Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IE
Context: The Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh, India is set to become a tiger reserve, according to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
What is the issue?
The announcement has caused concern among the Idu Mishmi people who believe that the reserve would restrict their access to the forest.
Who are Idu Mishmis?
They are a sub-tribe of the Mishmi group (the other two Mishmi groups are Digaru and Miju) in Arunachal Pradesh and have a strong connection to the region’s flora and fauna. According to Idu mythology, tigers are their “elder brothers,” and their belief system of myths and taboos protects many animals, including a prohibition on killing tigers.
Idu Mishmis are an example of a ‘cultural model of conservation’ and they support wildlife protection.
About Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary
| Location | Near Anini district in Arunachal Pradesh (Eastern Himalayas) |
| Derived Name | The Dibang River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra River |
| Located within Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve | Adjacent to the Mouling National Park, Dibang WLS was established in the 1980s. Later in 1988, as per the guidelines of UNESCO, together these areas became part of the Dibang Biosphere Reserve, one of the major bio-diversity hotspots of the world.
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| Altitude | Ranges from 1800m to 5000m |
| Vegetation | Temperate broad-leaved forests, temperate conifer forests (Rhododendron, Bamboo, Gregaria, Tsuga, etc.), and alpine vegetation at higher altitudes |
| Wildlife | Mishmi takin, Asiatic black bear, tigers, Gongshan muntjac, Red panda, Red goral, and Musk deer |
About NTCA:
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (est. 2005; HQ: New Delhi) was established following a recommendation of the Tiger Task Force, constituted by the Prime Minister of India for reorganised management of Project Tiger and the many Tiger Reserves in India. It is chaired by the Minister for Environment and Forests.
