Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in Assam

Assam, located in the north-eastern corridor of India along the eastern Himalayas, bears a wide variety of animals and birds. Various wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are constructed in Assam to conserve its rich biodiversity. The two UNESCO World Heritage Sites include, the Kaziranga National Park and Manas National park, are located in this state. 

Let us discuss in brief the wildlife sanctuaries of Assam as well as the national parks simultaneously.

Wildlife Sanctuaries Of Assam 

Sanctuaries are constructed to conserve and protect endangered species from illegal actions and predation. Initially, there was no clear line of difference between wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, but they were treated as different after the Indian government adopted the conservative measures. 

Wildlife sanctuaries do not have boundaries and were established to preserve natural biodiversity. It does not restrict any animal in a single place; rather, they are allowed to live in their natural habitat without any boundaries.

It is estimated that there are around 18 wildlife sanctuaries in Assam. It includes Garampani wildlife sanctuary, Bornadi wildlife sanctuary, Pobitoro wildlife sanctuary, Nambiar wildlife sanctuary, Chakrashila wildlife sanctuary, etc. Few of the wildlife sanctuaries are discussed as follows:

1. Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary

It is located in the Kokrajhar and Dhubri districts of Assam. The sanctuary is listed as the second protected habitat for golden langur in India. On July 14th, 1994, Chakrashila hill was declared a wildlife sanctuary by the government of Assam. It was a reserve forest back in 1966. It has Beel and Diplai Beel lakes in its vicinity. 

Apart from conserving birds and mammals, it allows its tourists to bird watching, trek and wildlife photography. Animals found here include Indian mole, flying fox, macaque, pangolin, jackal and fox. Birds in this sanctuary include jungle bush quail, heron, spotted eagles etc.

2. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

It is located in the Morigaon district of Assam. It is recognized worldwide as the habitat for the Indian rhinoceros as it has a large number of its population in Assam. It has a grassland type of vegetation having 15 species of grasses that includes Cynodon species, cutgrass and signal grass. This grassland alone provides both food and habitat for the rhinoceros to survive. 

Pobitoro wildlife sanctuary is the home to animals such as golden jackals, water buffalo, leopards and macaques. Various migratory birds are also found here. About six rhinos were translocated from Pobitoro wildlife sanctuary into Manas national park in January 2011 under Indian Rhino Vision. It has about 375 species of birds.

3. Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary

It is located in the Udalguri and Baksa districts of Assam, India. Its name has been derived from the Bornadi river that flows on its western border. Its prime objective during its establishment was to conserve hispid hare and pygmy hog. It includes animals such as swamp deers, golden langurs, clouded leopards, white-winged wood ducks and birds like hornbill, peafowl, kingfisher, and woodpecker. Migratory birds are also found due to the overflowing Bornadi River. 

National Parks

National parks are bordered territories governed by various national agencies to protect diversity. It can be used to protect the flora, fauna and landscape. No human activities are allowed in the national parks. Some of the national parks in Assam are home to various tribal people who live away from civilization. The International Union recognizes the national parks of Assam for the Conservation of Nature. It includes various national parks such as Kaziranga national park, Manas national park, Orang national park, Nameri national park, Raimona national park etc.

1. Kaziranga National Park

It is located in the Golaghat, Karbi Anglong and Nagaon districts of Assam. It is a World Heritage Site established in 1985 by UNESCO that owns great one-horned rhinoceros. Apart from the rhino, it also includes a large population of tigers, elephants, water buffaloes and swamp deer. Hence called the “Big Five”. Birdlife International has recognized Kaziranga as an important bird area. It also harbours animals such as leopards, mongoose, pangolins, flying squirrels etc. It also includes a variety of migratory birds like a goose, black-necked storks, kingfishers, pelicans, and vultures are also found here. 

2. Nameri National Park

It is located in the Sonitpur district of Assam near the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. It is known for its tiger reserves, which were declared in 1999-2000. It is a habitat for animals like the Bengal tiger, leopards, gaur, wild boar and capped langur. It harbours birds such as hornbills, storks, and white-winged ducks. The Nameri national park was declared as a reserve forest on October 17th, 1978. It has about 374 bird species.

3. Manas National Park

It is located in the Chirang and Baksa districts of Assam. Besides the Kaziranga, it is also a World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO. It is the largest Project Tiger reserve, elephant reserve as well as a biosphere reserve in Assam. Wild water buffalo found here is also famous. Animals including elephants, rhinoceros, golden langurs, black panthers, sloth bears etc., are found here. It inhabits the endangered species of Assam roofed turtle, golden langur etc. The birds, such as bulbuls, hornbills, peafowls etc., are also found in this park.

Conclusion

It is our prime responsibility to not interfere in the lives as well as the natural habitat of the wildlife. Assam is considered to be the bio reserve, and the government officials have undertaken a lot of measures in uplifting the pride of Assam.