Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

Drying up of Tamulidoba Beel, a major wetland in Assam’s Pobitora wildlife sanctuary brings to the fore an urgent need for habitat management.

About Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

• Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the eastern region of Guwahati, Assam, was established in 1998 and covers an area of 48.81 square kilometres.
• The Sanctuary consists of the Rajamayong Reserve Forest and Pobitora Reserve Forest.
• Flora: 
  • 72% of Pabitora consists of wet savannah of Arundo donax, Erianthus ravennae, Phragmites karka, Imperata cylindrica, and Saccharum spp.
  • Water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) is a major problem, especially to waterfowl, as it forms thick mats on the water surface.
• Fauna: 
  • Pobitora is mainly famous for its great Indian One-horned rhinoceros. 
  • Besides rhinoceros, the other animals are leopard, wild boar, Barking deer, wild buffalo etc. 
  • It is also home to more than 2000 migratory birds and various reptiles.
• History: 
  • Pobitora became a reserved wooded area in the year of 1971 with the approval done by Government of Assam Tourism. 
  • The Government of India included Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary with the association of a rhino breeding program named “Indian Rhino Vision 2020”.
  • Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is known for holding the highest density of Greater One Horned Rhinoceros in the country.

Tamulidoba Beel

• Tamulidoba Beel is a wetland in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, near Morigaon, that’s a popular spot for birdwatchers and photographers, especially during winter when it becomes a hub for migratory birds.
• Tamulidoba has been an ideal habitat for rhinos and buffaloes in particular, besides hosting wide-ranging water birds. 
• The wetland is a major attraction for tourists, who can enjoy a panoramic view of Pobitora and its varied wildlife right from the road.

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary FAQs

Q1: What is Pobitora wildlife famous for?

Ans: Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for having the world’s highest density of Indian one-horned rhinos.

Q2: Which is better, Pobitora or Kaziranga?

Ans: Kaziranga is larger and more diverse, but Pobitora offers higher rhino density and easier sightings within a smaller area.

Q3: Which is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Assam?

Ans: Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary is Assam’s largest, covering approximately 451 sq km.

Source: ETV