Dhansiri–Lungding Elephant Reserve

Dhansiri–Lungding Elephant Reserve is an important elephant conservation landscape in southern Assam. Located within the Karbi Anglong hill ranges, the reserve safeguards extensive tropical forests that support resident elephant populations while maintaining ecological connectivity with neighbouring forests in Nagaland. The reserve plays a significant role in protecting elephant migration routes across the northeastern hill ecosystems.

Location

The reserve lies primarily within Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts of Assam. It extends across the Dhansiri and Lungding river catchments and shares ecological connectivity with protected forests in Nagaland.

Brief History

Dhansiri–Lungding Elephant Reserve was notified under Project Elephant on 17 April 2003. It was created to secure elephant habitats, reduce fragmentation and conserve one of the key elephant corridors of Northeast India.

Description

State: Assam
Notification: 17 April 2003
Total Area: Approximately 2,740 sq km
Biogeographic Zone: North-East Hills
Terrain: Undulating hills, river valleys and dense tropical forests

Landscape & Forest Types

The reserve comprises tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed with bamboo brakes and riverine vegetation. Numerous perennial streams originating in the Karbi Anglong hills provide dependable water sources throughout the year.

Forest Divisions

Karbi Anglong East Forest Division
Karbi Anglong West Forest Division
Southern Assam forest ranges associated with the Dhansiri landscape

Flora

The forests are dominated by Hollong, Nahor, Mekai, Sam, Bonsum, Bamboo, Cane and a rich assemblage of evergreen tree species characteristic of Northeast India.

Fauna

Asian Elephant
Bengal Tiger
Leopard
Clouded Leopard
Dhole (Wild Dog)
Gaur
Sambar
Barking Deer
Wild Boar
Hoolock Gibbon
Capped Langur
Great Hornbill
Several hundred species of birds, reptiles and butterflies

Elephant Conservation

The reserve forms an essential link between Assam and Nagaland elephant habitats. Conserving these corridors enables seasonal elephant movement, promotes genetic exchange between herds and reduces habitat isolation.

Weather

Summer: 22–34°C
Winter: 10–22°C
Average Annual Rainfall: 2,000–3,000 mm

Best Time to Visit

November to April, when weather conditions are pleasant and forest roads are generally accessible.

How to Reach

Nearest Airport: Dimapur (Nagaland)
Nearest Railway Station: Diphu
By Road: Accessible from Diphu, Bokajan and Dimapur via state highways.

Where to Stay

Forest Rest Houses operated by the Assam Forest Department (subject to prior permission)
Government-approved eco-tourism accommodation in the Karbi Anglong region

Nearby Attractions

Kaziranga National Park
East Karbi Anglong forests
Dimapur
Intanki National Park (Nagaland)

Did You Know?

Dhansiri–Lungding Elephant Reserve is a vital ecological bridge between Assam and Nagaland, allowing elephants to move naturally across state boundaries through the Karbi Anglong landscape.

Image Placeholders

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[Map showing Dhansiri–Lungding Elephant Reserve in India]

Last Updated: August 2026