CORE ZONE
The core zone spanning an area of 653 km2 constitutes major portion of the park with representation of diverse ecosystem. The criteria for delineating the core zone was based on the presence of prime habitats of endemic, rare and endangered species, area with high biological diversity, existence of pristine sub-tropical and tropical forest with interspersion of grasslands and prevalence of saltlicks and waterhole sites. The designated area is prohibited to human related activities except for regulated research, monitoring programs and patrolling. A proportion of low impact Mathanguri-Panbang road in Manas Range is included in the core zone for maintaining continuity and integrity of the core zone.
Objective
- To preserve pristine forests in as near natural conditions as possible by providing complete protection against all the forms of biotic interference.
- Maintain natural course of ecological succession.
MULTIPLE – USE ZONE
The multiple use zone covering an area of 404 km2 consists of settlements, agricultural land and orchards, community forests, grazing land, power lines, road networks and government reserve forests for allocation of resources for the local residents. The benchmark for delineating multiple use zone was based on the presence of settlements and resource areas for local residents, ecotourism trails and campsites, areas having road network and power lines and existence of individual and communal grazing areas.
Objective
- Facilitate sustainable utilization of natural resources without having any ramifications to the core zone.
BUFFER ZONE
Two buffer zones viz. east and west buffer covering an area 137 km2 lie outside the park boundary and do not come under the purview of park management. However, the park staff will have the prerogative to assess and patrol this zone and prevent illegal or other activities that may adversely impact on the national park. The width of the buffer zone is 4.5 km from the park boundary. The criteria for delineation of buffer zone was based on the presence of important habitat outside the park boundary, special landmark features and areas that are likely to pose threat to the park.
Objective
To provide an extra layer of protection to the national park by maintaining existing forest cover in order to eliminate, minimize or mitigate any negative impacts from existing resource and land use methods.
