Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh – Complete Guide with Exam MCQs

Introduction

Located in the Lower Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh, Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary is a pristine forested haven known for its vibrant biodiversity and untouched beauty. Established in 1980, this sanctuary spans over 281.5 sq km and is an integral part of the Eastern Himalayas' biodiversity hotspot. Home to rare wildlife species and the scenic Mehao Lake, this sanctuary is a must-know for nature lovers and competitive exam aspirants alike.

Location of Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary

Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Roing, the district headquarters of Lower Dibang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh. The sanctuary lies at altitudes ranging from 400 to 3,000 meters above sea level, offering a mixed landscape of subtropical to temperate forests.

• District: Lower Dibang Valley
• Nearest Town: Roing (17 km away)
• State: Arunachal Pradesh
• Total Area: 281.5 sq km

History and Establishment of Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary was officially established in 1980 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. It was created to protect the rich floral and faunal diversity of the Eastern Himalayan region, particularly endangered species such as the clouded leopard and Mishmi takin.

Flora and Fauna

Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary boasts a rich vegetation range, from tropical evergreen to temperate broadleaf forests. Common tree species include Hollock, Hollong, Gamari, and Nahor.

Key Wildlife Species:

• Clouded Leopard
• Hoolock Gibbon
• Mishmi Takin
• Red Panda
• Tiger and Leopard
• Himalayan Black Bear
• Hornbills and Pheasants

Mehao Lake: A Natural Jewel

At the heart of the sanctuary lies the serene Mehao Lake, spread across approximately 4 sq km. Surrounded by dense forests and misty ridges, it is a major tourist attraction and adds ecological diversity to the sanctuary.

Tribal Communities and Local Culture

The Idu Mishmi tribe inhabits the area around Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary. Deeply connected to the land, they have spiritual and cultural links with the forest. Their traditional knowledge contributes to conservation and biodiversity protection.

Eco-Tourism and Activities

Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary offers visitors an untouched natural experience. Popular activities for tourists and researchers include:

• Bird Watching
• Trekking to Mehao Lake
• Wildlife Photography
• Exploring Tribal Culture and Lifestyle

How to Reach Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary

• By Air: Nearest airport is Dibrugarh (Assam), approximately 148 km from Roing.
• By Rail: Tinsukia is the nearest railway station, about 130 km away.
• By Road: Well-connected to Roing via regular bus and taxi services from Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, and Itanagar.

FAQs about Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary

In which year was Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary established?

A: 1980

What is the main attraction inside Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary?

A: Mehao Lake

Which tribe is native to the Mehao region?

A: Idu Mishmi tribe

Which big cats are found in Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary?

A: Tiger, Leopard, and Clouded Leopard

In which district is Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary located?

A: Lower Dibang Valley

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) on Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary

1. Where is Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary located?

A) Lohit

B) West Kameng

C) Lower Dibang Valley

D) Changlang

Answer: C) Lower Dibang Valley

2. In which year was Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary established?

A) 1978

B) 1980

C) 1985

D) 1990

Answer: B) 1980

3. What is the total area of Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary?

A) 200 sq km

B) 400 sq km

C) 281.5 sq km

D) 150 sq km

Answer: C) 281.5 sq km

4. Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary is nearest to which town?

A) Pasighat

B) Roing

C) Tezu

D) Dambuk

Answer: B) Roing

5. Which of the following lakes is located inside the sanctuary?

A) Shonga-tser Lake

B) Sela Lake

C) Mehao Lake

D) Glow Lake

Answer: C) Mehao Lake

6. Which tribe is native to the Mehao region?

A) Apatani

B) Nyishi

C) Idu Mishmi

D) Tagin

Answer: C) Idu Mishmi

7. Which of the following animals is found in Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary?

A) Asiatic Lion

B) Clouded Leopard

C) Kangaroo

D) Sloth Bear

Answer: B) Clouded Leopard

8. What type of forest is found in Mehao Sanctuary?

A) Tropical Dry Deciduous

B) Mangrove

C) Evergreen and Temperate

D) Desert Thorn

Answer: C) Evergreen and Temperate

9. Which species is a rare ungulate found here?

A) Nilgai

B) Indian Bison

C) Mishmi Takin

D) Sambar Deer

Answer: C) Mishmi Takin

10. Under which act was the sanctuary declared?

A) Forest Conservation Act, 1980

B) Environmental Protection Act, 1986

C) Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

D) Biodiversity Act, 2002

Answer: C) Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

11. Which of the following birds is commonly seen here?

A) Flamingo

B) Peacock

C) Hornbill

D) Sarus Crane

Answer: C) Hornbill

12. What is the altitude range of Mehao Sanctuary?

A) 100–300 m

B) 2000–4000 m

C) 400–3000 m

D) 100–1000 m

Answer: C) 400–3000 m

13. Mehao Lake is formed due to?

A) Volcanic eruption

B) Earthquake

C) Glacial movement

D) Landslide

Answer: D) Landslide

14. Which big cat is found in Mehao Sanctuary?

A) Lion

B) Tiger

C) Leopard

D) Both B and C

Answer: D) Both B and C

15. Which of these is a threat to the sanctuary?

A) Mining

B) Urbanization

C) Poaching

D) All of the above

Answer: D) All of the above

16. Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary is part of which global biodiversity hotspot?

A) Indo-Burma

B) Western Ghats

C) Eastern Himalayas

D) Sundaland

Answer: C) Eastern Himalayas

17. Which endangered primate is found in Mehao Sanctuary?

A) Golden Langur

B) Rhesus Macaque

C) Hoolock Gibbon

D) Capped Langur

Answer: C) Hoolock Gibbon

18. Which conservation authority manages Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary?

A) Forest Survey of India

B) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

C) Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department

D) Indian Board for Wildlife

Answer: C) Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department

19. What is the name of the forest division under which Mehao Sanctuary falls?

A) Tawang Forest Division

B) Roing Forest Division

C) Pasighat Forest Division

D) Tezu Forest Division

Answer: B) Roing Forest Division

20. Which of the following is not commonly found in Mehao Sanctuary?

A) Red Panda

B) Hornbill

C) One-horned Rhinoceros

D) Himalayan Black Bear

Answer: C) One-horned Rhinoceros

21. Which nearby sanctuary is located to the east of Mehao Sanctuary?

A) Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary

B) Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary

C) Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary

D) Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary

Answer: A) Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary

22. Which of the following rivers flows near Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary?

A) Lohit River

B) Subansiri River

C) Dibang River

D) Siang River

Answer: C) Dibang River

23. The Mehao Lake inside the sanctuary is known for being:

A) Artificially created for tourism

B) A volcanic crater lake

C) Tectonic origin lake

D) Natural lake formed by a landslide

Answer: D) Natural lake formed by a landslide

24. Which season is best for visiting Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary?

A) Summer (May–July)

B) Monsoon (July–September)

C) Post-Monsoon (October–March)

D) Winter (December–January)

Answer: C) Post-Monsoon (October–March)

25. Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary contributes to:

A) Industrial development

B) Biodiversity conservation

C) Oil and gas exploration

D) Airport expansion

Answer: B) Biodiversity conservation

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

Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most significant ecological and cultural assets of Arunachal Pradesh. With its unique combination of biodiversity, scenic beauty, and indigenous knowledge, it offers both educational and adventurous value to every visitor or exam aspirant.

Tags:

Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh Sanctuaries, Wildlife in Roing, Idu Mishmi tribe, Mehao Lake, Biodiversity in Arunachal, Eastern Himalayas Forests, APPSC Environment GK, Wildlife MCQs for Exams, Protected Areas in Northeast India

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