Data Zone
Site description (2004 baseline):
AVIFAUNA: More than 150 species of bird have been identified by Kaul et al. (2001) from this site. Murlen NP is located in a region which is considered Eastern Himalayas Endemic Bird Area. In this EBA, 21 restricted range or endemic species have been identified by BirdLife International (undated). The Grey Sibia Heterophasia gracilis and White-naped Yuhina Yuhina bakeri, two restricted range species, have been seen (Kaul et al. 2001) but more are likely to occur. Therefore, this IBA qualifies A2 criteria. However, the most important species for which this site has been selected is the Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant Syrmaticus humiae. According to Choudhury (2002), Champhai and Saiha are the main districts in Mizoram where this species occurs. Champhai district alone accounts for about 61% (about 800 sq. km) of the total potential habitat. Choudhury (2002) recorded this species from 12 new sites in Mizoram. Kaleej Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos and Grey Peacock Pheasant Polyplectron bicalcaratum are the two common pheasants in this IBA. Kaul et al. (1996) encountered them frequently all over the Park. The Hill Partridge Arborophila torqueola and Rufous-throated Partridge A. rufogularis are also common. The Mountain Bamboo Partridge Bambusicola fytchii (Choudhury 2002) is very common, sometimes seen near villages also. A globally threatened species that is likely to occur in this IBA is the Dark-rumped or Khasi Hills Swift Apus acuticauda. Although none were seen during a recent survey, Ahmed et al. (2001) found good potential habitats for this species.They found a number of Apus pacificus and Apus apus, but no Apus acuticauda. A cliff located inside the evergreen patch of forest, however, needs to be surveyed during April-May as it seems to be a potential habitat for Dark-rumped Swift (Ahmed et al. 2001). The name Murlem means place of swifts in the Mizo language. BirdLife International (undated) has listed 95 bird species in Biome-8 (Sino-Himalayan Subtropical Forest). According to Kaul et al. (2001), 34 species of Biome-8 are found here. However detailed study may reveal more species of this biome, and other biomes. For example, in Biome-9 (Indo-Chinese Tropical Moist Forest), BirdLife International (undated) has listed 19 species, of which four have been identified from this IBA.
OTHER KEY FAUNA: The major mammals of Murlen NP are the Barking Deer Muntiacus muntjak, Sambar Cervus unicolor, Wild Boar Sus scrofa, Malayan Giant Squirrel Ratufa bicolor, Hoary-bellied Squirrel Callosciurus pygerythrus, Pallas’s Squirrel C. erythraeus, Capped Langur Trachypithecus pileatus, Assamese Macaque Macaca assamensis, Stump-tailed Macaque M. arctoides, Hoolock Gibbon Hylobates hoolock and Yellow-throated Marten Martes flavigula.
Charaching and timber cutting are the major problems. The villagers exert tremendous pressure on the Park. However, there is an opportunity to change their attitude by awareness programmes and by showing them the benefits of the Park. Environmental education is urgently required, along with proper long-term studies on the general biodiversity inventory, along with specific projects (e.g. on Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant and Dark-rumped Swift). Owing to its location close to the Indo-Myanmar border, trade in Asiatic Black Bear parts, including flesh, is prevalent and the products go to Myanmar. Murlen NP, which contains some of the higher known hills of Mizoram constitutes an important region that has apparently not been given adequate attention by the Government. In terms of conservation of Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant and possibly the Blyth’s Tragopan, this site is of high conservation value and needs better protection (Kaul et al. 1996).
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Murlen National Park (India). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/murlen-national-park-iba-india on 23/12/2024.