Flora and Fauna of Nagaland

Nagaland is a mountainous region. From the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam, the Naga Hills rises about 2000 feet and rises as high as 6000 feet further southeast. The Naga Hills joins the Patkai Range in Myanmar. River Doyang, Dhiku in the north and Barak in the southwest flow through the state. One sixth of the land is covered with tropical and sub tropical evergreen forests. While traversing through this hilly state you will be amazed at the flora and fauna of Nagaland.

Rich in flora and fauna, Nagaland comprises of palms, bamboos, timber, mahogany and rattan trees. Since the landscape of the state is covered with hills, ridges, deep gorges and narrow valleys, the vegetation varies. Some important trees found are Bonsum, Bogipoma, Khasi Pine, Oaks, Amari, Gamari, Hollock, Nahor, Uriam, Alder, Kachnar and Sasi. Heavy rainfall in the region has covered the area with undergrowth shrubs. Many species of ferns and orchids are found in the district. During March and April one can spot beautiful Rhododendrons flowering in the valleys. Various types of canes and bamboo tress are found in abundance here.

Even if some of the forest areas have been cleared for jhum cultivation many scrub forests, high grass, reeds and secondary dogs, pangolins, porcupines, elephants, leopards, bears, many species of monkeys, sambar, deers, oxen and buffaloes thrive across the state's forests. One of the most famous birds found in the state is the Great Indian Hornbill.

The Fakim Sanctuary of Nagaland close to the Myanmar border is not just rich in flora but there is quite a rich variety of fauna too. Tiger, Hoolock gibbons, Panther, Jungle Cat, Himalayan Bear, Bison, Sambar, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Slender Loris are some of the important animals found in the district. While birds species comprises of Indian Horn Bill, Tragopan Pheasant, Grey Pheasant, Jungle Fowl, Green Pigeon and Doves.

The Itanki Wildlife Sanctuary in Nagaland is another important reserve of rare and endangered species of animals and birds. It is concentrated with Hoolock Gibbon, the only Gibbon found in India; other wildlife includes Elephant, Mithun, Sambar, Barking Deer, Goral, Flying Squirrel, Wild Dog, Tiger, and Sloth Bear, among Birds are Kaleej and common pheasant, Hornbill and Black Stor. The sanctuary also has some rare species of ferns and plants that are of great interest to botanists.

This beautiful land of abundant natural beauty has immense tourist attraction. The ethnic tribes, the flora and fauna attract many. Log on to northeastindia.com to know about Flora and Fauna of Nagaland.