Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary - MCQs and Answers

Pakke (Pakhui) Wildlife Sanctuary detailed notes and over 20 important MCQs for competitive exams. Perfect for APSSB, SSC, APPSC and state-level exams

Pakke (Pakhui) Wildlife Sanctuary FAQs

Pakke (Pakhui) Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh

pakke_wildlife_sanctuary_image_by_pingko_Arunachal_pradesh

Introduction

Nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary, is one of the most pristine and biologically rich protected areas in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Spanning over 862 square kilometers, this sanctuary is a haven for nature lovers, wildlife photographers, and conservationists alike. It is best known for its efforts in hornbill conservation and serves as a critical habitat for several endangered species.

Location and Geography

District: Pakke Kessang (previously part of East Kameng)
State: Arunachal Pradesh
Geographical Coordinates: 92°36' – 93°09'E and 26°54' – 27°16'N
Altitude Range: 150 – 2000 meters above sea level
Nearest Town: Seijosa
Connectivity: Accessible from Tezpur (Assam), about 60 km via road

Pakke lies along the foothills bordering Assam’s Nameri National Park and forms part of the larger Kameng Protected Area Complex.

History and Establishment

Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in: 1977
Managed by: Department of Environment and Forests, Government of Arunachal Pradesh
Notified under: Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

Pakke was later recognized as a Tiger Reserve in 2002 under the Project Tiger initiative and renamed as Pakke Tiger Reserve.

Flora: Verdant Greenery and Forest Ecosystems

Pakke's forest type includes:

Semi-evergreen forests
Tropical evergreen forests
Bamboo groves
Riparian forests

The area boasts over 343 tree species, with key genera like Terminalia, Dipterocarpus, Michelia, and Albizia. Medicinal plants and orchids are abundant, making it a botanical treasure.

Fauna: A Paradise for Wildlife Enthusiasts

Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary is a biodiversity hotspot with over:

40 species of mammals
300+ bird species
30 reptile species
20 amphibian species
500+ butterfly species

Notable Wildlife Includes:

Big Mammals: Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, clouded leopard, Himalayan black bear, barking deer
Birds: Great hornbill, wreathed hornbill, oriental pied hornbill, white-winged wood duck
Reptiles: King cobra, Assam roofed turtle
Primates: Rhesus macaque, capped langur, Assamese macaque

Hornbill Conservation at Pakke

Pakke is India’s first community-based conservation initiative for hornbills. Locals, especially the Nyishi tribe, have played a pivotal role in protecting these birds.

The Hornbill Nest Adoption Programme (HNAP) has been internationally recognized. The sanctuary hosts four species of hornbills, making it one of the best hornbill habitats in Asia.

Eco-Tourism and Activities

Pakke promotes low-impact eco-tourism while involving local communities.

Popular Activities:

Bird watching and hornbill trails
Jungle safaris and nature walks
Butterfly watching
Tribal cultural exploration

Best Time to Visit:

October to April – Ideal weather for wildlife viewing and photography.

Why Pakke Matters

Pakke Tiger Reserve stands as a model of successful conservation through collaboration between forest departments and indigenous communities. It is not just a sanctuary, but a symbol of hope, resilience, and harmony with nature.

How to Reach Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary

By Air: Nearest airport is Tezpur (Salonibari Airport), about 60 km away.
By Rail: Tezpur Railway Station is the closest railhead.
By Road: Accessible via Tezpur–Seijosa road through Assam. Taxis and buses are available.

Conclusion

Pakke (Pakhui) Wildlife Sanctuary is a biodiverse haven, ideal for eco-tourism and conservation education. Its rich wildlife, especially the hornbills, and the active participation of local communities make it a must-visit protected area in Arunachal Pradesh. A perfect blend of adventure and awareness awaits those who step into its lush green expanse.

Where Exactly is Pakke (Pakhui) Wildlife Sanctuary Located in Arunachal Pradesh?

Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary, also called Pakhui, is located in Pakke Kessang district of Arunachal Pradesh. It lies in the Eastern Himalayan foothills, bordering Assam’s Nameri National Park. The nearest town is Seijosa, easily accessible from Tezpur (Assam), making it a convenient entry point for travelers.

Best Time to Visit Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary – When Should You Go?

