Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary - Detailed Notes and 20+ MCQs for Competitive Exams

Introduction

Nestled in the capital region of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most accessible and ecologically important protected areas in the Northeast. Spanning over 140.30 sq. km, it offers a haven for biodiversity within close proximity to Itanagar city. Known for its rich forests, bird species, and moderate elevation, the sanctuary is a hotspot for eco-tourism, academic research, and competitive exam preparation.

Location and Geography

• District: Papum Pare
• State: Arunachal Pradesh
• Altitude: 200 m to 600 m above sea level
• Nearest City: Itanagar (within city limits)
• Area: 140.30 square kilometers
• Boundaries: Pachin River in the west, Neerko River in the east

History and Establishment

Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary was notified in the year 1978 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, to protect the natural forest ecosystems near the growing capital region. It is managed by the Department of Environment and Forests, Government of Arunachal Pradesh.

Flora and Fauna

The sanctuary boasts tropical semi-evergreen and evergreen forests with thick vegetation and biodiversity.

Flora includes:

• Bamboo groves
• Evergreen shrubs and medicinal herbs
• Large tree species like Terminalia, Michelia, and Albizia

Fauna includes:

• Barking deer, macaques, and civets
• Over 200 species of birds, including hornbills, woodpeckers, and barbets
• Reptiles such as monitor lizards and pythons

Tribal Role and Cultural Importance

The Nyishi and other tribes in the region have traditionally coexisted with nature. Their conservation-friendly customs and ecological knowledge are vital for sustainable management of the sanctuary.

Eco-Tourism and Activities

• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks and Forest Trails
• Eco-learning Programs
• Photography and Tribal Cultural Visit.

How to Reach Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary

• By Air: Lilabari Airport (Assam), 67 km from Itanagar
• By Rail: Naharlagun Railway Station, 15 km from Itanagar
• By Road: Easily accessible via NH-415 from Tezpur, Guwahati

Top 20 MCQs on Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary for Competitive Exams – With Answers

1. In which year was Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary established?

A) 1982

B) 1975

C) 1978

D) 1985

Answer: C) 1978

2. What is the total area of Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary?

A) 125.40 sq. km

B) 140.30 sq. km

C) 160.50 sq. km

D) 135.00 sq. km

Answer: B) 140.30 sq. km

3. Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary lies in which district?

A) Tawang

B) West Kameng

C) Papum Pare

D) East Siang

Answer: C) Papum Pare

4. Which river marks the western boundary of the sanctuary?

A) Kameng River

B) Subansiri River

C) Pachin River

D) Dikrong River

Answer: C) Pachin River

5. What is the altitude range of the sanctuary?

A) 300 m – 700 m

B) 100 m – 400 m

C) 200 m – 600 m

D) 500 m – 1000 m

Answer: C) 200 m – 600 m

6. Which state is home to Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary?

A) Nagaland

B) Assam

C) Arunachal Pradesh

D) Meghalaya

Answer: C) Arunachal Pradesh

7. Which major city is nearest to the sanctuary?

A) Ziro

B) Bomdila

C) Itanagar

D) Roing

Answer: C) Itanagar

8. What type of forest is found in Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary?

A) Alpine Forest

B) Tropical Evergreen and Semi-evergreen

C) Dry Deciduous

D) Mangrove Forest

Answer: B) Tropical Evergreen and Semi-evergreen

9. Which bird species is commonly found here?

A) Kingfisher

B) Indian Eagle

C) Great Hornbill

D) Sparrow

Answer: C) Great Hornbill

10. Which tribe is associated with the region?

A) Adi

B) Apatani

C) Nyishi

D) Monpa

Answer: C) Nyishi

11. What is the best season to visit Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary?

A) June to August

B) October to April

C) May to July

D) March to May

Answer: B) October to April

12. Which airport is nearest to Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary?

A) Dibrugarh Airport

B) Guwahati Airport

C) Lilabari Airport

D) Ziro Airport

Answer: C) Lilabari Airport

13. Which mammal is commonly found in the sanctuary?

A) Red Panda

B) Indian Bison

C) Barking Deer

D) Sloth Bear

Answer: C) Barking Deer

14. How far is Naharlagun Railway Station from Itanagar?

A) 5 km

B) 15 km

C) 25 km

D) 35 km

Answer: B) 15 km

15. Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary is protected under which Act?

A) Indian Forest Act, 1927

B) Forest Conservation Act, 1980

C) Biodiversity Act, 2002

D) Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

Answer: D) Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

16. Which activity is promoted for tourists in the sanctuary?

A) River rafting

B) Mountain climbing

C) Bird Watching

D) Paragliding

Answer: C) Bird Watching

17. Which reptile species may be found in the sanctuary?

A) Crocodile

B) Monitor Lizard

C) Gharial

D) Python

Answer: B) Monitor Lizard

18. What makes Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary unique?

A) It is the largest sanctuary in Arunachal

B) It has desert habitat

C) It is a biodiversity hotspot near an urban city

D) It contains glaciers

Answer: C) It is a biodiversity hotspot near an urban city

19. Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary is ideal for which type of learners?

