes formed by
Calamus tenuis.
It is also extremely rich in
faunal resources.
Over 30 species of
mammals have been recorded
here, including tigers and
elephants. It is a good place to
see the capped langur as well as
the Malayan giant squirrel.

12 Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park 13
 How and what to look for
There are no guarantees in a forest. The birds, animals and insects
are all there – often less than a few metres from you, but it takes
experience and knowledge to know how to find them. In Nameri,

Pankaj Sharma/Western Assam Wildlife Division

living in sunlight and shadow are some of the most elusive creatures
that many world-renowned naturalists will never see unless they
travel to Assam, simply because they exist only here and nowhere
else on Earth.
Scientists often spend their entire lives studying just one species
and its wild home, but for the benefit of lay persons, we have
appended some thumbnail sketches of fascinating creatures you
could spot in Nameri.

Life here is slower paced than
city dwellers expect. It is also
more quiet. The overwhelming
response of visitors who enter the
wonderland that is Nameri is that
their experience somehow left
them more viscerally connected
to nature. Rafting down a river,
or trekking in a forest, or riding
atop a quiet elephant they are
able to hear the sights and
sounds of nature’s magic in ways
that are simply not possible in the
company of scores of “Show-me-
a-tiger” vehicles populated by
picnicking weekenders. That said,
Kuldeep Chaudhari
and sets an hour earlier than it
does in most of India.
We advocate arriving with
a good bird book and loads
of curiosity. Look out for birds,
squirrels, insects, sunrises and
sunsets and in the process, in
all likelihood you might, just
might, sight a tiger or leopard,
or a yellow-throated marten
that calls this forest home.
Creatures great and small
Visitors can see several
mammals ranging from sambar,
hog deer, bison, muntjac, wild
pigs to the capped langur. The
Nameri’s bountiful floral density and diversity ensure healthy prey density, which allows apex
predators such as rroyal Bengal tigers to thrive.
dogs or dhole may often be seen
in packs. Nameri National Park
also houses a wide variety of rare
reptiles such as the Assam roof
turtle Pangshura sylhetensis or the
Khasi hill terrapin, once believed
to be extinct and rediscovered at
Nameri in 1992. Among insects
found here is the atlas moth with a
wingspan of an incredible 25 cm.,
and many butterflies. Given the
high humidity of the area, insect
diversity is high.
Land of the tiger
Camera trap studies in
Nameri have indicated the
presence of five to eight tigers in
this tiny reserve, which boasts a
density of 1.3 to 1.5 tigers per
100 sq. km. Almost every visitor
comes away having spotted
pugmarks or the signature-
droppings of a Nameri tiger or
leopard. A rafting trip down the
Jia Bhorelli could well reveal
elephants, wild buffalo or, with
luck, even a rhino or two.
The largest land mammal
This reserve is possibly
best known for its elephant
population. Contiguous with
the Pakhui Tiger Reserve in
Arunachal Pradesh, which is
home to 250 elephants, Nameri
too serves as a vital habitat for
the pachyderms. The plentiful

Diganta talukdar/Pubic Domain

The Assam roofed turtle is an endangered reptile with highly localised distribution in India’s
Northeast and eastern Bangladesh.

the wildernesses around Nameri plentiful food plant supply ensures

are so easily accessible that
hundreds of school children from
nearby Tezpur and Guwahati
manage to find their way to this
wild forest where the sun rises
that herbivores such as hog deer
and wild pigs thrive here. The
sloth bear, Himalayan black bear
and the highly endangered hispid Nameri has a sizeable elephant population owing to the plentiful food and water resources in
hare are also found here. Wild the park. An adult elephant can consume upto 136 kg. of food in a single day.

14 Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park 15
 water and food sources in the
reserve make it an attractive
habitat for elephants. Much of
the population is concentrated
in Khari-Bagijuli, Potasali-
Balipung and Sijusa camp
site. However, migration of the
elephants to nearby villages and
tea gardens that were all once
their forest home has resulted in
much conflict.
Canopies of Heaven
Nameri and its adjoining
forests in Arunachal Pradesh are
one of the last strongholds of
the endangered capped langur
Trachypithecus pileatus. Once
Kuldeep Chaudhari
Habitat destruction and hunting have taken a toll on populations of capped langurs, which
were once widespread throughout Northeast India.
16
common in the large, contiguous
forests in the Assam foothills along
the Arunachal border, habitat
loss due to cultivation and human
settlements, traditional hunting for
meat and skin and the socio-
political tensions in the area have
put the species in peril. Nameri is
still home to a small population of
the species and can be seen easily
in the forested areas.
Malayan giant squirrel
The black giant squirrel or
Malayan giant squirrel Ratufa
bicolor is a large, solitary, tree
squirrel that has been recorded
in northern Bangladesh,
Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park
The arboreal Malayan giant squirrel or the black giant squirrel mainly feeds on seeds, pine
cones, fruits and leaves.
Northeast India, eastern Nepal,
Bhutan, southern China,
Myanmar, Laos, Thailand,
Cambodia, Vietnam and western
Indonesia. The
head and body length varies
from 35 to 58 cm. in length,
and the tail is up to 60 cm. long,
with an overall length of up to
118 cm. The back, ears and
bushy tail are deep brown to
black with a lighter buff-coloured
belly. R. bicolor is diurnal and
arboreal, but may climb down
to feed on the ground. It prefers
to feed on seeds, pine cones,
fruits and leaves. It raises its litter
of one to two young in a drey
(or nest) that is usually within a
hollow space of a tree.
Also seen in Nameri is
the red giant flying squirrel
Petaurista petaurista. This
species has been recorded
from the eastern regions of
Afghanistan into northern
India and Pakistan through to
Java and Taiwan, and also Sri
Lanka. Like other species of
flying squirrels, the membrane
of skin between its legs allows it
to glide between trees. Dark red
in colour with large eyes, it is
nocturnal and feeds on conifer
cones, leaves, branches, fruits,
nuts and sometimes on insects.
Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park
Kuldeep ChaudharI
Water World
Frequently sighted along
the Jia Bhorelli, Bar Dikorai,
Marisuti, Balipung and Khari
river banks, the common otter
enthralls visitors to the reserve.
The diverse hill streams and
the rich fish diversity ensure
that otters are doing well in
Nameri. The very presence of
otters indicates that the aquatic
ecosystems are flourishing and
Nameri is consequently one
of the finest forests in which
to search for amphibians and
reptiles of all descriptions.
The Jia Bhorelli river is also
home to many fish such as the
mahseer, golden mahseer, saal
mural, goruagoonch, korang
and sundari (Indian trout), and
chocolate mahseer.
Kuldeep Chaudhari
The rich aquatic ecosystem of Nameri
harbours a rich diversity of waterbirds such
as this River Lapwing.
17
 A Birding Paradise
Unsung jewel of the East
By Bikram Grewal and Sumit K. Sen
The birdlife of Nameri is
varied and abundant with nearly
330 species finding their way
into an ever-expanding checklist.
Nameri’s most important avian
residents are the White-winged
Ducks. A sizeable population
is known to frequent the forest
pools here and they form an
important core of the Indian
population of the remaining
150 odd pairs of this highly-
endangered species. Other key
birds include White-cheeked
Partridge, Great Wreathed and
Rufous-necked Hornbills, Ruddy,
Blue-eared and Oriental Dwarf
Kingfishers, Pallas’s, Grey-
headed and Lesser Fish Eagles,
Silver-backed Needletail,
Mountain Imperial Pigeon,
Blue-naped Pitta, Slender-billed
Oriole, Hill Blue Flycatcher,
White-crowned Forktail, Sultan
The large and bulky Greylag Geese is a common winter visitor to the north and parts of
Northeast India and are seen in Nameri.
Varun Satose
18
Tit, Black-bellied Tern, Jerdon’s
Babbler, Rufous-backed Sibia,
Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker,
Red-throated Pipit, Long-billed
Plover and Ibisbill.
Despite its obvious attractions,
Nameri is often seen as
Kaziranga’s poor cousin and most
stop here briefly, on their way to
the fabled Eagle Nest Sanctuary,
further down the same road in
Arunachal Pradesh. However,
birders are now discovering its
worth and Nameri is increasingly
becoming more popular.
Another advantage of this
wonderful park is that you have
to do all your birding on foot, as
there are no motorable roads.
While you can stay at the most
luxurious and beautiful Wild
Mahseer Lodge at Balipara Tea
Estate, birders may also choose to
stay at the charming Eco Camp,
Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park
which was started for anglers,
but is now mostly used by birders
and tourists from the surrounding
tea gardens. This tented camp,
surrounded by a grove of tall
trees, is in itself worth a full day of
birding. A centre for the captive
breeding of the pygmy hog is
next door, as are the offices of the
Forest Department where permits
are issued. The two-kilometre
stretch from the Eco Camp to the
Jia Bhorelli is particularly good for
raptors, including the rarely seen
Oriental Hobby and the Black
Baza. One can cross the river
by boats belonging to the Forest
Department and follow a circuitous
route taking in the several shallow
pools that house the fabled duck.
This trek can take several hours
and one must be accompanied by
an armed guard. It is advisable to
wear leech socks here.
Another alternative is to
raft down the Jia Bhorelli river
in small rubber rafts. The most
popular point to start is 14 km.
upstream where the rapids are
gentle, though photographic
and other equipment must be
protected. Among the stony
Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park
Kuldeep Chaudhari
The brilliant blue Small Niltava is an
inhabitant of tropical and sub-tropical
montane forests.
banks hide the Ibisbill and the
Long-billed Plovers, and one
must keep a sharp eye for these
extremely shy birds. Other birds
that can be seen from the rafts
include Common Mergansers,
Thick-knees and Ruddy
Shelducks. It is best to observe
each kingfisher carefully for it
could very well turn out to be
the rare Blue-eared or Oriental
Dwarf. Nameri is one of those
few truly wild places in the
world and offers an enchanting
and unique experience unlike
any other.
19
 Tips for New Birders
Birdwatching can be more rewarding in Nameri if you prepare
yourself in advance, as well as incorporate some commonly
followed codes of conduct. These guidelines will help you not only
at Nameri but also back home, whether you plan to watch birds in a
forest or along the sea shore:

1. Time and season: Early 30 is the diameter (in mm.)

mornings from 6:30 to
9:30 a.m. and evenings from 4
to 7 p.m. are the periods when
birds are quite active. During
summer season, many birds
of the objective lens. Select a
pair which has a magnification
between 8 and 12 and the
diameter between 20 and 30. A
larger diameter has better ability

are nesting and during winter
you have a chance to see many
migratory species as well.
2. Attire: For a forest visit, wear
dull, earth-coloured clothes
(green, brown, grey) which are
loose fitting; for grasslands,
green or dull brown; for sea
shore dull brown (sandy) or dark
grey (resembling rocks). Sports
or hiking shoes make the walk
safe from ground creatures and
comfortable. A cap or hat helps
to break the body’s outline and
also protect you from the sun.
3. Equipment: A pair of
binoculars are essential. On
any binoculars, you will find
some numbers printed, e.g.
10 x 30, where the first numeral
10, is the magnification and
Shashank Dalvi
for gathering light (as when
you are in a dense forest) but
makes the binoculars heavier.
A spotting scope (differs from
a telescope – the latter inverts
the image, but the former has a
prism, which results in a upright
image) with a tripod is good
for watching comparatively
stationary birds at wetlands.
4. Field guides: Carry one
which fits in your bag, has
good illustrations, possibly with
markers, with identification
characteristics, a description
of the bird’s behaviour, calls,
distribution map and migration
pattern. Some suggested
titles are Birds of the Indian
Subcontinent by Richard
Grimmett, Carol Inskipp and
Relatively common across the country, the Chestnut-tailed Starling is the smallest member
of the starling family.
Tim Inskipp, Field Guide to the
Birds of the Indian Subcontinent
by Krys Kazmierczak, Birds
of South Asia – The Ripley
Guide (Vol. 1) by Pamela
Rasmussen and John Anderson,
A Photographic Guide to the
Birds of India by Bikram Grewal,
Bill Harvey and Otto Pfister and
Birds of the Indian Subcontinent
- A Field Guide by Ranjit
Manakadan, J. C. Daniel, and
Nikhil Bhopale.
5. Preparations: Before a visit to
any area, it’s good to check on
the Internet about the topography,
vegetation, geographical maps,
blogs, local checklists of flora
and fauna, etc. to prepare well
in advance. Emphasis must be
laid on awareness of any possible
danger from wildlife or people, so
as to take necessary precautions.
It is also advisable to have at
least one companion along, but
not more than four in a group.
6. Unobtrusiveness: On a
nature trail, maintain silence,
decide whether you wish to
Pranad Patil
natural objects between you and
wildlife, look for tracks
and signs and move slowly
since your sudden actions can
disturb wildlife.
7. Recording: Maintain records
and notes of your observations.
Procure a hard copy of the area’s
checklist, so that you’ll be able to
maintain a systemic, family-wise
list of your recordings. In case
of an unidentified species, note
details such as comparative size,
length and type of beak, colours
of various parts, calls and
other behaviour.
8. Referencing: Back home
read books and magazines
about characters of bird families
and individual species. A study
of details such as preferred
habitats, heights preferred
among vegetation and trees,
behaviour, breeding season, etc.
can be very useful. Cassettes
and CDs are available for
listening to bird calls – Indian
Bird Calls by Erach Bharucha,
Bird Songs of the Himalayas by

stay on surfaced roads or forest Scott Connop and Bird Sounds

paths, walk without snapping of Goa and South India by
branches or dry leaves, take a Hannu Jannes are some of
Like other members of the hornbill family, a male Great Hornbill feeds his mate and chicks roundabout approach to move the better-known products in
through a slit in the mud-sealed hollow of a tree. closer to birds, keep bushes or the market.