The ideal time to visit is from October to April. This period offers:

Comfortable weather
Better chances to spot hornbills, elephants, and other wildlife
Clear trails for nature walks and jungle treks

Avoid the monsoon (June–September) due to heavy rains and slippery routes.

Do You Know When Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary Was Established?

Yes, Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1977 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. In 2002, it gained the status of Pakke Tiger Reserve, making it a key part of India’s Project Tiger conservation efforts.

Is Pakke Really a Tiger Reserve? Here’s What You Should Know

Absolutely! Since 2002, Pakke has been a Tiger Reserve. Though elusive, Bengal tigers inhabit the area, supported by rich prey and dense forest. It forms part of the Kameng Elephant Reserve and plays a role in cross-border wildlife movement with Nameri and Kaziranga.

Why is Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary World-Famous for Hornbill Conservation?

Pakke is globally recognized for its Hornbill Nest Adoption Programme (HNAP). Four species of hornbills thrive here:

Great Hornbill
Wreathed Hornbill
Oriental Pied Hornbill
Rufous-necked Hornbill

Local Nyishi tribes shifted from hunting hornbills to protecting them—a revolutionary model in community conservation.

What Animals and Birds Can You Spot in Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary?

Pakke is home to an impressive range of species:

Mammals: Tiger, clouded leopard, elephant, civet, barking deer
Birds: 300+ species including hornbills, woodpeckers, and eagles
Butterflies: 500+ species
Reptiles: King cobra, monitor lizards
Amphibians & Insects: Diverse and largely undocumented—perfect for nature researchers!

What Type of Forest is Found in Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary?

Pakke has a mix of:

Subtropical evergreen forest
Moist deciduous forest
Riverine and bamboo forest

This ecosystem supports both tropical and subtropical species, including rare orchids and medicinal plants.

How to Reach Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary from Assam and Arunachal Pradesh?

From Assam (Tezpur):

Travel by road to Seijosa (60 km)
Local cabs and buses available

From Arunachal (Itanagar):

Route via Bhalukpong to Seijosa

Note: Indian tourists require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Arunachal Pradesh.

Road, Rail or Air – What’s the Easiest Way to Visit Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary?

By Air: Tezpur Airport (Salonibari) – nearest airport
By Rail: Tezpur Railway Station
By Road: Best option—drive or hire a cab from Tezpur to Seijosa (2 hours)

Tip: Carry ID proofs and permits. Fuel and food options are limited in the forest buffer zone.

Is Pakke Safe and Tourist-Friendly for First-Time Visitors?

Yes! Pakke is:

Safe for solo and group travelers
Managed by trained forest staff
Offers basic eco-lodges and forest rest houses
Guided jungle walks enhance safety and wildlife learning

Always inform the forest department before trekking or camping.

How Are Tribal Communities Protecting Wildlife at Pakke?

The local Nyishi tribe once used hornbill beaks in traditional headgear. Today, they lead hornbill protection via:

Nest adoption programs
Community forest patrols
Conservation education

Pakke is India’s first tribal-driven wildlife success story, admired by ecologists worldwide.

10 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary

Established in 1977
Declared a Tiger Reserve in 2002
Requires an Inner Line Permit (ILP)
Best visited from October to April
Known for Hornbill conservation
Home to over 300 bird species
Forest type: Evergreen and bamboo
Local tribes like Nyishi are involved in protection
Entry point: Seijosa town
Ideal for eco-tourism and wildlife photography

Pakke vs Pakhui – What’s the Real Name of This Sanctuary?

"Pakhui" is the traditional name.
"Pakke" is the anglicized name used more in tourism and signage.
Both refer to the same sanctuary, officially known today as Pakke Tiger Reserve.

What Makes Pakke One of the Best Wildlife Sanctuaries in India?

Pakke stands out due to:

Community-led conservation
Hornbill diversity
Rich Himalayan flora and fauna
Low-tourism impact eco-travel
Success stories in tribal collaboration and biodiversity preservation

It’s a must-visit for wildlife lovers, researchers, and anyone seeking an authentic connection with nature.

Top 20 MCQs on Pakke (Pakhui) Wildlife Sanctuary for Competitive Exams – With Answers"

1. In which year was Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary declared a Tiger Reserve?

A) 1999

B) 2002

C) 2005

D) 1987

Answer: B) 2002

2. Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which district of Arunachal Pradesh?

