To conserve these endangered species, a number of special programmes are being implemented by the government. With elephants, bears, wild boars, deer and antelopes, monkeys of different kinds and also a plethora of birds of various sizes and colours, the forests of Tripura have truly become an enchanting abode of sylvan charm.

    The Baramura, Atharomura and Longtorai hill ranges of Tripura are the favourite habitat of elephants. Leaving behind the forest, herds of elephants sometimes came down to human habitats. Such incidents, however, have become very rare nowadays. The number of elephants has also decreased much.

    While describing the Philkhana of Akbar, Abul Fazal in his Ain-e-Akbari, has praised the elephants of Tripura saying - "The best elephants are those of Tipperah". He also enumerated the military prowess of Maharaj Vijoy Manikya, the then king of Tripura, by saying - "This king has an infantry of two lakh, one thousand elephants, but very few horses."

    The spectacled monkey is found only in the forests of Tripura and Assam. A distinct round mark surrounding their eyes just like a spectacle has given them this funny name.They are seen at Sipahijala Bio-complex in the West District and also at Peratia in the South District. The number of these monkeys has increased a bit now, as a result of the endeavours made by the Government to conserve this rare species. They are a major source of attraction for all visitors .

    Of the deer species, kaleswar and barking deer are found in Tripura.They can be seen in all forests of this State. Hunting deer was a favourite pastime of the princes in the bygone days. Though secret poaching of deer for their meat has not stopped till now, hunting of wild animals has somewhat decreased as a result of vigil by the forest guards. The number of barking deer is now increasing in Triprua.

    Like the spectacled monkey, gobos are yet another marvel of Tripura’s forests. These rare beasts resemble the buffaloes. They roam about in groups. They are found on the Paschim Pahar of Rajnagar block in the South District. Attempts have been initiated by the Government to conserve them as well. The Trishna Sanctuary in South Tripura has been set up mainly for saving these animals. Plantations of grass for their food have been taken up. As a result of these conservation measures their number has increased somewhat slowly.

    Tigers are also present in Tripura. They move about on both sides of the forests of Tripura and Chittagong Hill Tract bordering Bangladesh. Besides, leopards, wild boars, bears and small-sized climbing bears, and snakes of various kinds are found in Tripura. Pythons are very common.

    A rare species of wild animal in Tripura is the flying squirrel seen in the Barpathari area of South Tripura. As they can fly short distances, they are known by that name. The chirping of innumerable birds is another attraction of this State. Parrot, doyel, kingfisher, moyna, harichacha, ghu ghu, crane and heron are found in Tripura. Dhanesh is seen on marshy lands adjoining jungles.

    Every year migratory birds from distant lands visit Tripura in search of warmth and food. Many of the species may be seen in Sepahijala, Rudrasasgar and in the lake of College Tilla at Agartala during December-January.

    The people of Tripura are taking an active role in conserving the State’s wildlife.(PIB Features)