20 Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park 21
 PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP
Travelling in the wilderness requires a special sensitivity. The laws
of the jungle are just as important to obey, as our own. Leaving just
footprints and taking back memories should be your aim. Here are
some useful tips from veteran wildlifers. These hold good for virtually
every forest you might visit anywhere in India or overseas:

ON FOREST TRAILS:  Always inform someone

CHARTING YOUR COURSE
 Visit http://maps.google.
com/maps, then key the
latitude and longitude
coordinates provided on
each map into the search
box for an unprecedented
bird’s eye view of the
respective wildernesses.
 Use a map and trace
out the route you intend
to take. Always carry a
compass and travel with
a companion and hire an
experienced guide.
 Find out whether the route
is safe before venturing
out. The office of the Field
Director is the best
source of information.
at your base camp of the
route you intend to take for
excursions into the forest.
 While inside the forest, listen
for the alarm calls of chital,
sambar and langurs and
you may get to see a tiger
or leopard.
 Stay vigilant. If you have
company, try to sit facing
in different directions to
double the chances of
spotting animals.
CLOTHING: THERE IS NO SUCH THING
AS BAD WEATHER, ONLY
INAPPROPRIATE CLOTHING!
 Dress to suit the climate.
Choose muted forest
colours like greens and
dull browns.

Shashank Dalvi
Binoculars, a bird book and a camera will help you save memories such as sighting a
Red-breasted parakeet for posterity.

 Wear comfortable walking – such fragrances could

shoes, travel light and don’t
forget a hat and shades
(they also protect your
eyes from low-hanging
vegetation)!
 High boots with socks are
a sensible option on jungle
walks as basic protection
from snakes.
 Always check your shoes
before you wear them to
Kuldeep Chaudhari
attract biting insects!
DON’T FORGET!
 Fires are a SERIOUS
problem. Absolutely no
smoking in the wildernesses.
Carefully put out every last
ember in your campfires
before you leave.
 Keep a first-aid kit handy
and always travel with
enough food and water

avoid scorpions and other for at least 24 hours

creatures that love (chocolates are a great
dark places. energy option).
Always choose to wear muted forest colours like greens and dull browns on a forest trail. This  Avoid perfumes,  Binoculars, a bird book and
allows you to blend with your surroundings and increases you chances of spotting wildlife. deodorants, aftershaves a camera are prerequisites

22 Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park 23
 for a good trip. A
magnifying glass
would be very useful too.
JUNGLE ETIQUETTE
 Try to avoid weekends,
so you do not add to the
overcrowding. Set a good
example. Remember the
park authorities’ real job is
to protect wildlife. Do not
over-strain them with your
own demands.
 Try not to talk too much.
Absorb your surroundings.
Leave your music systems
at home.
 No littering in the park.
In fact, pick up non-
biodegradable materials
and carry it back for safe
disposal in a large city.
Locals often burn your
waste, which is bad for
the destination.
 Do not try to get too close
to the animals or startle or
24
disturb them in any way.
Never feed wild animals.
 Bringing arms and
ammunition into a sanctuary
or national park is a serious
offence, for which a jail
term is likely.
 Swimming and fishing
are not permitted inside
Protected Areas. Strictly
follow all park rules.
 While staying inside the
forest conform to the ‘no
bright lights’ unspoken
rule or you could have
beetles and other insect
life as hard-to-get-rid-of
companions for the night.
WHEN YOU ARE OUT BIRDING
 Don’t ‘look for birds’ in a
forest. Just let your eyes
wander to detect movement
where nothing else
is moving.
 Edges or ecotones, where
one type of landscape
Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park
merges into another, are
usually sites of greater
activity, especially at dawn
and dusk.
 Birding just outside the forest
is often better than birding
inside it.
 Ponds, streams, lakes and
river banks are all excellent
birding spots.
 Most birds can distinguish
colours very well, which can
scare them off (or at least
alert them). It’s a good
idea not to wear blues or
reds! Dress in muted greens
and browns.
 Noise is an absolute no-no.
Don’t chat on the trails and
try and wear fabrics that
don’t rustle. Even a noisy
camera shutter can ruin your
birding experience.
 Enjoy all your birds – there
aren’t any ‘better’ or ‘more
Come well-prepared according to the season, be it monsoon, summer or winter. Always carry
appropriate clothing and gear.
Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park
exotic’ species and if the birds
are where you are, stay and
watch for you may not see
any more that day!
 Carry a notebook in which
to record your observations.
Important details you might
wish to keep a record of would
include the date, time and
place, species observed, sex
of the bird, unusual behaviour
if any, type of habitat (thick
or sparse forest, hilly terrain,
dense undergrowth). If you
have a GPS, make a site
reference of a particularly
interesting sighting.
 Carry a good bird book with
you to help identify birds. The
more enthusiastic might even
want to go equipped with a
micro-cassette recorder or
video recorder. Either way,
don’t miss out on capturing
memories for later recall.
Nikhil Devasar
25
 SAVING THE PYGMY HOG
By Lakshmy Raman
Pranad Patil
The critically endangered pygmy hog suffered a massive decline in its numbers, so much
so that, they were feared extinct, until serious conservation interventions turned the tide.
It is the world’s smallest and
rarest extant suid and only a
handful of people claim to have
seen it in the wild. It is 55 to
71 cm. long, weighs around
eight to 11 kg. and stands just
20 to 30 cm. tall. The days when
the pygmy hog was common
along the foothill plains of the
Himalaya in India, Bhutan and
Nepal are long past. By the
1980s, it was already known
to be endangered with only
two small, isolated populations
on record – in the Manas and
Barnadi Wildlife Sanctuaries in
Assam. Even here, the species
was rapidly declining. By the
mid-90s, the situation was so
grim that it was classified as
Critically Endangered by the
International Union for the
Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
But this was one species, a small
group of committed wildlife
researchers and conservationists
were just not ready to lose.
In 1995, a group of
organisations, including the
Durrell Wildlife Conservation
Trust based in Jersey, Channel
Islands, the IUCN’s Pigs,
26
Peccaries and Hippos Specialist
Group, the Assam Forest
Department and the Indian
government, and local partners
such as EcoSystems India and
Aaaranyak initiated the Pygmy
Hog Conservation Programme
(PHCP). PHCP researchers
began a seven-year study of the
Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park
pygmy hog to understand its
conservation issues and suggest
solutions to revive its population
in the wild. Field study surveys
were initiated to determine the
species’ distribution, search for
any other surviving remnant
populations and identify suitable
sites for future reintroduction.
Plans were made to establish a
captive-breeding programme as
a safeguard against extinction,
as a source for reintroduction
and as a beginning to long-term
field studies on the pygmy hog’s
behavioural-ecology and habitat
management requirements.
Dr. Goutam Narayan, a wildlife
scientist who had earlier worked
for the Bombay Natural History
Society, knew just how vital this
project and its recommendations
were as it presented the last hope
for the pygmy hog. He therefore
chose to dedicate his life to the
resurrection of the species.
The pygmy hog is an
important indicator species whose
rapid disappearance is intricately
Conservationist William Oliver engaged in recapturing of pygmy hogs in Potasali near the
Nameri National Park.
Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park
linked to the degradation of
Assam’s grasslands. Historically,
its preferred habitat has been
the tall, dense, riverine grassland
areas where it feeds on roots,
tubers and other vegetable
matter and, occasionally,
insects, earthworms and other
invertebrates. The modification
and destruction of its habitat for
agriculture, settlements including
those by illegal immigrant settlers
from Bangladesh and Nepal,
overgrazing by cattle, thatch-
grass harvesting, uncontrolled
seasonal burning and flood-
control and forestry projects, had
led to its systematic eradication.
Adding to the litany of problems
was the spread of violence in
the Northeast and the increased
poaching and killing of wildlife
for pot and market. In the
Khalingdaur Reserved Forest, for
instance, pygmy hogs became
extinct because the habitat
was replaced by hardwood
plantations and the remaining
grasslands burnt by herdsmen.
dr. goutam narayan
27
 The late Sanjay Deb Roy, who
spent a large chunk of his life
in the forests of the Northeast,
wrote that in the Barnadi Reserve
Forest in 1977, village hunters
accounted for at least 15 per cent
of the total estimated population
of about 35 pygmy hogs.
The PHCP began its captive-
breeding programme in 1996.
Six animals were captured from
the wild and bred in custom-
built enclosures in Basistha in
Assam, in environs as close to
their natural habitat as possible.
Their food was buried in the
soil so they would learn to
search for tubers and succulents
as they would need to in wild
grasslands. Five more hogs were
also caught during the capture
operation but released in the
wild after four of them were
fitted with transmitters for radio-
telemetry studies.
The pygmy hog had always
been regarded as a member of the
genus Sus and a sister taxon of the
domestic pig/Eurasian wild pig Sus
scrofa. However, scientists from
the Durrell Wildlife Conservation
Trust, and other researchers
based in Hyderabad in India and
Durham in the U.K. revealed
through phylogenetic analyses
that it belongs to a unique genus
Porcula. The researchers analysed
mitochondrial DNA in blood
samples from the captive breeding
programme and two specimens
collected by 19th century
taxonomist, B. H. Hodgson,
and maintained by the National
History Museum in London. The
study, published in the journal
Molecular Phylogenetics and
Evolution, was a reaffirmation of
Hodgson’s belief that the pygmy
hog was evolutionarily unique and
completely different from boars,
warthogs and pigs. The original
genus status has been resurrected
and the pygmy hog reclassified
as Porcula salvania by GenBank
(database produced at the
National Center for Biotechnology
Information, U.S.A.).
In 2003, PHCP released its
report confirming that the captive
breeding programme had been
hugely successful with over 75
hogs literally jostling for space
in their pens. The Centre for
Cellular and Molecular Biology
in Hyderabad helped with DNA
studies. Apart from the first phase
of radio-tracking in Manas, a
field station was established to
study grassland ecology and
management. Another breeding
centre was opened in Potasali
near the Nameri National Park.
A small, restricted, pre-release
area was prepared near Nameri
to acclimatise the animals to
life without human interference.
The grassland in the pre-release
area was restored and electric
fences constructed to keep larger
animals out. Eighteen pygmy
hogs were transferred to this area
and monitored closely. Three
reintroduction sites were selected
– the Barnadi Wildlife Sanctuary,
Orang National Park and Sonai-
Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary.
The future of the species is
not only dependent on whether
the captive-raised hogs are able
to survive, adapt and breed in
the wild, but also on how their
habitat is restored and managed.
Protection of the habitat will
be beneficial to a host of other
species, including the hispid hare
and the Bengal Florican.
So far the pygmy hogs raised
in Basistha and Nameri have
been released in Sonai-Rupai
(where challenges such as habitat
management in the form of
indiscriminate grass burning and
overgrazing had to be overcome),
Orang and Barnadi Wildlife
Sanctuary. The hogs are doing
particularly well in Orang, where
the population has increased to
around 200.
Goutam Narayan who has
probably done more to resurrect
the species in the wild than any
other person alive today says
the key to ensuring the future
of the pygmy hog is to stop the
indiscriminate dry season burning
of grasslands every February
and March, and limit it to some
controlled fire till mid-January
to clear dried grass debris and
to delay the transformation of
these successional grasslands
into a different habitat. He also
suggests that efforts be made
to “convert the hoards of cattle
grazing the grasslands bare and
trampling the soil hard into a few
high-yielding breeds of stall-fed
animals.” He also hopes that the
“plans for the scores of mega
dams on Himalayan rivers do
not go ahead and instead plans
are made for ecologically and
economically-viable smaller
alternatives that do not cause
flash floods in the grassland
plains and downstream areas
when water is released from
reservoirs, particularly during
the monsoons.”
Modern technology is,
undoubtedly, offering us a
chance to protect beleaguered
creatures such as the pygmy hog,
but how we convert this chance
into an opportunity to staunch the
tide of extinction for the pygmy
hog and other endangered
species depends on our ability to
protect their natural, wild habitats
in the difficult days ahead.