A) Adventure seekers

B) Business travelers

C) Competitive exam learners and eco-tourists

D) Pilgrimage tourists

Answer: C) Competitive exam learners and eco-tourists

20. Who manages the Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary?

A) Ministry of Tourism

B) Wildlife Institute of India

C) Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department

D) Indian Botanical Society

Answer: C) Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department

Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary - Complete Guide for Tourists and Students

Where is Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary Located?

Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Papum Pare district of Arunachal Pradesh. It lies near the capital city, Itanagar, making it easily accessible for tourists and wildlife researchers.

When Was Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary Established?

The sanctuary was officially notified in the year 1978 under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, to conserve the rich flora and fauna of the region.

What is the Total Area of Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary?

Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 140.30 square kilometers. It spans from the Senki River in the east to the Pachin River in the west, offering diverse forest habitats.

Which Animals and Birds Are Found in Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary?

The sanctuary is home to many rare and endangered species including elephants, barking deer, leopards, and macaques. It also shelters a wide variety of birds like hornbills, barbets, and woodpeckers.

Is Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary a Good Place for Tourism?

Yes, Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary is a serene and scenic destination perfect for eco-tourism. It attracts nature lovers, bird watchers, and photographers. The proximity to Itanagar city makes it a convenient day-trip location.

Best Time to Visit Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary

The best time to visit Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary is between October and April when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are more frequent.

Tribes and Cultural Importance Around the Sanctuary

The sanctuary is surrounded by tribal communities like the Nyishi tribe. These communities have a deep cultural and spiritual connection with the forest, making the region rich in indigenous knowledge and traditions.

Conservation Challenges and Management of the Sanctuary

Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary faces challenges such as encroachment, deforestation, and hunting. The Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department has undertaken conservation efforts including patrolling, awareness campaigns, and community engagement.

All List of Wildlife Sanctuaries in Arunachal Pradesh

Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary - MCQs and Details

Situated in the Lohit district, Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary was declared in 1974. It lies close to Namdapha National Park and is rich in tropical evergreen forests. The sanctuary supports diverse wildlife, including tigers, elephants, leopards, and a wide range of bird species. Read more

Pakke (Pakhui) Wildlife Sanctuary - MCQs and Details

Situated in the East Kameng district, Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1977 and later became part of Pakke Tiger Reserve. It has received national recognition for its community-based conservation and is home to tigers, hornbills, and a wide range of butterflies and reptiles. Read more

Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary - MCQs and Details

Established in 1978, Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Papum Pare district, surrounding the state capital, Itanagar. It covers forested hills and is known for Hoolock Gibbons, leopards, and a wide variety of birds and butterflies. Read more

Daying Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary - MCQs and Details

This sanctuary lies in the East Siang district and was established in 1978. This sanctuary was formerly known as the Lali Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread across riverine islands of the Siang River, it is well-known for attracting a large number of migratory birds, including cranes and wild ducks, during winter months. Read more

Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary - MCQs and Details

Situated in the Lohit district, Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary was declared in 1974. It lies close to Namdapha National Park and is rich in tropical evergreen forests. The sanctuary supports diverse wildlife, including tigers, elephants, leopards, and a wide range of bird species. Read more

Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary - MCQs and Details

Located in the West Kameng district, Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary was notified in 1989. It is one of the world’s top birding destinations, home to rare species such as the Bugun Liocichla, Ward’s Trogon, and Himalayan Monal. Its altitudinal diversity makes it ecologically rich. Read more

Sessa Orchid Wildlife Sanctuary - MCQs and Details

Also situated in West Kameng district, the Sessa Orchid Sanctuary was established in 1989. This sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation of over 200 orchid species, many of which are endemic. It supports diverse butterfly and bird populations as well. Read more

Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary - MCQs and Details

Located in Upper Dibang Valley district, the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1992. It is one of the largest high-altitude sanctuaries in Arunachal Pradesh, known for rare species like the Mishmi Takin, Red Goral, Snow Leopard, and Musk Deer. This sanctuary forms part of the Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot. Read more

Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary - MCQs and Details

Located in the Lower Subansiri district, Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary was notified in 1995. It conserves subtropical and temperate broadleaf forests, offering habitat to arboreal mammals, birds, and rare flora. The sanctuary is also a part of cultural heritage for local tribes. Read more

Kane Wildlife Sanctuary - MCQs and Details

Kane Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the West Siang district and was declared a sanctuary in 2000. It features tropical evergreen and subtropical forests and is known for species like the Clouded Leopard, barking deer, and Himalayan black bear. Read more

Limeking (Lemeking) Wildlife Sanctuary (Proposed) – Upper Subansiri District

ocated in the remote Upper Subansiri district, near the villages of Limeking and Gelemo, this proposed Wildlife Sanctuary is part of a pristine frontier region adjacent to the Tibetan border. Though it has not yet received official notification, several district‑level sources and ecotourism reports refer to this area informally as the “Lemeking Wildlife Sanctuary.” If officially declared, it would become the 11th Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh, further enhancing protection for this biologically significant region.

Conclusion

Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary is not just a biodiversity hotspot but also a peaceful retreat for tourists and nature enthusiasts. Its proximity to the capital city, scenic beauty, and wildlife richness make it a must-visit location in Arunachal Pradesh.

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