Introduction

Dampha is situated in the western part of Mizoram State on the international border with Bangladesh. The reserve consists of moist deciduous forests in the lower reaches and evergreen and semi-evergreen forests with the natural grassland at higher altitudes.

The entire protected area is formed of undulating high and medium hills running from North to South directions with very high precipitous and inaccessible hills. The lower reaches of the area comprises of deep valleys with extensive flat land along the river namely Keisalam, Seling and Aivapui which finally drained into the river Khawthlagtuipui.

There are numerous small perennial rivulets all over the Reserve except upper reaches where water holes-cum salt lick are being constructed at various locations for wild animals. Leaf Monkey is endemic to the Reserve. dampha is a bio-diversity hotspot with variety of flora and fauna of Indo-Malayan Origin

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Conservation History

Dampha was under a Chieftain till 1950 and the main land use at that time was for Jhum (shifting) cultivation in the lower portion. In early 1960s, small hamlets started establishing in the area for intensive shifting cultivation in the lower reaches. This had detrimental effect on the biodiversity of the area. With the objective of conserving the fast disappearing natural treasure, in 1974, was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary. However, due to some minor procedural lapses the Sanctuary had to be re-notified in 1985. The Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1994.

The riverine area towards the east and west along the Khawthland tuipui (also known as the Sazalui or the Tui-lianpui river towards west and the Teirei river towards east) was declared as Reserved Forest in 1952 during District Council period.

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Census  

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Forest Types

Tropical evergreen and Semi-evergreen forests ,Tropical moist deciduous forests , Sub Montane type.

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Major Flora

Bamboos, canes and orchids.

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Major Fauna

Main Species

Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Wild dog, Sambar, Barking Deer, Gaur (Indian Bison), Sloth bear, Hoolock gibbon, Binturong, Porcupine, Slow loris, Jungle cat, Pangolin, Black Bear, Giant squirrel, Common langur, Rhesus macaque, Wild boar, Otter.

Endangered Species

Tiger, Gaur, Clouded Leopard, Elephant, Python, Hoolock gibbon, Slow loris, Serow, Binturong, Wild dog, Flying squirrel.

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Management 

Practices, Achievements and Shortfalls

Habitat improvement by planting utility tree species, development of water holes, creation of fire lines, construction of culvert, patrolling path and providing W/T sets.

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Special Projects  

New Initiatives

Eco-development

Eco-development programme was initiated in the villages surrounding Reserve in 1997-98. Nursery, soil and water conservation, use of non-conventional source of energy, smokeless chullahs, community development, education and awareness campaigns etc. have been taken up under ecodevelopment.

Protection Squads / Patrolling

No strike force has been set up as yet. Protection and patrolling is done through existing staff and daily wagers.

Education and Awareness

Lectures, painting and essay competitions for students are organised.

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Constraints

Human Population

There is no human settlement in the Reserve. There are two BSF camps established in the core area for security reasons. Efforts are being made to shift the camps to the border area.

There are 20 villages around dampha Tiger Reserve, with a population of roughly 10,000 tribals. Their livelihood mostly depends on age-old agriculture system of slash and burn. The requirement of people for firewood, small timber and building materials etc. in adjacent forests is a pressure in the buffer area. However, the pressure is minimal.

Livestock population

The pressure of cattle in the Reserve is minimal and poses no problem.

Grazing

Cattle population in the surrounding villages is very less hence there is negligible grazing pressure.

FIRE

All villages surrounding the Tiger Reserve are practicing Jhum and hence there is always threat of fire in the Reserve during the fire season.

Poaching of fauna and flora

Not a regular phenomena.

Poaching Cases

Criminals and Extremists

The Reserve lies along Indo-Bangladesh border. Of late, there has been a spurt of insurgency activity in the Tiger Reserve. During June, 1997, a Game Watcher was victimised during a routine inspection. The insurgents even snatched away the W/T Handset and a gun. Adequate security to staff of the Reserve is a must.

Diseases

Communicable cattle diseases in the villages around the Reserve is taken care of by the Animal Husbandry department by immunization of cattle through regular vaccination.

Encroachment

Due to migratory population along the International border the Tiger Reserve is under the constant threat of encroachment. Presently, the Tiger Reserve is free from habitation and encroachment.

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Conflicts   

Man-Animal

Wild Elephant and Wild Boar inflict crop damage once in a while outside the Reserve but to a very low scale.

Man-Forest

There is pressure from peripheral villagers for wild food and fuel wood in the buffer area.

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Action Points  

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