The Pygmy Hog Porcula salvania

With darkish-brown skin, a vestigial tail measuring just 2.5 cm.,
a sharp tapering head, and a slightly hairy crest on the forehead, it
definitely does not possess the looks to match its fame. It has only three
pairs of mammae. The upper canines are visible on the sides of the
mouth only in the adult male. It is believed to be non-territorial and
lives in small family groups of four to five, comprising one or two adult
females and juveniles and occasionally an adult male, usually during the
rut. The species builds nests that are used by both sexes throughout the
year. The nest is basically a trough dug out with its snout and then lined
with grass. Reproduction is seasonal, with a birth peak just before the
bRIJ KISHOR GUPTA

monsoon (late April to May in western Assam). The gestation period is

Pygmy hogs were once regarded as members of the genus Sus. But several phylogenetic
analyses later, it was proved that it really belonged to a unique genus Porcula.
about four months, after which two to six young are born. The pygmy hog
is the sole host of the pygmy hog-sucking louse Haematopinus oliveri,
incidentally also classified as endangered because of the precarious
status of its host.

28 Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park 29
 Beyond the tiger saw ‘nothing’. The truth is that
every inch of the forest is alive
and exciting for those who know
where to look.
Curiosity is your greatest
asset, right after patience and
a deep respect for the forest.
Which animals live in the forest?
Which ones seem to enjoy walks
along streams? Which animal
left that hoof mark? What could
have gnawed at the bark of a
tree? Which creatures visit that
fruiting tree you see? What is
Varun Satose
 Empty moults attached
to twigs or rocks near
waterholes or streams
usually belong to nymphs of
dragonflies and damselflies.
 Typical gnaw markings on
bark of trees suggest that a
hungry porcupine has been
busy at night.
 Five toe markings in soft mud
suggest a mongoose has
passed by.
 Deep scratch marks, as high
as 15 m. from the ground is

that plant growing out of the the handiwork of sloth bears

Though referred to as lesser lifeforms, it is microfauna such as this spangle butterfly that add
to the wholesome experience that visits to forests such as Nameri provide.
Yes, Nameri is a tiger
reserve. And it is fine to be
drawn to these magnificent
animals, but those who visit
Nameri ‘only’ to see the tigers
will miss out on the experiences
of a lifetime. The exquisite
beauty of the tiger’s home is
filled with birdsong, flowering
plants, verdant hills, sparkling
rivers and all the tiny creatures
that form the foundation on
which the tiger itself is so
totally dependent.
Tarry a while along the
Jia Bhorelli in search of otters,
mahseer and any one of the
many bird species you could
see. Elsewhere in this guide,
you will see images of some
of the animals, birds and
insects you are likely to see,
however, nothing can replace a
knowledgeable guide, or wildlife
expert. Seek them out and do
not be afraid to ask for help to
find and identify animals.
Remember, even if you do
not see an animal, you could
see the evidence of its presence.
A tiger may leave claw marks
on a tree, an owl may leave its
droppings with the bones of its
victims, under its perch, a snake
could have left its shed skin.
Learn to look for clues. Most
people whiz through sanctuaries
and national parks claiming they
elephant dung left on the trail? that clamber up trees in
Every question you ask will search of fruit, honey
enhance your experience. or insects.
HIDDEN SIGNS  Rust-coloured patches on
 Half-eaten leaves, fruits and tree trunks may mean a male
droppings beneath favoured deer has rubbed its antlers
food trees may indicate that to peel off the outer, velvety
langurs have been there. sheath of dead skin.
The leaves and fruit they
 Discover Nameri in its
drop also attract deer.
entirety. At the risk of
 Zigzag patterns in loose soil
repetition, celebrate the sight
may suggest the passage of
of a tiger, but please do
a snake.
not be ‘disappointed’ if one
 Nail marks on tracks
does not reveal itself. Come
indicate a member of the
away happy and humbled
dog family – a jackal or fox.
by the sheer beauty of this
Felids like tigers, leopards
wilderness. It is a magical
and jungle cats retract their
claws when they walk. The creation of nature that no
human hand could craft.
heavy curvature of the toes
and large-sized pugmarks
can help differentiate hyaena
spoor from those of wolves
and jackals.
 Tiger and leopard scats
(faeces) are usually seen
in grass in the centre or at
the edges of roads and are
accompanied by scrape
marks left by their hind legs.
 White droppings below a
tree suggest a possible bird
roosting site.

Kuldeep Chaudhari
 Nest holes in dead wood
are often the handiwork of
Shirog Karekar

woodpeckers and barbets.

 Carpets of green or black
spherical pellets below plants
With a distribution in India that spans the plains of West Bengal and parts of the Northeast,
the tokay gecko, the second largest of its kind in the world, has learned to colonise very could belong to caterpillars
varied habitats. of butterflies and/or moths.
The hoary-bellied squirrel or Irrawady squirrel
belongs to a family of squirrels known
as ‘beautiful squirrels’ for their extremely
alluring appearance.

30 Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park 31
 A Hidden World
Pankaj Sharma/Western Assam Wildlife Division

Pankaj Sharma/Western Assam Wildlife Division

Mysterious in their ways, leopards have coats varying from pale yellow to deep gold, with The smallest of the big cat species distributed in north west Bengal and Northeast India, the
distinctive dark spots called rosettes, which help them camouflage in their surrounds. clouded leopard is not very easily seen.
Pankaj Sharma/Western Assam Wildlife Division

Pankaj Sharma/Western Assam Wildlife Division

A colour variant of the Indian leopard, melanistic leopards are reported frequently from the Solitary and nocturnal, the large Indian civet spends most of its time on the ground.
dense forests of Assam.
Pankaj Sharma/Western Assam Wildlife Division

Pankaj Sharma/Western Assam Wildlife Division

The common palm civet or toddy cat is both terrestrial and arboreal, seeking out fruits by The Nameri Tiger Reserve is home to three elusive lesser cats – leopard cat (seen here),
its keen sense of smell. jungle cat and golden cat.

32 Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park 33
 WHAT YOU CAN DO IN NAMERI
Slow down, take in the smells and sounds, not just the sights. Every
once in a while choose to be where other people are not, so the
silence of the forest is able to pervade your being. You can also
choose nature and birdwatching walks in the buffer areas.
One of the most exciting
aspects of Nameri is that if
you desire, you can do all
your birding on foot. The other
alternative is to raft down the
Jia Bhorelli river. However, it is
mandatory that an armed guard
accompany all visitors. It is also
recommended that you employ
the services of a local guide for
a greater experience.
Vehicle safaris are not
possible in Nameri.
Go for a moderate trek
inside the park with an armed
Forest Department guide. The
trail is five kilometres long
starting from Potasali Ghat and
is open from 7 a.m. to 12 noon
and then again from 2 p.m.
to 5 p.m. The walking trail in
Potasali has two watchtowers
for viewing wildlife.
Angling, which used to be
allowed earlier, is no longer
permitted, but what used to
be the Fishing Camp is now a
nature hub right in the heart
of this biodiverse wonderland.
There is a functioning café on
Aditya Akerkar
There are very few experiences that match up to the thrill of walking down a forest trail and
Nameri provides visitors exactly that.
34
the premises and you can book
tents online.
Nameri is a four-hour
drive from Guwahati (do check
Google Maps before setting
out) and most visitors rent a jeep
or taxi from the airport or rail
station there. Do not hesitate to
stop for some birding enroute.
The town of Mangaldoi might
reveal some avians such as
Lesser Adjutants and Lesser
Whistling Ducks. Choose to stay
at the delightful Eco Camp that
offers tents and semi-permanent
rooms and a common dining
area, set amidst a grove of high
trees that is perfect for some
early morning birding including
raptors such as the Oriental
Hobby that is a resident of the
area. The captive pygmy hog
breeding centre (see page 26) is
adjacent to the camp.
Take a slow two-hour drive
toward the Jia Bhorelli river.
The park is also known for large
elephant herds. Maintain a safe
distance during any encounters
with these giants and always
Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park
Visitors to the Nameri National Park and Tiger Reserve can raft down the Jia Bhorelli river,
accompanied by a guard, to spot and photograph its many denizens.
allow them the right of way. Do
not take any risk by approaching
them too close or driving through
a herd where a mother separated
from her calf might get spooked.
If you keep a sharp eye out,
you could see capped langurs
high up on simul trees that line
the road. Birding enthusiasts
are likely to spot Red-vented
Bulbuls, Asian Koels, Indian and
Plaintive Cuckoos, Common
Hawk Cuckoos, Eurasian
Cuckoos, Asian Barred Owlets,
Red-breasted Parakeets, Blue-
throated and Lineated Barbets,
Hill Mynas, Yellow-footed Green
Pigeons, Green Imperial-
Pigeons, Spotted and Emerald
Doves, Dollarbirds, White-
cheeked Partridges, Blue-naped
Pittas, Rufous-necked Hornbills,
Jerdon’s Bazas, Jerdon’s
Babblers and Pied Falconets.
Malayan giant squirrels live in
the canopy of these trees.
One can spend hours along
the Jia Bhorelli. Gentle and calm,
except during the rains when
water can quickly rise up and cut
off access to the park, visitors can
choose to just rest on its banks,
go rafting or on a boat ride. The
river is also the home of mahseer.
Most birders go to the
park to catch sight of the highly
endangered and elusive White-
winged Wood Duck. Stop by any
Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park
Kuldeep Chaudhari
of the forest pools and if you have
the patience to sit quietly and
unobtrusively you just might spot
the duck. The Greater Necklaced
Laughingthrushes or Eurasian
Wigeons are much easier to spot
and will delight you with their
antics. Dead trees in some of
these waterbodies are infact alive
with life because they provide
great perches.
The grassland areas of the
park are perfect for Siberian
Stonechats and Striated
Grassbirds.
Drive up to the 14th kilometre
point near Balukpong on the
Arunachal border or even higher
up the river to raft down the Jia
Bhorelli. It’s an unforgettable
experience suitable even for
children as young as 10 or 12
and for the elderly, provided they
are ‘walking-fit’. As the glacial
waters carry you downstream
keep an eye out along the rocky
edges for Ibisbills, Long-billed
Plovers and Small Pratincoles.
River Lapwings, Great Thicknees,
Crested Kingfishers, Green
Herons, Common Mergansers,
Great Crested Grebes, Ospreys,
Pallas’s Fish Eagles, Sand Larks
and River Terns. The journey takes
a leisurely two or three hours
to cover and every 30 minutes
or so, the lapping of oars will
be interrupted by mild rapids.
35
 Look out for WHAT ONE YOUNG NATURALIST SUGGESTS
FLORA: Albizzia lucida, Albizzia procera, Amoora wallichii, Artocarpus
chaplasha, Baccaurea sapida, Bischofia javanica, Bombax ceiba,
CAN BE DONE IN AND OUTSIDE NAMERI
Canarium strictum, Castanopsis indica, Cordia dichotoma, Cinnamomum
cecicodaphnea, Dendrocalamus hamiltonii, Dillenia indica, Duabanga
By Sutirtha Lahiri
grandiflora, Duabanga sonneratoides, Dysoxylum procerum, Endospermum
chinense, Lagerstroemia flos-reginae, Litsea sebifera, Mesua ferrea, The excitement kicked in capped langur prancing from
Morus roxburghii, Premna bengalensis, Pseudostachyum polymorphum,
Pterospermum acerifolium, Sapium baccatum, Shorea assamica, Sterculia immediately as we took the right one tree to the next before
hamiltonii, Syzygium cumini, Terminalia citrina, Terminalia myriocarpa, Trewia turn from the highway. It was finally settling down on a branch
nudiflora and Vatica lanceaefolia. a dirt track through a forested and quietly chewing on some
BIRDS: White-winged Duck, White-cheeked Partridge, Great Indian Hornbill, patch, and we took our torches leaves. Walk a little ahead, and
Wreathed Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Ruddy Kingfisher, Oriental Hobby, out to scan the surroundings if the sky gods are happy, you
Amur Falcon, Jerdon’s Baza, Black Baza, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Lesser Fish
Eagle, Silver-backed Needletail, Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Blue-naped Pitta, for some nocturnal animals. will see the snow-capped peaks
Slender-billed Oriole, Hill Blue Flycatcher, White-crowned Forktail, Sultan The meandering road took bathed in a subtle shade of
Tit, Jerdon’s Babbler, Rufous-backed Sibia, Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker, Red- us to the Nameri Eco Camp pinkish-orange. Try observing
throated Pipit, Long-billed Plover and Ibisbill. and exhilaration filled me as Mt. Gorichen – the highest of
REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS: King cobra, spectacled cobra, Russell’s viper,
I inspected the small, metal- them all - through the
banded krait, Indian rock python, rat snake, Assam roof turtle, Malayan box
turtle, keeled box turtle, Asian leaf turtle, narrow-headed soft-shelled turtle, framed canvas covering pitched leafy foliage.
Indian soft shelled turtle. on the ground, imagining how Lulled by the gurgles of
MAMMALS: Royal Bengal tiger, Himalayan black bear, Asian elephant, Indian snug it would be inside? Jia Bhorelli flowing not very
leopard, clouded leopard, Indian gaur, Indian pangolin, Indian wild dog, Post unpacking, I stepped far take a raft down the river!
barking deer, hog deer, civet cat, capped langur, golden jackal, Malayan giant
out. The soft rustle of the This 15-kilometre ride on the
squirrel, yellow-throated martin, slow loris, Assamese macaque.
Fishes: Golden mahseer, Short gilled mahseer, Silghoria. wind, the darkness, the tall emerald river passes though
trees, the beaten down road the national park. With the
and the most amazing clear, mountains of Arunachal Pradesh
Remember to only use approved the tea gardens in the area.
night sky. Millions of stars standing tall in the backdrop
guides and, even if you are a Some tea estates are turning
shined down on us. On one and the dense forests of Nameri
champion swimmer, wear the life organic and are therefore
side, the Orion shone bright. on one side, the raft navigates
jacket and make sure others in great birdwatching destinations
The cold wind gently touched gingerly on the river, evading
your group do the same. in themselves. If you plan on
the trees, creating the sound the stony islands and the fast
There are leeches in the buying tea, choose brands that
of an invisible stream flowing swirls. This, however, is not
densely-wooded areas and your are eco-friendly.
somewhere very near. Far away, your typical raft ride, for you
guides can give you ‘leech-socks’ Visit any of the nearby
an Asian Barred owlet let out a also get to be privy to the lives
that are quite effective. In any vilwlages to understand the
call for its mate, but I no longer of a great number of birds that
event, leeches do trekkers no socio-dynamics of the area.
bothered to look for it. Nature,
harm and are easily removed The local women of Nameri are
in its entirety, had provided
(though they might take a tiny being been trained in alternative
enough for the night.
blood donation from you in livelihood skills. Ketekee,
At about 5 a.m., I heard a
the process!). an outlet at the Nameri Eco
loud call and emerged from my
Another great morning’s Camp showcases their tailored
tent. I found the source perched
escape could be to explore products for sale as souvenirs.
high up in the tree – a pair of
Great Hornbills! After giving
me a visual treat for around 10
minutes, they took off to explore
the day.
Nameri gives you the best
of many worlds. With several
Ajay Talukdar/PUBLIC DOMAIN

