Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

28 Oct 2024 15:01:54 pm

Tags : Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Topic: Protected Areas

Why in the news?

NGT Orders Probe into Industrial Encroachment Near Assam’s Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
In a bid to protect the biodiversity of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, the National Green Tribunal has called for an investigation into allegations of illegal industrial activities encroaching on the eco-sensitive zone.

Source: The Hindu

About Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary:

It is located on the southern bank of the river Brahmaputra in Morigaon district, adjacent to Guwahati in Assam.
It was declared a reserve forest in 1971 and a wildlife sanctuary in 1987.
It is home to the highest population density of the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros species (around 102 rhinos in an area of 38.8 sq. km).
It is dominated by alluvial lowlands and marshland.
The Brahmaputra River offers a natural boundary to the premises of the sanctuary on the north, while the Garanga Beel offers a natural boundary to its south.
Flora:
- 72% of Pobitora consists of the wet savannah of Arundo donax, Erianthus ravennae, Phragmites karka, Imperata cylindrica, and Saccharum spp.
- Water hyacinth is a major problem, especially to waterfowl, as it forms thick mats on the water surface.
Fauna:
- Besides rhinoceros, the other animals found here include leopard, wild boar, Barking deer, wild buffalo, etc.
- It is also home to more than 375 species of resident and migratory birds, such as the Indian pied Hornbill, Osprey, Hill Myna, Kalij Pheasant, etc.