Patkai

Patkai, also known as the Patkai Range or Patkai Hills, is a hill range in the northeastern part of India that forms part of the Indo-Myanmar border. It runs across the Indian states of Nagaland and Manipur and continues into Myanmar, where it is sometimes referred to as the Patkai Bum. The range is the eastern extension of the Naga Hills and connects with the broader Arakan Yoma system on the Myanmar side.

Geographically, the Patkai Range rises from the plains on the eastern edge of Assam and descends into hilly terrain that hosts a mix of evergreen and deciduous forests. Elevations vary across the range, with several peaks reaching around a thousand meters. The area is characterized by rugged terrain, deep valleys, and a network of streams that contribute to regional watershed systems.

Ecologically, the Patkai Hill forests are part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, supporting a rich assemblage of flora and fauna. The forests sustain numerous bird species, primates such as gibbons, and larger mammals, including elephants in some areas. The region experiences a tropical to subtropical monsoon climate, with heavy rainfall and distinct wet and dry seasons.

People and culture in the Patkai region include various hill tribes of Nagaland and Manipur who practice shifting cultivation and forest-based livelihoods. The area has historical significance due to its role in military campaigns during World War II, when Allied forces navigated its difficult terrain during the Burma Campaign.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting forest cover, biodiversity, and watershed health through reserves, community forests, and sustainable management practices.