options for nature watching

NISHANT ANDREWS
and observing, one is spoilt for
choices. Wake up early and take
a walk just outside the camp,
and you are likely to not just be
A strong flier, the grasshopper can frequently
Rafting down the Jia Bhorelli approximately takes two to three hours in which one can spot enthralled by the sheer diversity be seen sunning itself on walls, bare ground
a variety of water birds. of birds, but also the occasional and paths on warm days.

36 Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park 37
 call the river their home. The
Common Merganser, the Great
Thick-knee and the elusive Ibisbill
are the most sought-after birds,
with the Pied Kingfishers, Fish
Eagles, Black Storks, Sandpipers,
Redstarts and many others vying
for attention.
If you have enough days in
hand, why not drive to the nearby
Tippi Orchid Sanctuary to check
out some 1,000-odd species of
orchids? Or better, endure the
rough road and go all the way to
Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary. One
Kaziranga National Park,
situated at a distance of around
90 km. from Nameri, is another
quick getaway. A world heritage
site, Kaziranga is famous not
only for its numerous Indian
one-horned rhinoceros, which
are ubiquitous in the landscape
but is also a stronghold for the
water buffalo, Asian elephant,
swamp deer and the royal
Bengal tiger. With vast stretches
of grasslands and waterbodies,
Kaziranga provides for an ideal
getaway to watch wildlife at

Monish Matthias
of the world’s most biodiverse leisure from the comforts of
region, Eaglenest is also home your jeep (or perhaps, a watch
to the newly-discovered Bugun tower!). The Agoratoli range
Liocichla, found nowhere else on of Kaziranga is particularly
Earth! Also worth visiting is the famous not just for the big A pair of Great Indian Hornills exchange a nuptial gift. Courtship displays of these remarkable
birds, which form monogamous pair bonds, are a sight to behold.
Pakhui Tiger Reserve that five mammals, but also for its
adjoins Nameri. diversity of birds. And while in
Kaziranga, do drop by at the and Yamuna, several attendants
Hathikuli organic tea estates to to the goddesses as well as flying
HOW TO GET THERE: not just marvel at the way they geese and the sculptures of the
BY AIR: The main entry to the reserve at Potasali is 34 km. from Tezpur function in symbiosis with the Naga. These art forms are typical
airport, which is the nearest airport, and 225 km. from Guwahati. wildlife, but also to take a hot of the Gupta period with striking
BY RAIL: Ranagapara junction (28 km.) and Guwahati are the nearest sip of some of the world’s most familiarity to Hellenistic art form
rail stations.
BY ROAD: It is well connected by the NH 52 and NH 37 from Tezpur
famous tea! of ancient Greece. Other notable
and Guwahati. The reserve can be approached on the eastern side by the For someone seeking to places to visit in and around
Choibari-Seijosa road, which is connected from the NH 52 at Choibari. immerse in the cultural diversity Tezpur include the man-made hill
This will take you to the Diplonga Range Office at Itakhola, about of the state, Tezpur is an ideal of Agnigarh, the lakes Bor Pukhuri
50 km. from Tezpur. The Seijosa camp is 20 km. from the NH 52 gateway. Also called the cultural and Padum Pukhuri, and the Rock
junction. and about 64 km. from Tezpur. The Balipara-Bhalukpung road
also starts from NH 52 at Balipara and provides the approach for the capital of Assam, Tezpur has Inscriptions of 829 A.D.
Charduar Range of Sonitpur West Division. To reach land on the western a longstanding history that is With the best of many
boundary of the park, one has to cross the Jia Bhorelli river by boat. The reflected in the various sites and worlds, the Nameri Tiger Reserve
approach road to the Nameri Wildlife Range from the 10th km. post of the places of historical importance. and areas in its vicinity will be
Balipara-Bhalukpong-Bomdila road is via a PWD graveled road. Another The Bamuni Hills, for example, a holiday worth cherishing for
approach road is from the Gamani village (Hati-Gate) on the same road.
These roads meet the Jia Bhorelli river at about three kilometres from will take you back to the 9th long, as well as be a reason to
the Balipara-Bomdila road from where the Range Office is about two century. With intricate carvings return back to the place again
kilometres away. There is also a motorable road in the core area from and sculptures depicting the and again.
Seijosa camp to Bogijuli camp and then to Khari Chariali camp of the different avatars of Vishnu, and
national park. No other motorable roads are present in the core area.
even animals like crocodiles and
However, Range Offices, Beat Offices and other camps situated in both
Eastern and Western Buffers are well connected with motorable roads. tortoise, it is a must visit for any Useful contacts
Divisional Forest Officer/
BEST TIME TO VISIT: The rainy season extends from May to September history enthusiast. If you want
Field Director,
and makes most of the park difficult to traverse. In winter, the higher to travel further back in time, Western Assam, Wildlife Division,
ridges to the north of the tiger reserve may experience snow but the park drive to Daha Parvatiya village. Dolabari, Tezpur.
is usually cool and dry. October to March is the best time to visit the
Excavations in 1924 and later Email: dfo.wawl@gmail.com
reserve. The summer months from March to May can be quite hot. The
in 1989-90 revealed a stunning Website: www.nameritr.org
average temperature varies from 5o C in winter to 37o C in summer. The
relative humidity is high and varies between 65 and 90 per cent. ruin of an ancient temple. Dating Forest Range Officer,
PARK TIMINGS: Entry permits are issued from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and back to the 6th century, the ruins, Nameri Wildlife Range,
from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Sunday. Permits are required Potasali, Sonitpur.
in the form of a stone door
for rafting and also for trekking on the wildlife trail. The park remains Tourist Information Office.
frame, has extensive carvings
open for visitors from November 1 to April 30. Jenkins Road, Tezpur.
featuring the goddesses Ganga

