Manipur is known for its diverse landscapes and unique biodiversity. There are 2 national park in Manipur.
1. Keibul Lamjao National Park
- Keibul Lamjao National Park is located in the Bishnupur district of the state of Manipur, India.
- It is situated in the southern part of Loktak Lake, which is the largest freshwater lake in northeastern India and well known for the floating biomass called phumdis. Phumdis are circular floating mats of vegetation that support the park’s flora and fauna.
- It is the only floating national park in the world.
- It is renowned for being the last natural refuge of the endangered Sangai (Manipur brow-antlered deer or dancing deer).
- In 1966, Keibul Lamjao Sanctuary was established to protect the Sangai deer and its habitat.
- In 1977, Keibul Lamjao Sanctuary was upgraded to the status of a national park.
- In 1990, Keibul Lamjao National Park was designated as a Ramsar Site.
- In 1993, the park was listed under the Montreux Record, “a record of Ramsar sites where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur”
- Area: The park covers an area of approximately 40 square kilometers (15 square miles). Park area is an integral part of Loktak Lake.
- River: Manipur River passes through the park.
- Tribe: The area is inhabited by various ethnic communities and tribes. One significant tribe associated with the region is the Meitei community.
- Flora: Phumdi Vegetation, Aquatic Plants (lotus, water lilies, water hyacinth, water ferns), Marshland Flora (bulrushes, cattails, marsh marigold), Riparian Vegetation (willows, reed mace, bamboo, wild roses, and other shrubs), Terrestrial Forests (oak, bamboo, pine, and other deciduous and evergreen trees) etc.
- Fauna: Brow-antlered deer (Sangai Deer), Hog Deer, Asian Golden Cat, Musk Shrew, Flying Fox, Sambar, East Himalayan Pied Kingfisher, Black Kite, Spotbill Duck, Burmese Sarus , Sarus Crane, Keel Back Tortoise, Asian Rat Snake (Beauty Rat Snake) etc.
2. Sirohi (Shirui) National Park
- Sirohi National Park is located in the Ukhrul district of the state of Manipur, India.
- The park is nestled in the Eastern Himalayas.
- The park is named after the Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae), a rare and endangered flower species that is found in the park.
- The Shirui Lily is endemic to the Ukhrul district of Manipur, India.
- In 1982, Sirohi National Park was established to safeguard the habitat of the Shirui Lily and other flora and fauna species in the region.
- In 1989, the Shirui Lily was officially recognized as the state flower of Manipur.
- Area: The park covers an area of approximately 41 square kilometers (16 square miles).
- Hills: Sirohi (Shirui) National Park is located in the Shirui Kashong Range (2,835 meters) of Eastern Himalayas.
- Tribe: The park is home to the Tangkhul Naga tribe, one of the indigenous communities of Manipur.
- Flora: Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae), Oak Trees, Rhododendrons, Magnolias, Coniferous Trees etc.
- Fauna: Tiger, Leopard, Wild Boar, Deer, Antelopes, Blyth’s Tragopan, Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant , Manipur Bush Quail, Indian Rock Python, Common Indian Monitor, Indian Chameleon etc.