Pakke Tiger Reserve: Highlights
Nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in the Pakke Kessang district of Arunachal Pradesh, Pakke Tiger Reserve (also known as Pakhui) is a biodiversity-rich sanctuary renowned for its dense evergreen forests, steep ridges, and pristine riverine systems. Famous as a model for community-led conservation, Pakke is best known for its thriving populations of hornbills, big cats, and groundbreaking wildlife rescue initiatives.
Reserve Overview
“Where dense Himalayan rainforests resound with the wingbeats of the Great Hornbill.”
- Location: Pakke Kessang District, Arunachal Pradesh (Bordering Assam’s Nameri National Park)
- Area: ~860 sq km of pristine semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests
- Best Time to Visit: November to April (cool, dry weather ideal for wildlife tracking)
- Key Focus: Hornbill conservation, tiger habitat, Asiatic black bear rehabilitation, and Nyishi community eco-tourism.
Core Highlights
1. Land of the Hornbills & the Hornbill Nest Adoption Program
- Four Species of Hornbills: Home to the Great Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, and the rare Rufous-necked Hornbill.
- Award-Winning Community Conservation: Learn about the Hornbill Nest Adoption Program, a pioneering initiative where local Nyishi villagers act as “nest protectors” to safeguard nesting trees from hunting and deforestation.
2. Rich Wildlife & Big Cat Habitat
- Diverse Fauna: Refuge for Bengal tigers, leopards, cloud leopards, elephants, gaurs (Indian bison), caped langurs, and binturongs.
- Birdwatcher’s Paradise: Over 300 bird species recorded, making it a world-renowned destination for birdwatching and photography.
3. Centre for Bear Rehabilitation and Conservation (CBRC)
- Pioneering Sanctuary: Located at the edge of the reserve, CBRC (run by WTI, IFAW, and the AP Forest Department) is India’s premier facility for rescuing, hand-raising, and soft-releasing orphaned Asiatic black bear cubs back into the wild.
4. Eco-Tourism & Nyishi Community Immersion
- Community-Run Homestays: Stay in eco-lodges and bamboo homestays managed by the local community around Seijosa.
- Guided Jungle Walks & Boat Rides: Explore the reserve via guided nature trails along the Pakke River or take river safaris near the Assam-Arunachal border.
