Large herds of feral horses from Dibru-Saikhowa National Park have recently been sighted in the Paglam region of Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Dibang Valley, raising concerns about habitat pressure and ecological change.

What are Feral Horses?

• Feral horses are domesticated horses that have returned to a wild state and survive independently in natural habitats.
• These horses are descendants of domesticated army horses used during World War II, by the British army. 
• After the war, these horses were released into the wild. Over time, these horses adapted and became fully wild. 
• Today, Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is the only national park in India with a large population of feral horses.
• Feral horses are not granted any protection under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, as they are still not considered wild animals.

Why are the Horses Migrating?

• Annual floods of the Brahmaputra are becoming increasingly severe.
• Extensive flooding submerges grazing grounds and reduces food availability.
• Horses are forced to move beyond the park in search of: Food, Shelter, Safer habitats.
• The recent movement into Arunachal Pradesh highlights the growing impact of climate variability and habitat disturbance on wildlife.

Conservation Significance

• The migration serves as an indicator of ecological stress in flood-prone ecosystems.
• Experts have called for scientific studies on:
  • Population dynamics.
  • Habitat use.
  • Feeding behaviour.
  • Long-term conservation needs.
• The presence of feral horses may also promote community-based eco-tourism, generating sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

About Dibru-Saikhowa National Park 

Location

• Located in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts of Assam.
• Situated in the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River.
• Bounded by the Brahmaputra and Siang rivers on the north, Lohit, Dibang and Noa Dihing rivers in the east and Dibru river in the south.
• Forms a unique riverine island ecosystem.
• Average elevation: 118 metres above sea level.

Historical Timeline

• 1890: Declared as Dibru Reserved Forest.
• 1929: Saikhowa declared a separate Reserved Forest.
• 1995: Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary (340 sq km).
• 1997: Declared a Biosphere Reserve (765 sq km).
• 1999: Core area notified as a National Park (340 sq km).

Why is Dibru-Saikhowa Famous?

• • Feral Horses: India’s only national park known for a significant population of feral horses.

• White-winged Wood Duck: One of the world’s rarest ducks.

• State Bird of Assam: Listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

• Ganges River Dolphin (National Aquatic Animal of India): Found in the rivers and wetlands of the park.

Important Fauna

• Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Wild Water Buffalo, Hoolock Gibbon, Clouded Leopard, Chinese Pangoli, Dhole & Slow Loris

Important Birds

• White-winged Wood Duck, Swamp Francolin, Spot-billed Pelican, White-bellied Heron, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Black-necked Stork, Pallas’s Fish Eagle

Flora

• Contains the largest Salix (Willow) swamp forest in Northeast India.
• Major vegetation:
  • Moist semi-evergreen forests.
  • Moist deciduous forests.
  • Bamboo and canebrake forests.
  • Grasslands.
  • Littoral and swamp forests.
• Rich orchid diversity with 35 epiphytic and 8 terrestrial orchid species.

Conservation Significance

• Recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA).
• Part of the globally important Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot.

Exam Hook (Prelims)

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, famous for its feral horse population, is located between two major rivers of Assam?
Answer: Brahmaputra and Lohit.

One-Line Wrap

The movement of feral horses from Dibru-Saikhowa to Arunachal Pradesh reflects both the resilience of wildlife and the growing ecological pressures facing riverine ecosystems in Northeast India.