Protest of Idu Mishmis over Proposed Tiger Reserve | 11 Apr 2023

Why in News?

Recently, National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) announced that the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh would soon be notified as a tiger reserve.

• This move has caused unrest among the Idu Mishmi tribe who feel that a tiger reserve would “hinder their access” to the forest.

Who are the Idu Mishmis ?

• Idu Mishmi is a sub-tribe of the Mishmi group in Arunachal Pradesh and neighbouring Tibet, primarily living in the Mishmi Hills bordering Tibet.
  • Their ancestral homelands are spread over the districts of Dibang Valley and Lower Dibang Valley as well as parts of Upper Siang and Lohit.
• They are known for their weaving and craftsmanship skills and are estimated to comprise around 12,000 people (as per census 2011).
• Their language, also called Idu Mishmi, is considered endangered by UNESCO.
• The tribe has strong ties with the region's rich flora and fauna, and their animist tradition led to unique wildlife conservation practices.
• Tigers are particularly important to the tribe, and according to their mythology, tigers are their elder brothers.

What are the Key Facts about Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary?

• Location: The Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh in India.
  • The sanctuary is named after the Dibang River, which flows through it.
• Biodiversity hotspot:
  • It is considered a biodiversity hotspot and is part of the Eastern Himalayas Endemic Bird Area.
• Flora:
  • The sanctuary has a diverse range of flora, including tropical evergreen forests, subtropical broadleaf forests, alpine meadows, and subalpine coniferous forests.
  • Some of the important tree species found here include oak, rhododendron, bamboo, and fir.
• Fauna:
  • The Sanctuary is home to several rare and endangered species of animals, including the Mishmi takin, musk deer, goral, clouded leopard, snow leopard, and tiger.
  • It is also home to several bird species such as the Satyr tragopan, Blyth's tragopan, and Temminck's tragopan.
• People:
  • The sanctuary is home to several indigenous communities, such as Idu Mishmi.
• Conservation efforts:
  • The Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary was notified in 1998 to protect its rich biodiversity.
  • Over the years, several conservation efforts have been undertaken, including mapping the tiger habitat and counting tigers in the area.
  • The proposal to declare the sanctuary as a tiger reserve is part of these efforts.
• Threats:
  • The Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary is facing several threats, including habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.
  • The proposed tiger reserve is expected to provide better protection to the sanctuary's wildlife and their habitat.

What are the Other Protected Areas in Arunachal Pradesh?

• Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Namdapha National Park
• Mouling National Park
• Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Eagle Nest Wildlife Sanctuary.

Source: IE