Wild life and ecotourism of Meghalaya
Meghalaya is considered by many biologists to have been the gateway through which many species of Indo-Chinese origin, particularly mammals migrated to Peninsular India. It is said that about 50% of the total number of mammal genera found in the entire Indian sub-continent can be seen in Meghalaya and its adjoining states in the Northeast. Out of the above, nine genera of mammals, such as Tupaia, Rhizomys, Cannomys, Chiropodomys, Micromys, etc occur only in Meghalaya and its adjacent areas.
In the forests of Meghalaya, specially in lower altitudes, multifarious species of birds can be seen in abundance. Some of the common birds found in Meghalaya include Hoopoe, long tailed Broadbill, Scarlet Minivet, Burmese Roller, Blue Throated Barbet, red veted Bulbul, Himalayan black Bulbul, Himalayan whistling Thrush, Spotted Forktail, black-breasted Kalij Pheasant, red jungle Fowl, Mynas and Turtle Dove. Besides, Hornbills including the Great Indian Hornbill, Florican, Owl, Black Drongo and many other birds are also found.
Reptile population in Meghalaya includes lizards and snakes, poisonous and non-poisonous. Important ones include Indian Cobra, King Cobra, Coral Snake, Vipers, Python, blind Snake, Copperback, red-necked Kulback, and Green tree Racer.
Some species of different families of mammals namely Primates, the Cats, Civets, Mongooses, Dogs, Bear, Weasels, Bats, Rodents, Elephants, Gaur, Wild Buffalo, Serow, Deer, Pigs and Pangolins are seen roaming in the forests of Meghalaya. In Meghalaya we come across apes as well as Monkeys and Lemurs.
Meghalaya wildlife is full of treasure trove of Nature, with its rich variation of dense endemic and cultivated flora. Nature, in its plenteous abundance, had blessed Meghalaya with a unique array of plantation, ranging from tropical and sub-tropical to temperate or near temperate. This is due to the diverse physiology, varied and plentiful of rainfall and distinctive climatic and edaphic conditions of the state, within small regions. Biotic factors have also played an important role, at places decisive.
Ecotourism
The State of Meghalaya is a jewel in the crown of the Seven Sister States of North East India. With beautiful landscapes, hundreds of waterfalls and welcoming people, the capital of this State Shillong, has no wonder derived the name as being the ‘Scotland of the East’. Shillong is a city where you get to see a blend of the Modern and the Cultural World and music being the soul of the Khasi Tribal people of Shillong the city has also added to its kitty the title of being called ‘India’s Rock Capital’.
Some of the important national parks and sanctuaries in meghalaya are as follows:
Nokrek National Park
The Nokrek National Park and Biosphere Reserve is about 45 kms from Tura. Nokrek is the highest peak in Garo Hills and home to different species of wild animals including Elephants and Hoolock Gibbons. 
The Nokrek National Park has been established at Nokrek and it abounds in various wildlife including herds of wild elephants, rare varieties of birds and pheasants, beside rare orchids. The park is also home to a very rare species of citrus-indica endemic to this place which the locals call memang narang (‘orange of the spirits’). Nokrek is also believed to be the home of Mande Burung (jungle man or ape man) and reported cases of sightings abound in and around the villages of Nokrek.
Selbagre Hoolock Gibbon Reserve
This small area protected by the community is home to the Hoolock Gibbons, the only ape species found in India. The sacred grove in the reserve is the pride of the village and the community. The Garos never kill or hunt the Hoolock Gibbon as it is a traditional belief among them that if a Hoolock Gibbon is killed, a famine or a curse would befall the entire village.
Balpakram National Park
Balpakram is a fertile virgin land. The UN surveyed belts of limestone and coal deposits, along with sea shells fossilized into rocks in Balpakram hill provide immense scope for geological and archeological studies. The animals which can be seen in this national park are elephants, wild buffaloes, gaur, sambar, barking deer, wild boar, slow loris, capped langur, tigers, leopards, clouded leopards and the rare golden cat.
Siju Bird Sanctuary
Siju Bird Sanctuary is located in the hilly regions, it is a perfect destination for people who like watching birds of different species. The sanctuary has been made so that the birds do not feel caged and are not disturbed by any human. The entry of the Siju Bird Sanctuary is beautifully decorated by rock formations. The Siberian ducks also migrate here during the winter months. The lesser or Grey Hornbill is also seen around Siju. One interesting and rare bird is the Peacock Pheasant seen in Siju.
Nongkhyllem Sanctuary
Nongkhyllem Sanctuary of Meghalaya is spread over an area of 29 sq. km. and thereby houses a large number of animals including reptiles, mammals, avian, rodents, etc. The sanctuary still retains the natural look of the forest. Nongkhyllem Sanctuary of Meghalaya is situated in the Ri-Bhoi district near Lailad village. The sanctuary is accessible through road. You can take up the Guwahati Shillong National Highway number 40 and get down at Umling and then along Umling Patharkhmah road take another bus or cab to Lailad village. This sanctuary is one of its kinds as it hosts a wide range of flora and fauna. The sanctuary supports various species of fauna including those facing the danger of extinction. They include Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Bison, Himalayan Black Bear, Clouded Leopard, etc.
Meghalaya PSC Notes brings Prelims and Mains programs for Meghalaya PSC Prelims and Meghalaya PSC Mains Exam preparation. Various Programs initiated by Meghalaya PSC Notes are as follows:-
- Meghalaya PSC Mains Tests and Notes Program
- Meghalaya PSC Prelims Exam 2017- Test Series and Notes Program
- Meghalaya PSC Prelims and Mains Tests Series and Notes Program
- Meghalaya PSC Detailed Complete Prelims Notes