Explanations:World Natural Heritage Sites are designated by UNESCO to protect areas of outstanding natural beauty and ecological significance. These sites are chosen based on their unique biodiversity, geological features, and conservation efforts. In the context of North East India, Assam stands out as the state with two World Natural Heritage Sites: Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park.
Kaziranga National Park, located in the state of Assam, is renowned for its significant population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. The park is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and numerous species of birds. It was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1985 due to its unique ecosystem and the conservation efforts that have helped preserve the rhinoceros population.
Manas National Park, also located in Assam, is known for its diverse flora and fauna. It is a critical habitat for several endangered species, including the tiger, elephant, and golden langur. Manas was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1985 and was later inscribed as a World Heritage Site in Danger in 1992 due to poaching and other threats. However, it was removed from the Danger list in 2011 after significant conservation efforts.
These two sites in Assam are recognized for their unique biodiversity and the conservation efforts that have been undertaken to protect them. The designation as World Natural Heritage Sites not only highlights the ecological significance of these areas but also underscores the importance of conservation efforts in preserving natural habitats and wildlife.
It is important to note that while other states in the North East, such as Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Meghalaya, are known for their natural beauty and biodiversity, they do not have any sites designated as World Natural Heritage Sites by UNESCO. This distinction is based on specific criteria that evaluate the uniqueness and conservation efforts of the sites.