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

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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