A) Tawang

B) Changlang

C) Pakke Kessang

D) West Kameng

Answer: C) Pakke Kessang

3. Which neighboring national park in Assam borders Pakke Sanctuary?

A) Kaziranga National Park

B) Manas National Park

C) Nameri National Park

D) Orang National Park

Answer: C) Nameri National Park

4. What is the primary conservation initiative that made Pakke famous?

A) Elephant Corridor Project

B) Hornbill Nest Adoption Programme

C) Red Panda Reintroduction Program

D) Forest Fire Control Mission

Answer: B) Hornbill Nest Adoption Programme

5. Which tribe is closely associated with the conservation of hornbills in Pakke?

A) Apatani

B) Adi

C) Nyishi

D) Galo

Answer: C) Nyishi

6. What is the total area of Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary?

A) 500 sq km

B) 625 sq km

C) 862 sq km

D) 910 sq km

Answer: C) 862 sq km

7. Which bird species is not commonly found in Pakke?

A) Great Hornbill

B) Oriental Pied Hornbill

C) Indian Peafowl

D) Wreathed Hornbill

Answer: C) Indian Peafowl

8. When was Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary officially established?

A) 1980

B) 1977

C) 1974

D) 1991

Answer: B) 1977

9. What type of forest is predominant in Pakke?

A) Alpine forest

B) Dry deciduous forest

C) Tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen

D) Mangrove forest

Answer: C) Tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen

10. Which animal is considered an apex predator in Pakke Tiger Reserve?

A) Clouded Leopard

B) Himalayan Black Bear

C) Bengal Tiger

D) Asiatic Lion

Answer: C) Bengal Tiger

11. Which reptile is notably found in Pakke Sanctuary?

A) Gharial

B) Monitor Lizard

C) Olive Ridley Turtle

D) Python molurus

Answer: B) Monitor Lizard

12. What is the best time to visit Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary?

A) May to August

B) January to March

C) October to April

D) July to November

Answer: C) October to April

13. Which permit is required for Indian tourists to enter Pakke in Arunachal?

A) Wildlife Entry Permit

B) Protected Area Permit (PAP)

C) Inner Line Permit (ILP)

D) National Park Access Card

Answer: C) Inner Line Permit (ILP)

14. What type of tourism is promoted at Pakke Sanctuary?

A) Mass tourism

B) Heritage tourism

C) Eco-tourism

D) Religious tourism

Answer: C) Eco-tourism

15. Which butterfly-related activity is popular in Pakke?

A) Butterfly netting

B) Butterfly catching competition

C) Butterfly hunting

D) Butterfly watching

Answer: D) Butterfly watching

16. Which of the following is a primate found in Pakke?

A) Slow Loris

B) Rhesus Macaque

C) Bonnet Macaque

D) Golden Langur

Answer: B) Rhesus Macaque

17. What is the closest major town to Pakke Sanctuary?

A) Ziro

B) Itanagar

C) Seijosa

D) Roing

Answer: C) Seijosa

18. Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary is part of which larger conservation area?

A) Dihing-Patkai Reserve

B) Dibang Biosphere

C) Kameng Protected Area Complex

D) Namdapha Tiger Reserve

Answer: C) Kameng Protected Area Complex

19. Which major river flows near Pakke Sanctuary?

A) Kameng River

B) Subansiri River

C) Siang River

D) Lohit River

Answer: A) Kameng River

20. What makes Pakke globally significant in conservation?

A) Highest tiger density

B) First plastic-free forest zone

C) Community-led hornbill conservation

D) Home to snow leopards

Answer: C) Community-led hornbill conservation

21. In which year was Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary brought under the newly created Pakke Kessang district?

A) 2015

B) 2018

C) 2020

D) 2017

Answer: B) 2018

22. Earlier, Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary was a part of which district in Arunachal Pradesh?

A) Lower Subansiri

B) East Kameng

C) West Kameng

D) Tawang

Answer: B) East Kameng

23. Pakke Kessang district, where Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary is now located, was created by bifurcating which district?

A) East Siang

B) Tirap

C) East Kameng

D) Lohit

Answer: C) East Kameng

Desclaimer

This post is intended for general knowledge and educational use. While we’ve made every effort to ensure accuracy, some information or answers may be incorrect or outdated. We recommend cross-checking with official or updated sources where necessary. If you spot any mistakes or have suggestions for improvement, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below — your feedback is always welcome!