Nokrek National Park

Nokrek National Park In Meghalaya, India

Nokrek National Park, located in the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, is a pristine biodiversity hotspot covering 47.48 square kilometers and forms a core part of the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-listed site. Situated at an altitude of 1,412 meters, the park is home to Nokrek Peak, the highest peak in the Garo Hills, and is known for its dense tropical forests, rolling hills, and numerous rivers and streams that make it a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

One of the park’s most significant contributions to global biodiversity is its status as the home of the wild citrus plant, Citrus indica, believed to be the genetic ancestor of modern citrus species, making it a crucial site for botanical research. Nokrek National Park is also a haven for wildlife, with some of the rarest and most endangered species calling it home.

The park is famous for its population of the red panda, one of the most elusive species in India, along with Asian elephants, clouded leopards, marbled cats, golden cats, and Indian bison (gaur). Several primate species, including the stump-tailed macaque and the rare western hoolock gibbon, also thrive in these forests.

The park is equally important for bird conservation, with over 300 species of birds, including the great hornbill, pheasants, and various species of eagles, making it a birdwatcher’s delight. The park’s rich landscape is covered in tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, with thick bamboo groves and rare medicinal plants, further adding to its ecological value.

The Simsang River, which originates in Nokrek, provides fresh water to the surrounding regions and is home to diverse aquatic species, including the endangered mahseer fish. With its incredible biodiversity, unique plant species, and untouched natural beauty, Nokrek National Park stands as one of Northeast India’s most significant conservation areas, attracting scientists, nature lovers, and adventure seekers to witness its ecological wonders.