Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary

Context

Sepahijala Zoological Park, located within Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary in Tripura, welcomed three new Royal Bengal tiger cubs in October 2026. The cubs were born around 30–31 August 2026, taking the zoo’s tiger population to seven.

About Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary

1. Location: Tripura, near Agartala.
2. Established: 1972.
3. Area: Approximately 18.53 sq. km.
4. Lakes: Abasarika and Amrit Sagar.
5. Special Feature: The sanctuary includes a zoological park, botanical garden and habitats for several species of birds and mammals.
6. Clouded Leopard National Park
   1. Established: 2007.
   2. It is located within the sanctuary and is known for its clouded leopard enclosure.
   3. It supports the conservation & public awareness of this elusive forest-dwelling wild cat.

Vegetation and Flora

1. Forest Type: Mainly moist deciduous forest.
2. Plant Diversity: Approximately 456 plant species.
3. Major Trees: Sal, Chamal, Garjan and Kanak.
4. Other Flora: Pichla, Kurcha, Aonla, Bahera, Hargaja, Amlaki, bamboo and grasses.

Fauna

1. Mammals: The sanctuary is known for its rich primate diversity and other mammals.
   1. Primates: Rhesus macaque, pig-tailed macaque, capped langur, spectacled langur and slow loris.
   2. Other Mammals: Leopard, clouded leopard, civets, barking deer and wild pig.
   3. Crab-eating Mongoose: The species, reportedly last sighted in the area during the 1930s, has been revived here through conservation efforts.
2. Birds: The sanctuary supports a diverse bird population, including White ibis, Whistling teal, Storks and other wetland birds.

Ecological Significance

1. Primate Conservation: Provides habitat for several primate species, including the spectacled langur.
2. Wildlife Conservation: Supports clouded leopards and other mammals in the forests of Northeast India.
3. Biodiversity: Protects a variety of plant species, birds and animals within a relatively small area.
4. Education and Research: Its zoological park and natural habitats support wildlife awareness, research and conservation education.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Where is Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary located, and when was it established?

Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Agartala in Tripura. It was established in 1972.

Q2. Why was Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary in the news in October 2026?

Sepahijala Zoological Park welcomed three new Royal Bengal tiger cubs, born around 30–31 August 2026. Their arrival increased the zoo’s tiger population to seven.

Q3. What is Clouded Leopard National Park?

Established in 2007, Clouded Leopard National Park is located within Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary. It is known for its clouded leopard enclosure and supports wildlife conservation and public awareness.