MEE TR Web Portal

Introduction

Pakke Tiger Reserve (PTR), the 26th TR of the country, is also known as Pakhui Tiger Reserve and is situated in Pakke Kessang District of Arunachal Pradesh. This TR, with an area of 862 km², has a wide altitudinal variation, from 150 m to 2000 m above mean sea level, and hence it is home to a wide range of plants and animals. It also forms the north-western limit of the Indo-Chinese tiger range, bordering the eastern limit of the Bengal tiger range.

Hydrologically, KTR is bound by the Bhareli or Kameng River in the west and north and the Pakke River in the east. The main perennial streams include the Nameri, Khari and Upper Dikorai. The TR receives its average annual rainfall of 2500 mm from both the north-east and south-west monsoons.

The TR is surrounded by contiguous forests on most sides. To the east is Papum Reserve Forest, towards the south and south-east is Reserved Forest and Nameri National Park of Assam. On the west is Doimara Reserve Forest and Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary and to the north is Shergaon Forest Division.

The forest types found in PTR are Lowland Semi-evergreen, Evergreen Forest and Eastern Himalayan Broadleaf Forests with a high percentage of tree species (64%). Pakke TR has 343 woody angiosperm species, and at least 1500 species of vascular plants are expected from PTR. Many orchid species are also found in the TR. The forests of PTR are multi-storied, and the major species are bhelu (Tetrameles nudiflora), borpat (Ailanthus grandis) and jutuli (Altingia excelsa).

Due to the altitudinal variation, PTR shows a wide faunal diversity. At least 40 mammal species have been identified in PTR, including three large cats—the Bengal tiger, Indian leopard and clouded leopard—and two canids—the wild dog and the Asiatic jackal. Among the herbivores, the elephant, barking deer, gaur and sambar are most commonly encountered. The monkeys include the rhesus macaque, Assamese macaque and capped langur. Other mammals include the hog deer, wild boar, Himalayan black bear and Malayan giant squirrel. At least 296 bird species have been recorded from PTR, including the globally endangered white-winged wood duck, the unique ibisbill and the rare Oriental Bay owl. At least four species of hornbills are found in PTR, in addition to various other bird species like the pied falconet, white-cheeked hill partridge and grey peacock-pheasant. PTR is is also home to at least 36 reptile species, including the king cobra and Assam roofed turtle (a highly endangered species) and 30 amphibian species, including the pied warty frog, which resembles bird droppings. Out of 1500 butterfly species found in India, approximately 500 species could be found in this reserve.

For protection of the wildlife in PTR, they have 27 anti-poaching camps. In addition to the regular staff, these are manned by 104 local youths and the gaon buras (village elders/fathers) who act as forest watchers and assist in protection. The staff at each anti-poaching camp is equipped with uniform, ration, solar powered lamps and inverters for charging of mobiles etc, fencing against wildlife intrusion, access to clean drinking water, and toilets. Patrolling equipment, such as wireless devices, back packs, mosquito nets, torches, binoculars, first-aid kits, smart phones and GPS have been provided to the staff. Although the terrain of PTR is tough and many areas inaccessible, it has approximately 41 km of road constructed to ease the logistics and deter wildlife criminals, including poachers.

After visiting Pakke Tiger Reserve (PTR), from 23 to 26 September 2022, the MEE team has the following observations with respect to its strengths, weaknesses and required immediate actions:

Management Strengths:

