Increasing size of Orang National Park

The Assam government has issued a preliminary notification to make Orang National Park more than thrice its existing size for conserving Gharials.

Context

The Assam government has issued a preliminary notification to make Orang National Park more than thrice its existing size for conserving Gharials.

Orang National Park

• The Orang National Park also known as Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park is located on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River in the Darrang and Sonitpur districts of Assam and covers an area of 78.81 square kilometers.
• It was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1985 but was declared as a National Park in 1999.
• It is also the 49th Tiger Reserve of the country, being notified in 2016.
• It is also known as the mini Kaziranga National Park since the two parks have a similar landscape made up of marshes, streams, and grasslands.

The notification

• The notification says for adding 200.32 sq. km to the 78.82 sq. km Orang National Park.

What are Gharials?

• Gharials are a type of Asian crocodilian distinguished by their long, thin snouts. 
• Crocodilians are a group of reptiles that includes crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and more.