38 Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park 39
 Conservation Issues
While sporadic poaching does
take place, the forest staff is both
dedicated and effective and for
now, this is not as major a threat
to Nameri as it could have been. A
more vital issue is that of human-
elephant conflict in the buffer
areas of the tiger reserve and the
adjoining Reserve Forest areas,
particularly along the foothills
of Arunachal Pradesh. Once
densely forested, the foothills are
now under heavy biotic pressure
in the form of paddy fields and
tea gardens. Wild elephants that
visit these fields and gardens face
the ire of mobs. Several cases of
elephant deaths due to poisoning
have been recorded here.
The illegal felling of trees,
grazing of domestic cattle and
some extraction of non-timber
forest produce are some of the
other threats to the park.
The Forest Department staff have a very difficult job on hand and a word or two of
encouragement from visitors can go a long way in boosting their morale.
Aditya Akerkar
40
However, the park has
lost nearly 50 per cent of its
grasslands between 1973 and
2011. The grasslands are crucial
to herbivores such as hog deer
and their carnivorous predators.
The buffer areas of Naduar and
Balipara Reserve Forests have
also suffered much encroachment
leading to grassland habitat
degradation and loss.
While no village exists inside
the core area of the tiger reserve,
there are four forest villages
and one Agriculture Farming
Corporation in the West buffer of
the reserve. Four forest villages
and a Taungiya village (where
villagers are given the right to
cultivate agricultural crops during
the early stages of forest plantation
establishment) are located in
the East buffer. Several revenue
villages are situated outside
Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park
Forest guards play a critical role in protecting the tiger reserve that you
come from afar to experience. It is vital that you respect them and obey
them because they have a tough enough job as it is, without having to deal
with demanding (and influential) visitors who may be offended when rules
are quoted to prevent them from doing things that are not allowed. Forest
guards patrol their territories on foot along animal trails, and they risk
snakebite and animal attacks. They are also the target of ruthless poachers
and irate villagers. They spend vast periods away from their families and a
word of appreciation from you would go a long way in motivating them.
the southern and southwestern they obtain wild tubers, roots,
boundary of the reserve. timber and firewood and other
The self-sufficient and items used to craft household
proud tribal people of the area materials and applicances.
are primarily Mising, Garo, The Forest Department
Karbi, Bodo, Nepalese, Adivasi is largely overworked and
(former tea garden labour), plus understaffed. They have a very
other groups that resides along difficult job on hand and need
the South Buffer. These simple the support and understanding of
people primarily rear cattle for visitors. These brave people are
agriculture, farm and raise poultry the ones protecting our nation
and pigs. They also practice from the worst impact of storms,
cultivation in river islands and floods and droughts. The forests,
other fallow land. Fish is a key wetlands and riverine ecosystems
food supplement and they do they protect are the lifeline for
enter the forest to collect firewood. the people living both upstream
The tea garden labourers are now and downstream of the protected
largely cultivators and they too forests they are mandated to
depend on the forest from which watch over.
Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park 41
 Yes! You can take great photographs
Milind Raut
Amongst the largest of flying squirrels in Southeast Asia, the predominantly nocturnal red giant
flying squirrel can glide distances of up to 100 m. or so between trees.
1. Be patient. Be observant
and wait for the action.
Close encounters with
large wild animals are
rare, brief, unexpected
and often anti-climactic.
Do not violate their space,
restrict their movements or
invade their privacy. Do not
restrain snakes or insects
or approach a bird’s nest.
Never harm your subject in
any way and obey the rules
of nature and of the park.
2. Read up on the subject
beforehand. And experiment
with your camera and read
the owner’s manual very
carefully. Interact with officials,
conservationists, forest guards
and villagers. Knowledge will
give you an edge and better
images will be the result.
3. Try to frame your image
according to your own
aesthetics, anchor your
camera to ensure sharp
images, try to include a little
background so your subject
looks natural. Don’t ‘set-up’
shots by moving insects, or
placing flowers out of context.
42
4. Try to understand wildlife
behaviour to anticipate
a picture opportunity.
Patience and perseverance
will be rewarded.
5. Avoid taking pictures from
moving vehicles, or even
from vehicles whose engines
are running. Even fast
shutter speeds will show up a
camera shake.
6. If you have just one or two
frames remaining, your
battery is exhausted or your
compact disk (data card)
is full, take action early to
avoid disappointment. The
most amazing wildlife shots
have been lost by those who
ignored this advice.
7. Shoot more rather than fewer
frames. This will almost
certainly result in a choice of
better images on your return.
8. If you are riding an
elephant, remember to take
into account the steep angle
of view and camera shake.
Use a fast shutter speed,
follow the rhythm of the
elephant, shoot when the
animal is steady.
Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park
9. Colour fidelity and lighting
are vital. Side-lit and back-
lit scenes can be dramatic.
Angular light (morning and
evening), spotlight (light
shafts shining through the
canopy), soft, diffused light
can make all the difference
between a good and
great photograph. Light
conditions between 7.30
and 9.30 a.m. and between
4.30 and 6 p.m. are great
for nature photography.
10. Keep the subject at the
focal point of the frame.
Try to get the ‘catch-light’
in your subject’s eye. Leave
‘breathing space’ near the
head of your subject, less
behind its tail might be fine.
Similarly, by and large, leave
less space in the foreground
than the background.
Experiment with different
angles, elevations
and perspectives.
11. Enhance contrast by framing
a darker subject against
a well-lit background, or
a light subject against a
dark background.
The Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker is known to excavate holes and probe into crevices
in the wood and bark for prey.
Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park
12. Use a tripod, shoulder pod,
monopod or chest pod to
avoid camera shake.
13. Use the slowest possible
shutter speed for still subjects
such as landscapes. You
can do so by placing your
camera on a rock or a
tripod. To avoid shake
caused by the pressing of the
click button, use a self-timer.
Use the fastest possible
shutter speeds for
moving subjects.
14. Protect your cameras, lenses
and film from heat, dust
and moisture and
handle the equipment with
respect. Follow a daily
maintenance routine of
brushing and cleaning
lenses and accessories.
15. Keep back-up batteries and
chargers. Check all your
equipment before going into
the field by shooting frames
in different conditions
at home.
16. Do not forget to enjoy the
forest and its wildlife. Your
eye is the best lens and your
brain the best hard-disk.
anjana bhargava
43
 Where to stay
There are a number of places to stay from good value rest houses
to high-quality lodges and budget accommodation in and around
Nameri. Several lodging and food arrangements are available in the
buffer area at Potasali and at Bhalukpung.
Eastern Himalaya Botanic
Arc in residence at
Wild Mahseer
In the verdant depths of
the Eastern Himalaya along the
banks of the mighty Brahmaputra,
lies the biodiverse haven of the
Eastern Himalayan Botanic Arc
in residence at Wild Mahseer.
Nurtured and crafted by a
unique blend of people and local
communities, the heritage property
is dotted with 75+ species of
birds, 72+ species of butterflies,
100,000+ species of plants and
other wild animals. Wild Mahseer
is Balipara Foundation’s
social enterprise for fostering
history, community growth
and environmental
interdependence in the region
through mindful tourism.
The lodge is located just
20 minutes from Tezpur and
two hours away from the
Kaziranga National Park.
There are five independent
bungalows with 14 double
bedrooms and suites with
individually attached bathrooms.
The Silver Tips has three bedrooms
and was originally Doctor Sahib’s
Rohit Bose
Wild Mahseer is Balipara Foundation’s social enterprise for fostering history, community growth
and environmental interdependence in the region through mindful tourism.
44
Bungalow, The Golden Tips
has two bedrooms and was the
Group Accountants Bungalows,
the Second Flush was originally
the Visiting Agents office and now
houses four spacious bedrooms.
The Ambrosia with two spacious
bedrooms and the Wild
Mahseer Heritage Bungalow
two kilometres off the highway Website: http://www.nameri.co.in/
has three bedrooms.
proceeding towards Bhalukpong. The Tourism Department,
Ethnic village homestay
It offers nine tents, two Government of Assam has a
options are also available
buildings (dormitories) and tourist lodge at Bhalukpung,
with the Assamese, Nepali,
one cottage, all with double along the western boundary
Garo, Mishing and Nyshi
occupancy. It also offers family of the tiger reserve and the
communities in Balipara county
accommodation options with west buffer. The Tourism
and can be booked through
double and single beds. Activities Development Corporation
Wild Mahseer.
offered include bicycling, rafting of Assam has also newly-
Wild Mahseer along the Jia Bhorelli and guided constructed cottages
Balipara Division, Addabari T.E . forest treks. at Bhalukpong.
P.O Lokra , Sonitpur – 784101,
Eco Camp Nameri Prashanti Tourist Lodge
Balipara, Assam.
Village Torajan Potasali, Tel.: 03712221016
Email: reservations@wildmahseer.
P.O.: Gamani, District Sonitpur,
com Bhalukpong Tourist Lodge
Assam: 784103.
Website: www.wildmahseer.com Mobile No.: 7085757646,
Tel.: +91-3714-292644 (O)
https://wildmahseer.com/Booking 9436256310
Mobile No.: +91 8638753988/
Tel.: 9833631377
+91-98540-19932 (O)/ Prashanti Cottages
Eco Camp Nameri +91-8472800344 (M) Bhalukpong.
The Assam (Bhorelli) Angling Email: ecocampnameri@gmail.com Mobile No.: 8259039770
and Conservation Associations
manages the Eco Camp of
about seven acres, located about
Sandesh Kadur
Located close to the park, the Nameri Eco Camp provides thatched tented accommodation
to visitors.
Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park 45
 Photoguide (Birds) Photoguide (Birds)

Praveen P. Mohandas
Shriyog Karekar
Pankaj Sharma
D. K. BHASKAR

Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus Pallas’s Fish-eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus

Nayan Khanolkar
Prashant Gahale

Shashank Dalvi

Sandeep Desai
Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela Great Hornbill Buceros bicornis Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

Joydip suchandra Kundu

Nikhil Devasar

Pankaj Sharma
Anand Arya

Black Baza Aviceda leuphotes White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis Black Stork Ciconia nigra Coppersmith Barbet Psilopogon
haemacephalus
Bernard Castelein

Nayan Khanolkar
Clement Francis

Pankaj Sharma
Pied Harrier Circus melanoleucos Brown Fish-owl Ketupa zeylonensis Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea Common Merganser Mergus merganser

Praveen P. Mohandas
Varun satose
VALMI shah
Sachin Rai

Jungle Owlet Glaucidium radiatum Spotted Owlet Athene brama Ibisbill Ibidorhyncha struthersii Small Pratincole Glareola lactea

46 Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park 47
 Photoguide (Birds) Photoguide (Birds)
Nayan Khanolkar

Nayan Khanolkar

Umesh Kathad
Sumit Sen
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyano- Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri
cephala
Nayan Khanolkar

Nayan Khanolkar
Siva Kumar A. N.
sumit sen

Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus Blue Whistling-thrush Myophonus caeruleus
Nayan Khanolkar

Amano Samarpan

Siva Kumar A. N.
Sandeep Desai

Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher Culicicapa
ceylonensis

Nayan Khanolkar
Nayan Khanolkar
Shashank dalvi

Pranad Patil
Wreathed-Hornbill Rhyticeros undulatus Blue-throated Barbet Megalaima asiatica Common Iora Aegithina tiphia Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon Treron sphenurus
Dhritiman Mukherjee

Kuldeep Chaudhari
Clement Francis
Gaurav Sharma

Plumbeous Water-redstart Phoenicurus Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria Black-headed Munia Lonchura malacca Streaked Spiderhunter Arachnothera magna
fuliginosus

48 Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park 49
 Photoguide (Mammals) Photoguide (Mammals)
Nayan Khanolkar

Saurabh R. Desai
Saurabh R. Desai
Sachin rai
Tiger Panthera tigris Leopard Panthera pardus Bengal fox Vulpes bengalensis Flying fox Pteropus giganteus

A. J. T. Johnsingh, WWF-India, NCF/PD

Cathleena Beams/Public Domain

N. A. Nazeer / Public Domain

Nayan Khanolkar

Clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa Jungle cat Felis chaus Assam macaque Macaca assamensis Indian hare Lepus nigricollis

Shrikant Rao/Public domain

Saurabh Sawant

T.N.A. Perumal
Axel Gomille

Malayan giant squirrel Ratufa bicolor Grey mongoose Herpestes edwardsii Sloth bear Melursus ursinus Dhole Cuon alpinus

Bernard Castelein
Dr. Anish Andheria
Dr. Ullas Karanth

nayan khanolkar

Crestless Himalayan (Chinese) porcupine Small Indian civet Viverricula indica Hoary-bellied squirrel Callosciurus Rhesus macaque Macaca mulatta
Hystrix brachyura pygerythrus
Mike Prince/Public domain
John Everingham
sandeep desai

D. K. Bhaskar

Golden jackal Canis aureus Smooth-coated otter Lutrogale perspicillata Leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis Capped langur Trachypithecus pileatus

50 Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park 51
 Photoguide (Mammals) Photoguide (Butterflies)

Dr. Anish Andheria

brijendra singh

Varun Satose

Varun Satose
Asian elephant Elephas maximus Himalayan black bear Ursus thibetanus Staff sergeant Athyma selenophora False dingy sailer Neptis pseudovikasi
laniger
Rushenb/Public domain
Jagdeep Rajput

Varun Satose

Varun Satose
Sambar Rusa unicolor Indian muntjac Muntiacus muntjak Banded treebrown Lethe confusa Blue-striped palmfly Elymnias patna
Nandini Velho/Public domian
Jagdeep Rajput

Varun Satose

Varun Satose
Hog deer Axis porcinus Red Giant Flying Squirrel Petaurista petaurista White-edged blue Baron Euthalia phemius Blackvein sergeant Athyma ranga
Rohit NAniwadekar/Public Domain

Dhritiman Mukherjee

Varun Satose

Varun Satose
Large Indian civet Viverra zibetha Wild pig Sus scrofa Pallid nawab Charaxes arja Chocolate albatross Appias lyncida
Helena Snyder/Public Domain
Dr. Nilanjan Das

Varun Satose
Varun Satose

Gaur (Indian bison) Bos gaurus Bengal slow loris Nycticebus bengalensis Paris peacock Papilio paris Orange oakleaf Kallima inachus

52 Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park 53
 Photoguide (Butterflies) Photoguide (Butterflies)

Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi

Animish Mandrekar

Dr Anish Andheria
Varun Satose
Common pierrot Castalius rosimon Autumn leaf Doleschallia bisaltide Lesser batwing Atrophaneura aidoneus Common mormon Papilio polytes

Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi

Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi

Yuwaraj Gurjar
Varun Satose

Chocolate demon Ancistroides nigrita Purple sapphire Heliophorus epicles Constable Dichorragia nesimachus Popinjay Stibochiona nicea

Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi

Varun satose

Varun satose

Varun Satose
Cruiser Vindula erota Brahmaputra palmfly Elymnias peali Knight Lebadea martha Spangle Papilio protenor

Dr. Anish Andheria

Varun Satose

Varun Satose

Varun Satose

Fluffy tit Zeltus amasa Grey count Tanaecia lepidea Angled sunbeam Curetis acuta Peacock pansy Junonia almana
Animish Mandrekar

Animish Mandrekar

Isaac Kehimkar
Varun Satose

Chestnut angle Odontoptilum angulata Myanmarese wizard Rhinopalpa polynice Indian red admiral Vanessa indica Common maplet Chersonesia risa
birmana