The Critical Tiger Habitat of PTR is inviolate without any human settlements inside.
The Nyishi tribe, who inhabit the fringe villages, identify themselves with the tigers and protect them. The tiger is considered an elder brother by Nyishi tribals, and the death of any tiger attracts performance of the Shradh ritual of the deceased tiger, which has a cost, and this acts as a deterrent. The villagers do not allow any harm to the tiger. Thus the tiger is protected not only by law—protection is also deep rooted in the culture of the Nyishi tribe.
Another example of the involvement of the local tribe, Nyishi, in tiger protection is the formation of Ghora Aabhe Society, a group of 12 village heads of the fringe villages. The Society and the women self-help groups (SHGs) not only provide information for effective protection of the wildlife but also enforce the customary laws relating to prevention of hunting and logging.
This TR won the India Biodiversity Award 2016 in the category Conservation of Threatened Species for its Hornbill Nest Adoption Programme. The great hornbill, rufous-necked hornbill, wreathed hornbill and Oriental pied hornbill are found in the TR.
The altitudinal variation from 150 m to 2000 m within the TR, with an average annual rainfall of 2500 mm, has resulted in an enormous floral and faunal diversity.
The forested area of PTR forms the catchment of many perennial rivers which are the lifeline for downstream villages before they drain into the mighty Brahmaputra River.
PTR is also the place where first cabinet meeting of Arunachal Pradesh outside its capital, Itanagar, was held and the “Pakke Tiger Reserve 2047 Declaration on Climate Change Resilient and Responsive Arunachal Pradesh” was adopted. It focuses on a multi-sectoral approach to low emission and climate-resilient development in the state. It emphasizes climate resilient forestry by protecting the existing forests, restoring forests, etc., which will benefit future generations by safeguarding people from the dangers of climate change.
PTR has the Centre for Bear Rescue and Rehabilitation, run by WTI in partnership with the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. The centre has been annually rehabilitating orphaned Asiatic black bear cubs in Pakke Tiger Reserve. The centre also plays a key role in rescuing wildlife in the region and successfully rehabilitating animals at Pakke.
Induction of sniffer dogs with dog masters and using them in patrolling and wildlife crime detection.
PTR has an interpretation centre at Tippi which has a theme relating to human health, which is very impressive.

Management Weaknesses:

Most of the area of PTR is mountainous, with the elevation up to 2000 m, and hence the reserve has serious problems of access and consequently logistical support.
The tiger population of PTR is also a function of the migration of the spillover tiger population of Kaziranga Tiger Reserve. The tiger population in the TR had declined to three in 2018–19. The population estimation exercise has been so far restricted to the tiger alone and population estimation has not been carried out for co-predators like the leopard, clouded leopard, marbled cat and bear.
The 800 km² area of Pakke Tiger Reserve is under three ranges—Seijosa WL Range (458 km²), Tippi WL Range (240 km²), and Rilloh WL Range (157 km²)—and it can be seen that the distribution of area among the ranges is uneven. The ranges are also very large, with very difficult terrain and accessibility issues, which make these unmanageable.
The number of vehicles available in PTR is less than their felt needs. and this may have a negative bearing on many essential functions/duties within PTR.
Arms are available, but their numbers are less than required. This limits the capabilities of PTR to meet various essential protection function requirements.
The presence of invasive species in PTR is a threat to be reckoned with but they are yet to be mapped and monitored.
Although a Rapid Response Team is in place in PTR, the preparedness of the team to meet various exigencies still needs to be strengthened. Similarly, the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF), although already sanctioned by the NTCA and approved in the TCP, is yet to be raised on the ground.
Although there are no human habitations inside the PTR, there are incidences of grazing.
Although PTR was declared a TR in 2002, eco-development committees (EDCs) have not been formed yet, and till now only a few meetings, with local communities, have been conducted for constituting EDCs.
The Local Advisory Committee (LAC) is yet to be constituted for the tiger reserve.
PTR does not have a website of its own. However, it can put more relevant information in the public domain through a website. Currently there is no online booking system for those who are desirous of visiting the tiger reserve.
A detailed plan on carbon storage, carbon capture and carbon loss assessment has been drawn up but is yet to be implemented.

