Mouling National Park

Mouling National Park is located in Arunachal Pradesh, covering parts of Upper Siang, East Siang and West Siang districts. Established in 1986, it covers about 483 sq. km and forms part of the Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve.

Located in the Eastern Himalayas, the park has steep mountains, deep valleys, dense forests and numerous rivers and streams. Its altitude ranges from about 750 m to over 4,000 m, creating diverse ecosystems. The Siang River and its tributaries are important geographical and ecological features of the region.

Flora

The park exhibits vegetation ranging from tropical evergreen forests in lower areas to subtropical, temperate and alpine vegetation at higher elevations. Important vegetation includes Oak, Pine, Fir, Rhododendron, Bamboo and Cane, along with numerous orchids, ferns, mosses and medicinal plants.

Fauna

Mouling supports several rare, endemic and threatened species. Important mammals include the Red Panda, Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Asiatic Black Bear, Himalayan Musk Deer, Goral, Serow, Barking Deer and Wild Boar. It also provides habitat to the Hoolock Gibbon, India's only ape species.

The park has rich avian diversity, including the Great Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Himalayan Monal and Tragopan, along with various eagles, pheasants, woodpeckers and sunbirds.

Ecological Significance

Mouling is an important conservation landscape of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. Its forests conserve threatened wildlife, endemic flora and diverse ecosystems, while its watersheds support the Siang River system. Dense forests also contribute to carbon sequestration and climate regulation.

The park forms part of the Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve and helps maintain wildlife corridors and ecological connectivity. It also supports scientific research, biodiversity monitoring, environmental education and sustainable livelihoods of local communities.

Major Conservation Challenges

The major threats include poaching, illegal extraction of forest resources, habitat degradation, forest fires, encroachment and habitat fragmentation. Climate change may alter temperature and rainfall patterns and affect species distribution. Human–wildlife conflict can increase when animals move towards nearby settlements.

The park's rugged terrain and remote location also make regular monitoring and patrolling difficult, while nearby developmental activities may place additional pressure on habitats.

Conservation Measures

Conservation efforts include anti-poaching patrols, enforcement of wildlife laws, habitat restoration, biodiversity monitoring and forest-fire management. Protection of wildlife corridors helps maintain animal movement, while community participation and environmental awareness encourage sustainable use of forest resources.