54 Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park 55
 A Checklist of NAMERI Birds
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
 Fulvous Whistling-duck
Dendrocygna bicolor
 Lesser Whistling-duck
Dendrocygna javanica
 Bar-headed Goose
Anser indicus
 Ruddy Shelduck
Tadorna ferruginea
 Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadorna
 Gadwall Mareca strepera
 Eurasian Wigeon
Mareca penelope
 Indian Spot-billed Duck
Anas poecilorhyncha
 Mallard Anas
platyrhyncahos
 Northern Pintail
Anas acuta
 Green-winged Teal
Anas crecca
 White-winged Duck
Asarcornis scutulata
 Red-crested Pochard
Netta rufina
 Common Merganser
Mergus merganser
Order: Galliformes
Family: Phasianidae
 White-cheeked Partridge
Arborophila atrogularis
 Grey Peacock-pheasant
Polyplectron bicalcaratum
 Red Junglefowl
Gallus gallus
 Kalij Pheasant
Lophura leucomelanos
Order: Podicipediformes
Family: Podicipedidae
 Little Grebe
Tachybaptus ruficollis
 Great Crested Grebe
Podiceps cristatus
Order: Columbiformes
Family: Columbidae
 Oriental Turtle-dove
Streptopelia orientalis
 Eurasian Collared-dove
Streptopelia decaocto
 Red Collared-dove
Streptopelia tranquebarica
 Spotted Dove
Streptopelia chinensis
 Barred Cuckoo-dove
Macropygia unchall
 Asian Emerald Dove
Chalcophaps indica
 Orange-breasted Pigeon
Treron bicinctus
 Ashy-headed Green-
Pigeon Treron phayrei
 Thick-billed Pigeon
Treron curvirostra
 Yellow-footed Pigeon
Treron phoenicopterus
 Pin-tailed Pigeon
Treron apicauda
 Wedge-tailed Pigeon
Treron sphenurus
 Green Imperial Pigeon
Ducula aenea
 Mountain Imperial Pigeon
Ducula badia
Order: Cuculiformes
Family: Cuculidae
 Greater Coucal
Centropus sinensis
 Lesser Coucal
Centropus bengalensis
 Green-billed Malkoha
Phaenicophaeus tristis
 Chestnut-winged Cuckoo
Clamator coromandus
 Pied Cuckoo
Clamator jacobinus
 Asian Koel
Eudynamys scolopaceus
 Asian Emerald Cuckoo
Chrysococcyx maculatus
 Banded Bay Cuckoo
Cacomantis sonneratii
 Plaintive Cuckoo
Cacomantis merulinus
 Large Hawk-cuckoo
Hierococcyx sparverioides
 Common Hawk-cuckoo
Hierococcyx varius
 Indian Cuckoo
Cuculus micropterus
Order: Caprimulgiformes
Family: Caprimulgidae
 Jungle Nightjar
Caprimulgus indicus
 Large-tailed Nightjar
Caprimulgus macrurus
 Savanna Nightjar
Caprimulgus affinis
Order: Apodiformes
Family: Apodidae
 Silver-backed Needletail
Hirundapus
cochinchinensis
 Himalayan Swiftlet
Aerodramus brevirostris
 Little Swift Apus affinis
 Asian Palm-Swift
Cypsiurus balasiensis
Order: Gruiformes
Family: Rallidae
 Eurasian Moorhen
Gallinula chloropus
 Grey-headed Swamphen
Porphyrio poliocephalus
 White-breasted Waterhen
Amaurornis phoenicurus
 Ruddy-breasted Crake
Zapornia fusca
 Brown Crake
Zapornia akool
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Burhinidae
 Indian Thick-knee
Burhinus indicus
 Great Thick-knee
Esacus recurvirostris
Family: Ibidorhynchidae
 Ibisbill
Ibidorhyncha struthersii
Family: Charadriidae
 Northern Lapwing
Vanellus vanellus
 River Lapwing
Vanellus duvaucelii
 Red-wattled Lapwing
Vanellus indicus
 Kentish Plover
Charadrius alexandrinus
 Long-billed Plover
Charadrius placidus
 Little Ringed Plover
Charadrius dubius
Family: Rostratulidae
 Greater Painted-snipe
Rostratula benghalensis
Family: Jacanidae
 Bronze-winged Jacana
Metopidius indicus
Family: Scolopacidae
 Temminck’s Stint
Calidris temminckii
 Eurasian Woodcock
Scolopax rusticola
 Common Snipe
Gallinago gallinago
 Pin-tailed Snipe
Gallinago stenura
 Common Sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucos
 Green Sandpiper
Tringa ochropus
 Common Greenshank
Tringa nebularia
 Marsh Sandpiper
Tringa stagnatilis
 Wood Sandpiper
Tringa glareola
 Common Redshank
Tringa totanus
Family: Turnicidae
 Small Buttonquail
Turnix sylvaticus
 Yellow-legged Buttonquail
Turnix tanki
Family: Glareolidae
 Oriental Pratincole
Glareola maldivarum
 Small Pratincole
Glareola lactea
Family: Laridae
 Black-headed Gull
Chroicocephalus
ridibundus
 Brown-headed Gull
Chroicocephalus
brunnicephalus
 Pallas’s Gull
Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus
 Little Tern
Sternula albifrons
 Black-bellied Tern
Sterna acuticauda
 Bonelli’s Eagle
Aquila fasciata
 Himalayan Owl
Strix nivicolum
 River Tern Sterna aurantia  Hen Harrier  Brown Boobook
Order: Gaviiformes Circus cyaneus Ninoxs cutulata
Family: Gaviidae  Pied Harrier Order: Trogoniformes
 Arctic Loon Gavia arctica Circus melanoleucos Family: Trogonidae
Order: Ciconiiformes  Crested Goshawk  Red-headed Trogon
Family: Ciconiidae Accipiter trivirgatus Harpactes erythrocephalus
 Asian Openbill  Shikra Accipiter badius Order: Bucerotiformes
Anastomus oscitans  Eurasian Sparrowhawk Family: Upupidae
 Black Stork Ciconia nigra Accipiter nisus  Eurasian Hoopoe
 Woolly-necked Stork  Northern Goshawk Upupa epops
Ciconia episcopus Accipiter gentilis Order: Bucerotiformes
 Lesser Adjutant  Black Kite Milvus migrans Family: Bucerotidae
Leptoptilos javanicus  Brahminy Kite  Great Hornbill
Order: Suliformes Haliastur indus Buceros bicornis
Family: Anhingidae  White-tailed Eagle  Oriental Pied Hornbill
 Oriental Darter Haliaeetus albicilla Anthracoceros albirostris
Anhinga melanogaster  Pallas’s Fish-eagle  Rufous-necked Hornbill
Family: Phalacrocoracidae Haliaeetus leucoryphus Aceros nipalensis
 Little Cormorant  Lesser Fish-eagle  Wreathed Hornbill
Microcarbo niger Haliaeetus humilis Rhyticeros undulatus
 Great Cormorant  Grey-headed Fish-eagle Order: Coraciiformes
Phalacrocorax carbo Haliaeetus ichthyaetus Family: Alcedinidae
 Indian Cormorant  Common Buzzard  Common Kingfisher
Phalacrocorax fuscicollis Buteo buteo Alcedo atthis
Order: Pelecaniformes Order: Strigiformes  Blue-eared Kingfisher
Family: Ardeidae Family: Strigidae Alcedo meninting
 Yellow Bittern  Oriental Scops-owl
 Ruddy Kingfisher
Ixobrychus sinensis Otus sunia
Halcyon coromanda
 Cinnamon Bittern  Spot-bellied Eagle-owl
 White-throated Kingfisher
Ixobrychus cinnamomeus Bubo nipalensis
 Brown Fish-owl Halcyon smyrnensis
 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
 Purple Heron Ketupa zeylonensis  Crested Kingfisher
Ardea purpurea  Collared Owlet Megaceryle lugubris
 Intermediate Egret Glaucidium brodiei  Pied Kingfisher
Ardea intermedia  Asian Barred Owlet Ceryle rudis
 Little Egret Egretta garzetta Glaucidium cuculoides Family: Meropidae
 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis  Jungle Owlet  Blue-bearded Bee-eater
 Indian Pond Heron Glaucidium radiatum Nyctyornis athertoni
Ardeola grayii  Spotted Owlet  Green Bee-eater
 Striated Heron Athene brama Merops orientalis
Butorides striata
 Black-crowned
Night-heron
Nycticorax nycticorax
 Malayan Night-heron
Gorsachius melanolophus
Order: Accipitriformes
Family: Pandionidae
 Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Family: Accipitridae
 Black-winged Kite
Elanus caeruleus
 Oriental Honey-buzzard
Pernis ptilorhynchus
 Jerdon’s Baza
Aviceda jerdoni
 Black Baza
Aviceda leuphotes
 Red-headed Vulture
Sarcogyps calvus
 White-rumped Vulture
Gyps bengalensis
 Slender-billed Vulture
Gyps tenuirostris
 Himalayan Griffon
Gyps himalayensis
 Crested Serpent-eagle
Spilornis cheela
 Short-toed Snake-eagle
Circaetus gallicus
 Mountain Hawk-eagle
Nisaetus nipalensis
 Rufous-bellied Eagle
Lophotriorchis kienerii
 Black Eagle
Ictinaetus malaiensis
 Greater Spotted Eagle
Clanga clanga
 Steppe Eagle
Aquila nipalensis

56 Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park 57
  Blue-tailed Bee-eater
Merops philippinus
 Chestnut-headed Bee-
eater Merops leschenaulti
Family: Coraciidae
 Indian Roller
Coracias benghalensis
 Dollarbird
Eurystomus orientalis
Order: Piciformes
Family: Megalaimidae
 Coppersmith
Barbet Psilopogon
haemacephalus
 Blue-eared Barbet
Psilopogon duvaucelii
 Great Barbet
Psilopogon virens
 Lineated Barbet
Psilopogon lineatus
 Golden-throated Barbet
Psilopogon franklinii
 Blue-throated Barbet
Psilopogon asiaticus
Family: Picidae
 Speckled Piculet
Picumnus innominatus
 White-browed
Piculet Sasiaochracea
 Grey-capped Woodpecker
Yungipicus canicapillus
 Fulvous-breasted
Woodpecker
Dendrocopos macei
 Greater Flameback
Chrysocolaptes
guttacristatus
 Rufous Woodpecker
Micropternus brachyurus
 Himalayan Flameback
Dinopium shorii
 Common Flameback
Dinopium javanense
 Black-rumped Flameback
Dinopium benghalense
 Lesser Yellownape
Picus chlorolophus
 Grey-headed Woodpecker
Picus canus
 Greater Yellownape
Chrysophlegma flavinucha
 Great Slaty Woodpecker
Mulleripicus pulverulentus
Order: Falconiformes
Family: Falconidae
 Collared Falconet
Microherax caerulescens
58
 Pied Falconet
Microhierax melanoleucos
 Eurasian Kestrel
Falco tinnunculus
 Amur Falcon
Falco amurensis
 Eurasian Hobby
Falco subbuteo
 Oriental Hobby
Falco severus
 Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus
Order: Psittaciformes
Family: Psittaculidae
 Alexandrine Parakeet
Psittacula eupatria
 Rose-ringed Parakeet
Psittacula krameri
 Blossom-headed Parakeet
Psittacula roseata
 Red-breasted Parakeet
Psittacula alexandri
 Vernal Hanging-Parrot
Loriculus vernalis
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Eurylaimidae
 Long-tailed Broadbill
Psarisomus dalhousiae
 Silver-breasted Broadbill
Serilophus lunatus
Family: Pittidae
 Blue-naped Pitta
Hydrornis nipalensis
 Hooded Pitta Pitta sordida
Family: Vangidae
 Large Woodshrike
Tephrodornis virgatus
 Common Woodshrike
Tephrodornis
pondicerianus
 Bar-winged Flycatcher-
shrike Hemipus picatus
Family: Artamidae
 Ashy Woodswallow
Artamus fuscus
Family: Aegithinidae
 Common Iora
Aegithina tiphia
Family: Campephagidae
 Small Minivet
Pericrocotus cinnamomeus
 Grey-chinned Minivet
Pericrocotus solaris
 Short-billed Minivet
Pericrocotus brevirostris
 Long-tailed Minivet
Pericrocotus ethologus
Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park
 Orange Minivet
Pericroctus flammeus
 Large Cuckooshrike
Coracina macei
 Black-winged
Cuckooshrike
Lalage melaschistos
Family: Laniidae
 Brown Shrike
Lanius cristatus
 Long-tailed Shrike
Lanius schach
 Grey-backed Shrike
Lanius tephronotus
Family: Vireonidae
 Black-eared Shrike-
Babbler
Pteruthius melanotis
 White-bellied Erpornis
Erpornis zantholeuca
Family: Oriolidae
 Slender-billed Oriole
Oriolus tenuirostris
 Black-hooded Oriole
Oriolus xanthornus
 Maroon Oriole
Oriolus traillii
Family: Dicruridae
 Black Drongo
Dicrurus macrocercus
 Ashy Drongo
Dicrurus leucophaeus
 Crow-billed Drongo
Dicrurus annectens
 Bronzed Drongo
Dicrurus aeneus
 Lesser Racket-tailed
Drongo Dicrurus remifer
 Hair-crested Drongo
Dicrurus hottentottus
 Greater Racket-tailed
Drongo
Dicrurus paradiseus
Family: Rhipiduridae
 White-throated Fantail
Rhipidura albicollis
Family: Monarchidae
 Black-naped Monarch
Hypothymis azurea
Family: Corvidae
 Common Green-Magpie
Cissa chinensis
 Rufous Treepie
Dendrocitta vagabunda
 Grey Treepie
Dendrocitta formosae
 House Crow
Corvus splendens
 Large-billed Crow
Corvus macrorhynchos
Family: Alaudidae
 Bengal Bushlark
Mirafra assamica
 Horned Lark
Eremophila alpestris
 Hume’s Lark
Calandrella acutirostris
 Sand Lark Alaudala raytal
 Oriental Skylark
Alauda gulgula
Family: Hirundinidae
 Grey-throated Martin
Riparia chinensis
 Bank Swallow
Riparia riparia
 Barn Swallow
Hirundo rustica
 Red-rumped Swallow
Cecropis daurica
 Asian House-Martin
Delichon dasypus
Family: Stenostiridae
 Yellow-bellied Fairy-fantail
Chelidorhynx hypoxanthus
 Grey-headed Canary-
flycatcher
Culicicapa ceylonensis
Family: Paridae
 Sultan Tit
Melanochlorasultanea
 Cinereous Tit
Parus cinereus
Family: Sittidae
 Indian Nuthatch
Sitta castanea
 Velvet-fronted Nuthatch
Sitta frontalis
Family: Tichodromidae
 Wallcreeper
Tichodroma muraria
Family: Cinclidae
 Brown Dipper
Cinclus pallasii
Family: Pycnonotidae
 Black-crested Bulbul
Rubigula flaviventris
 Red-vented Bulbul
Pycnonotus cafer
 Red-whiskered Bulbul
Pycnonotus jocosus
 White-throated Bulbul
Alophoixus flaveolus
 Black Bulbul
Hypsipetes leucocephalus
 Ashy Bulbul
Hemixos flavala
 Mountain Bulbul
Ixos mcclellandii
PASSERIFORMES: Pnoepygidae
 Pygmy Cupwing
Pnoepyga pusilla
Family: Scotocercidae
 Grey-bellied Tesia
Tesia cyaniventer
 Slaty-bellied Tesia
Tesia olivea
 Chestnut-headed Tesia
Cettia castaneocoronata
 Mountain Tailorbird
Phyllergates cucullatus
 Brownish-flanked Bush
Warbler Horornis fortipes
Family: Phylloscopidae
 Ashy-throated Warble
Phylloscopus maculipennis
 Buff-barred Warbler
Phylloscopus pulcher
Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park
 Yellow-browed Warbler
Phylloscopus inornatus
 Hume’s Warbler
Phylloscopus humei
 Pale-rumped Warbler
Phylloscopus chloronotus
 Tickell’s Leaf Warbler
Phylloscopus affinis
 Dusky Warbler
Phylloscopus fuscatus
 Smoky Warbler
Phylloscopus fuligiventer
 White-spectacled Warbler
Phylloscopus intermedius
 Grey-cheeked Warbler
Phylloscopus poliogenys
 Golden-spectacled
Warbler
Phylloscopus burkii
 Greenish Warbler
Phylloscopus trochiloides
 Large-billed Leaf Warbler
Phylloscopus magnirostris
 Chestnut-crowned Warbler
Phylloscopus castaniceps
 Yellow-vented Warbler
Phylloscopus cantator
 Blyth’s Leaf Warbler
Phylloscopus reguloides
 Grey-hooded Warbler
Phylloscopus
xanthoschistos
Family: Acrocephalidae
 Thick-billed Warbler
Arundinax aedon
 Paddyfield Warbler
Acrocephalus agricola
 Blunt-winged Warbler
Acrocephalus concinens
 Blyth’s Reed Warbler
Acrocephalus dumetorum
 Clamorous Reed Warbler
Acrocephalus stentoreus
Family: Locustellidae
 Striated Grassbird
Megalurus palustris
 Spotted Bush Warbler
Locustella thoracica
 Russet Bush Warbler
Locustella mandelli
Family: Cisticolidae
 Common Tailorbird
Orthotomus sutorius
 Dark-necked Tailorbird
Orthotomus atrogularis
 Yellow-bellied Prinia
Prinia flaviventris
 Plain Prinia Prinia inornata
 Zitting Cisticola
Cisticola juncidis
Family: Paradoxornithidae
 Jerdon’s Babbler
Chrysomma altirostre
Family: Zosteropidae
 Oriental White-eye
Zosterops palpebrosus
Family: Timaliidae
 Pin-striped Tit-Babbler
Mixornis gularis
 Rufous-capped Babbler
Cyanoderma ruficeps
 Buff-chested Babbler
Cyanoderma ambiguum
 White-browed Scimitar
Babbler Pomatorhinus
schisticeps
 Grey-throated Babbler
Stachyris nigriceps
Family: Pellorneidae
 Swamp Prinia
Laticilla cinerascens
 Puff-throated Babbler
Pellorneum ruficeps
 Spot-throated Babbler
Pellorneum albiventre
 Abbott’s Babbler
Turdinus abbotti
Family: Leiothrichidae
 Brown-cheeked Fulvetta
Alcippe poioicephala
 Nepal Fulvetta
Alcippe nipalensis
 Striated Babbler
Turdoides earlei
 Jungle Babbler
Turdoides striata
 White-crested
Laughingthrush
Garrulax leucolophus
 Lesser Necklaced
Laughingthrush
Garrulax monileger
 Greater Necklaced
Laughingthrush
Ianthocincla pectoralis
59