Immediate Actionable Points:

Considering that a large part of PTR is mountainous with serious problems of access and consequent logistical support, it is important that the PTR management review its protection strategy at definite intervals, identify vulnerable areas and plan for appropriate protection measures, including suitably locating anti-poaching camps and making the staff available round the clock.
The PTR management needs to identify tiger bearing areas and plan and implement more intensive protection measures. Although tiger mortality has not been reported, a continuous strict vigil is required.
As the tiger population of PTR is also a function of the migration of the spillover tiger population of Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, it is incumbent upon the management of the TR to create congenial habitat conditions so that the migrating population becomes resident.
Although tigers have been camera trapped and a few pug marks collected, it is also important to collect/document more indirect evidence of tiger presence, such as scratch marks, scats, alarm calls and roars and kills. This would require building the capacity of the staff and regular updating.
It is important to estimate the population of co-predators, other threatened/endangered species like the leopard, clouded leopard, marbled cat and bear in PTR, in addition to the tiger. The state government needs to take up this estimation exercise on priority. Similarly, necessary actions are required for the conservation of the white-winged duck, an endangered species which is endemic to Pakke Tiger Reserve of Arunachal Pradesh and Nameri National Park of Assam, which have a common boundary.
It is imperative for the state government to rationalise the area under each range in PTR, increasing the number of ranges so that each range is smaller and manageable. A similar exercise is also required to augment the number of beats, with each having an area that is within manageable limits.
The number of vehicles available in PTR is less than the felt need and needs augmentation. The shortage of vehicles may have a negative bearing on many essential functions/duties within PTR. Therefore, the state government/NTCA may consider providing additional vehicles to the TR. Additionally, the PTR management may also make efforts to convince donors to donate vehicles for the noble cause of wildlife as has been done by the Airports Authority of India.
The state government/NTCA may take appropriate action to augment the protection capabilities of PTR by providing additional arms for effective discharge of the protection function by the staff.
Considering the presence of invasive species in PTR, it is imperative for the management to first map them and then start operations to eliminate them. This will require continuous monitoring as well. The state government/NTCA will have to commit funds for this important activity till it is taken to its logical conclusion.
The PTR management may review the preparedness of its Rapid Response Team (RRT) to respond to various exigencies. Also, it is incumbent upon the state government to take immediate steps to raise the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) at the earliest as the same has already been sanctioned by the NTCA. This will further strengthen the protection of PTR.
Although the anti-poaching camps of Pakke Tiger Reserve are well equipped, the management may consider preparing an ideal/model list of items/equipment required for each of the anti-poaching camps to facilitate longer stays of the staff by providing all these items.
Considering the impact of grazing in a TR, like the spread of various diseases from domestic animals to wild animals and competition for fodder, the PTR management needs to take immediate steps to curb grazing for the long-term health of the TR.
Even though there are no villages inside the reserve, the support of fringe area communities will always remain vital for the long-term conservation of this TR. Therefore, the PTR management should take immediate steps for establishing eco-development committees (EDCs) for fringe-area villages in a phased manner and make these functional. PTR should also encourage the formation of self-help groups (SHGs) of rural poor women in these villages so that they can take up livelihood augmentation activities.
The state government may take appropriate actions to notify Local Advisory Committees (LACs) for the tiger reserves at the earliest.
PTR already has a Facebook page and Instagram account as well as its own website. But not all the information is available for the public on this website. TCP, financial reports and all research cum monitoring reports need to be put up on the website. The website should also initiate an online booking system for those who are desirous of visiting the TR.
The proximity of KTR to Tezpur town, and the present infrastructure available are ideal for developing and marketing it as a conference destination. Developing this idea, including encouragement of home stay facilities, would also mean providing more livelihood opportunities for the local population. This would further strengthen the ties between the communities and Pakke Tiger Reserve.
The PTR management needs to implement the detailed plan prepared on carbon storage, carbon capture and carbon loss assessment.

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Pakke Tiger Reserve

Introduction

Management Strengths:

Management Weaknesses:

Immediate Actionable Points:

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