 White-throated
Laughingthrush
Ianthocincla albogularis
 Rufous-necked
Laughingthrush
Ianthocincla ruficollis
 Long-tailed Sibia
Heterophasia picaoides
 Silver-eared Mesia
Leiothrix argentauris
 Rufous-backed Sibia
Minla annectens
 Red-faced Liocichla
Liocichla phoenicea
 Blue-winged Minla
Actinodura cyanouroptera
Family: Irenidae
 Asian Fairy-bluebird
Irena puella
Family: Muscicapidae
 Ferruginous Flycatcher
Muscicapa ferruginea
 Asian Brown Flycatcher
Muscicapa dauurica
 Oriental Magpie-robin
Copsychus saularis
 White-rumped Shama
Copsychus malabaricus
 Pale-chinned Blue
Flycatcher
Cyornis poliogenys
 Pale Blue Flycatcher
Cyornis unicolor
 Large Blue Flycatcher
Cyornis magnirostris
 Large Niltava
Niltava grandis
 Small Niltava
Niltava macgrigoriae
 Rufous-bellied Niltava
Niltava sundara
 Verditer Flycatcher
Eumyias thalassinus
 Lesser Shortwing
Brachypteryx leucophris
 White-browed Shortwing
Brachypteryx montana
 Blue Whistling-thrush
Myophonus caeruleus
 Little Forktail
Enicurus scouleri
 White-crowned Forktail
Enicurus leschenaulti
60
 Spotted Forktail
Enicurus maculatus
 Black-backed Forktail
Enicurus immaculatus
 Siberian Rubythroat
Calliope calliope
 White-tailed Robin
Myiomela leucura
 Rufous-breasted Bush-
robin Tarsiger hyperythrus
 Slaty-backed Flycatcher
Ficedula sordida
 Slaty-blue Flycatcher
Ficedula tricolor
 Snowy-browed Flycatcher
Ficedula hyperythra
 Pygmy Flycatcher
Ficedula hodgsoni
 Rufous-gorgeted
Flycatcher
Ficedula strophiata
 Little Pied Flycatcher
Ficedula westermanni
 Taiga Flycatcher
Ficedula albicilla
 Red-breasted Flycatcher
Ficedula parva
 Blue-fronted Redstart
Phoenicurus frontalis
 Plumbeous Redstart
Phoenicurus fuliginosus
 White-capped Redstart
Phoenicurus leucocephalus
 Hodgson’s Redstart
Phoenicurus hodgsoni
 Black Redstart Phoenicurus
ochruros
 Daurian Redstart
Phoenicurus auroreus
 Chestnut-bellied Rock-
thrush Monticola rufiventris
 Blue Rock-thrush
Monticola solitarius
 Siberian Stonechat
Saxicola maurus
 Grey Bushchat
Saxicola ferreus
Family:Turdidae
 Long-tailed Thrush
Zoothera dixoni
 Dark-sided Thrush
Zoothera marginata
 Scaly Thrush
Zoothera dauma
Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park
 Orange-headed Thrush
Geokichla citrina
 Grey-winged Blackbird
Turdus boulboul
 Indian Blackbird
Turdus simillimus
 Black-breasted Thrush
Turdus dissimilis
 Eyebrowed Thrush
Turdus obscurus
 Red-throated Thrush
Turdus ruficollis
Family: Sturnidae
 Common Hill Myna
Gracula religiosa
 Chestnut-cheeked Starling
Agropsar philippensis
 Asian Pied Starling
Gracupica contra
 Chestnut-tailed Starling
Sturnia malabarica
 Common Myna
Acridotheres tristis
 Bank Myna
Acridotheres ginginianus
 Jungle Myna
Acridotheres fuscus
 Pale-bellied Myna
Acridotheres cinereus
 Great Myna
Acridotheres grandis
 Spot-winged Starling
Saroglossa spilopterus
Family: Chloropseidae
 Blue-winged Leafbird
Chloropsis cochinchinensis
 Golden-fronted Leafbird
Chloropsis aurifrons
 Orange-bellied Leafbird
Chloropsis hardwickii
Family: Dicaeidae
 Thick-billed Flowerpecker
Dicaeum agile
 Yellow-vented Flowerpecker
Dicaeum chrysorrheum
 Yellow-bellied
Flowerpecker Dicaeum
melanoxanthum
 Nilgiri Flowerpecker
Dicaeum concolor
 Plain Flowerpecker
Dicaeum minullum
 Scarlet-backed
Flowerpecker Dicaeum
cruentatum
Family: Nectariniidae
 Ruby-cheeked Sunbird
Chalcoparia singalensis
 Purple Sunbird
Cinnyris asiaticus
 Black-throated Sunbird
Aethopyga saturata
 Crimson Sunbird
Aethopyga siparaja
 Little Spiderhunter
Arachnothera longirostra
 Streaked Spiderhunter
Arachnothera magna
Family: Motacillidae
 Forest Wagtail
Dendronanthus indicus
 Grey Wagtail
Motacilla cinerea
 Western Yellow Wagtail
Motacilla flava
 Citrine Wagtail
Motacilla citreola
 White-browed Wagtail
Motacilla maderaspatensis
 White Wagtail
Motacilla alba
 Richard’s Pipit
Anthus richardi
 Paddyfield Pipit
Anthus rufulus
 Tawny Pipit
Anthus campestris
 Rosy Pipit Anthus roseatus
 Olive-backed Pipit
Anthus hodgsoni
 Red-throated Pipit
Anthus cervinus
Family: Fringillidae
 Common Rosefinch
Carpodacus erythrinus
Family: Emberizidae
 Black-faced Bunting
Emberiza spodocephala
References: 1. The pioneering work on the checklist was originally published by Maan Barua
and Pankaj Sharma; 2. Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Freder-
icks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2018. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world:
v2018. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/ http://
www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/ [Taxonomy]; 3. Birds of India. 2014.
http://www.kolkatabirds.com/ [Distribution]; 4. http://delhibird.net [Distribution]
A Checklist of NAMERI Mammals
Order: Primate
Family: loridae
 Slow loris Nyctice
busbengalensis
Family: Cercopithecidae
 Rhesus macaque
Macaca mulatta
 Assam macaque Macaca
assamensis assamensis
 Capped langur
Trachypithecus pileatus
tenebricus
Order: Carnivora
Family: Felidae
 Royal Bengal tiger
Panthera tigris tigris
 Indian leopard Panthera
pardus fusca
 Clouded leopard
Neofelis nebulosa
 Jungle cat Felis chaus
fulvidina
 Leopard cat Felis
bengalensis horsfieldii
 Golden cat
Felis temminckii
Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park
Family: Passeridae
 House Sparrow
Passer domesticus
 Eurasian Tree Sparrow
Passer montanus
Family: Ploceidae
 Streaked Weaver
Ploceus manyar
 Baya Weaver
Ploceus philippinus
Family: Estrildidae
 White-rumped Munia
Lonchura striata
 Scaly-breasted Munia
Lonchura punctulata
 Tricolored Munia Lonchura
malacca
Family: Canidae
 Golden jackal Canis aureus
 Bengal fox
Vulpes bengalensis
 Wild dog Cuon alpinus
Family: Viveridae
 Large Indian civet
Viverra zibetha zibetha
 Small Indian civet
Viverricula indica
 Binturang
Arctictis binturang
 Common palm
civet Paradoxurus
hermophroditus
 Masked palm civet
Paguma larvata
 Spotted linsang
Prionodon pardicolor
Family: Herpestidae
 Indian Grey mongoose
Herpestes edwardsi
 Crab-eating mongoose
Herpestes urva
 Small Asian mongoose
Herpestes javanicus
Family: Mustelidae
 Common otter Lutra lutra
 Smooth-coated otter
Lutrogale perspicillata
 Himalayan Yellow-
throated martin
Martes flavigula
Family: Ursidae
 Himalayan Black bear
Selenarctos thibetanus
 Sloth bear Ursus ursinus
Order: Proboscidea
Family: Elephantidae
 Asiatic elephant
Elephas maximus
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Suidae
 Wild pig Sus scrofa
 Pygmy hog Sus salvanius
Family: Cervidae
 Sambar Cervus unicolor
 Indian Muntjak
Muntiacus muntjak
 Hog deer Axis porcinus
Family: Bovidae
 Indian gaur Bos gaurus
Order: Rodentia
Family: Hystricidae
 Himalayan porcupine
Hystrix brachyura
subcristata
Family: Pteromyidae
 Common giant
flying squirrel
Petaurista petaurista
 Particoloured flying
squirrel Hylopetes alboniger
Family: Sciuridae
 Malayan giant squirrel
Ratufa bicolor
 Himalayan hoary-bellied
squirrel
Callosciurus pygerythrus
 Pallas’s squirrel
Callosciurus erythraeus
 Orange-bellied Himalayan
striped squirrel
Dremomys lokriah
 Himalayan striped squirrel
Tamiops mecclellandi
61
 Family: Thyzomydae
 Lesser bamboo rat
Cannomys badius
Family: Muridae
 Indian mole rat
Bandicota bengalensis
 Large bandicoot rat
Bandicota indica
Order: Pholiodota
Family: Manidae
 Chinese pangolin Manis
penta dactyla
Reference: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/311909494_Wildlife_habitat_evaluation_
and_mammalian_checklist_of_Nameri_National_Park_Assam_India [Taxonomy and Distribution]
A Checklist of NAMERI Butterflies
Family: Papilionidae
 Five-bar swordtail
Graphium antiphates
 Common jay
Graphium doson
 Tailed jay
Graphium agamemnon
 Common bluebottle
Graphium sarpedon
 Glassy bluebottle
Graphium cloanthus
 Common rose
Pachliopta aristolochiae
 Common birdwing
Troides helena cerberus
 Golden birdwing
Troides aeacus
 Great windmill
Byasa dasarada
 Common batwing
Atrophaneura varuna
 Lesser batwing
Atrophaneura aidoneus
 Common mime Papilio clytia
 Common mormon
Papilio polytes
 Great mormon
Papilio memnon
 Common castor
Ariadne merione
 Yellow helen
Papilio nephelus
 Red helen Papilio helenus
 Great zebra
Graphium xenocles
 Paris peacock Papilio paris
 Blue peacock
Papilio arcturus
 Lime butterfly
Papilio demoleus
 Spangle Papilio protenor
Family: Nymphalidae
 Common palmfly
Elymnias hypermnestra
 Blue-striped palmfly
Elymnias patna
 Peal’s palmfly
(Brahmaputra palmfly)
Elymnias peali
 Tiger palmfly
Elymnias nesaea
 Bamboo treebrown
Lethe europa
 Banded treebrown
Lethe confusa
 Medus brown (Nigger)
Orsotriaena medus
 Common bushbrown
Mycalesis perseus
 Dark-branded bushbrown
Mycalesis mineus
62
Order: Lagomorpha  Chinese mole shrew  Common yeoman
Family: Leporodae Anourosorex squamipes Cirrochroa tyche
 Hispid hare Family: Tupaiidae  Cruiser Vindula erota
Caprolagus hispidus  Northern tree shrew  Glassy tiger
 Indian hare Lepus nigricollis Tupaia belangeri Parantica aglea
Order: Insectivora assamensis  Striped tiger
Family: Talpidae Order: Chiroptera Danaus genutia
 Himalayan mole Family: Pteropodidae  Chestnut tiger
Talpa micrura micrura  Indian flying fox Parantica sita
Family: Soricidae Pteropus giganteus  Plain tiger
 House shrew Family: Vespertilionidae Danaus chrysippus  Spotted angle  Dark cerulean
Suncus murinus murinus  Least pipistrelle Pipistrellus tenuis  Striped blue crow Caprona agama Jamides bochus
Euploea mulciber  Chestnut angle  Metallic cerulean
 Blue-spotted crow Odontoptilum angulata
Jamides alecto
Euploea midamus  Orange awlet Burara jaina  Glistening cerulean
 King crow Euploea klugii  Pale green awlet Jamides elpis
 Common crow Burara gomata  Lime blue Chilades lajus
Euploea core
 Double-branded crow
 White-banded awl
Hasora taminatus
 Tailless lineblue
Prosotas dubiosa
Euploea sylvester  Indian grizzled skipper  Pale hedge blue
 Long-branded blue crow Spialia galba
 Long-branded bushbrown  Yellowjack sailer Udara dilecta
Euploea algea  Bush hopper
Mycalesis visala Lasippa viraja  Large four-lineblue
Family: Pieridae Ampittia dioscorides Nacaduba pactolus
 Vanilla bushbrown  Sullied sailer Neptis clinia
 Psyche Leptosia nina  Chestnut bob  Pale four-lineblue
Mycalesis suaveolens  Small staff Sergeant
 Asian cabbage white Iambrix salsala Nacaduba hermus
 Yellow rajah Athyma zeroca
Pieris canidia  Chocolate demon  Pale grass blue
Charaxes marmax  Staff sergeant
 Chocolate albatross Ancistroides nigrita Pseudozizeeria maha
 Plain tawny rajah Athyma selenophora
Appias lyncida  Spotted demon  Opaque six-lineblue
Charaxes psaphon  Blackvein sergeant
 Common albatross Notocrypta feisthamelii Nacaduba beroe
 Tawny rajah Athyma ranga
Appias albina  Grass demon  Common quaker
Charaxes bernardus  Colour sergeant
 Common gull Udaspes folus Neopithecops zalmora
 Scarce tawny rajah Athyma inara
Cepora nerissa  Common banded demon  Common hedge blue
Charaxes aristogiton  Common sergeant
 Yellow orange-tip Notocrypta paralysos Acytolepis puspa
 Indian nawab Athyma perius
Ixias pyrene  Tree flitter
Charaxes bharata  Studded sergeant  Pea blue
 Great orange-tip Hyarotis adrastus
 Pallid nawab Athyma asura Lampides boeticus
Hebomoia glaucippe  Purple and gold flitter
Charaxes arja  Common lascar  Golden sapphire
 Indian jezebel Zographetus satwa
 Great nawab Pantoporia hordonia Heliophorus brahma
Delias eucharis  Giant redeye
Charaxes eudamippus  Commander  Purple sapphire
 Red-spot jezebel Gangara thyrsis
 Eastern courtier Moduza procris Heliophorus epicles
Delias descombesi  Common branded redeye
Sephisa chandra  Grey count  White tufted royal
 Red-base jezebel Matapa aria
 Pasha Herona marathus Tanaecia lepidea Pratapa deva
Delias pasithoe  Wax dart Cupitha purreea
 Circe Hestinalis nama  White-edged blue baron  Bi-spot royal
 Painted jezebel  Blank swift Caltoris kumara
 Angled castor Euthalia phemius Ancema ctesia
Delias hyparete  Chinese branded swift
Ariadne ariadne  Blue baron  Common acacia blue
 Lemon emigrant Pelopidas sinensis
 Common castor Euthalia telchinia Surendra quercetorum
(common emigrant)  Rice swift Borbo cinnara
Ariadne merione  Baron Euthalia aconthea  Centaur oakblue
Catopsilia pomona  Common dartlet
 Blue pansy Junonia orithya  Commodore Arhopala centaurus
 Mottled emigrant Oriens gola
 Lemon pansy Auzakia danava  Large oakblue
Catopsilia pyranthe  Dusky partwing (Coon)
 Grey commodore Arhopala amantes
Junonia lemonias  Tree yellow Psolos fuligo
Bhagadatta austenia  Indian oakblue
 Peacock pansy Gandaca harina Family: Lycaenidae
 Green commodore Arhopala atrax
Junonia almana  Common grass yellow  Acute sunbeam
Sumalia daraxa  Long-banded silverline
 Grey pansy Junonia atlites Eurema hecabe Curetis acuta
 Knight Lebadea martha  One-spot grass yellow Spindasis lohita
 Yellow pansy  Apefly Spalgis epius
 Popinjay Stibochiona nicea Eurema andersoni  Common red flash
Junonia hierta  Forget-me-not
 Map Cyrestis thyodamas  Three-spot grass yellow Rapala iarbus
 Chocolate pansy Catochrysops strabo
 Common maplet Eurema blanda  Fluffy tit Zeltus amasa
Junonia iphita  Silver forget-me-not
Chersonesia risa  Small grass yellow  Yamfly Loxura atymnus
 Northern/Khasi common Catochrysops panormus
 Constable Eurema brigitta  Orchid tit
jester Symbrenthia lilaea  Plains cupid
Dichorragia nesimachus Family: Riodinidae Hypolycaena othona
 Orange oakleaf Chilades pandava
 Leopard lacewing  Plum judy Abisara echerius  Guava blue
Kallima inachus  Common pierrot
Cethosia cyane  Punchinello Virachola isocrates
 Autumn leaf Castalius rosimon
 Red lacewing Zemeros flegyas  Common tit
Doleschallia bisaltide  Dark pierrot
Cethosia biblis Family: Hesperiidae Hypolycaena erylus
 Danaid eggfly Tarucus ananda
 Common leopard  Water snow flat  Common imperial
Hypolimnas misippus  Gram blue
Phalanta phalantha Tagiades litigiosa Euchrysops cnejus Cheritra freja
 Great eggfly  Large yeoman  Common snow flat  Common cerulean  Common onyx
Hypolimnas bolina Cirrochroa aoris Tagiades japetus Jamides celeno Horaga onyx
 Indian red Admiral
Vanessa indica
 Wizard Rhinopalpa References: Saikia, Prasanta. (2018). Diversity of Butterflies in Nameri National Park, Sonitpur
polynice Assam. 308-317. [Distribution]; https://www.ifoundbutterflies.org/ [Taxonomy]
 Painted lady
Vanessa cardui
 Common sailer Varun Satose, pursuing a PhD in Zoology from Mumbai University, has been a great help
Neptis hylas in compiling the butterfly checklist. He also helped in resourcing images from various
 Creamy sailer photographers. Vikrant Chourasia, a MSc in Zoology from Mumbai University and a biology
Neptis soma teacher at Tridha School, Mumbai, helped in putting together, edit and proofread the mammal,
 Chestnut-streaked sailer bird and butterfly checklists.
Neptis jumbah Note: Like all checklists, there can be varying opinions on species occurrence and
 False dingy sailer Sanctuary Asia is open to comments from readers.
Neptis pseudovikasi
Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park 63
 About Sanctuary NATURE FOUNDATION
The Sanctuary Nature
Foundation, a non-profit was
founded in 2015 with the express
vision to help shape a world
with abundant biodiversity, a
sustainable climate and an
equitable future for one and all
through Sanctuary Asia magazine
and its associated conservation
projects. Sanctuary has always
been more than just a magazine
and has been at the fulcrum of
About Balipara FOUNDATION
Balipara Foundation focuses
on creating community-based
conservation models in the Eastern
Himalaya, using a proprietary
approach, Naturenomics™, to
enhance Rural Futures. Our goal
is to make the communities in
the region the stewards of the
conservation agenda by creating
economic and social mobility.
We achieve this through a
series of community-based con-
servation programmes anchored
in our conservation centre at
the Eastern Himalayan Botanic
Ark, nestled in the foothills of the
Eastern Himalayas, Balipara, As-
sam, India. These programmes are
human centric andrealised through
iterative prototypes to adapt to
rapidly evolving human needs and
landscapes. Our hidden treasures
are the case studies we publish
and the publications we support to
inspire collaborative exploration,
dialogue and innovation.
Our objectives are realised
through our interdisciplinary team
Published by
In association with
Western Assam Wildlife Division
(Department of Environment and Forests, Assam)
64
several conservation initiatives over
the years.
Sanctuary’s team works
quietly behind the scenes
on campaigns, projects and
partnerships that have a direct
impact on conservation efforts in
the field. In this endeavour, the
Sanctuary Nature Foundation also
collaborates with conservation-
focused not-for-profits, as well as
independently.
of 50+ people, ably supported by
a network of community, knowl-
edge, investment and technology
partners who have passionately
contributed to building this organ-
isation since 2007. At Balipara
Foundation we don’t aspire to
“save forests”, instead we seek
to learn from them. We envisage
a future where conservation is
a part of the human fabric and
technological innovation reinforces
the principles of Naturenomics™
in human development. The bio-
culturally rich Eastern Himalaya
serve as our inspiration & provide
a backdrop for inspiring innova-
tion in conservation globally.
We focus our efforts across the
following verticals: Elephant Coun-
try, Eastern Himalayan Botanic Ark,
Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™
Forum and Knowledge and Com-
munications. You can find out more
about us at www.baliparafounda-
tion.com you can also follow some
of our thoughts and experiences
through The Himalayan.
Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park
Your Feedback
Your Visitor Experience
We are very interested in hearing about your visit to
Nameri. Feedback about your experiences, both good and
bad, are invaluable to us and the park management in ensur-
ing that Nameri remains one of India’s premier wilderness
destinations.
We welcome your feedback and opinions. Please fill in
this form and send it to the address below.
How did you arrange your travel to Nameri?
(Please tick box)
Through your own transport arrangements
Through local agent
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Park Visitor Experience
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inside the park?
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while inside the park?
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How would you rate your rafting experience along
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Please add a short comment on your experience,
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Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park 65
 notes notes
Original, first hand sightings and observations sent to
Sanctuary (editorial@sanctuaryasia.com) may find a place in
Sanctuary Asia or on the website (www.sanctuaryasia.com),
after editing.

66 Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park Nameri Tiger Reserve & National Park 67
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 notes notes

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