Assam: Poba Reserve Forest soon to get wildlife sanctuary status

Guwahati: The Poba Reserve Forest located in Assam’s Dhemaji district is soon going to be notified as a wildlife sanctuary taking the total wildlife sanctuaries in the state from 17 to 18.

The announcement was made on Friday (August 30, 2024) by Assam Environment and Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary in response to a zero-hour notice raised by MLA Bhuban Pegu in the Assam Assembly.

"CM Himanta Biswa Sarma always emphasises the government’s commitment for the conservation and sustainable development of Assam’s natural resources and biodiversity, and this move marks another significant step in this direction," Patowary said. 

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The new Poba Wildlife Sanctuary will encompass an area of 257.29 square kilometres, including the Poba Reserve Forest and Kabu Chapori proposed reserve forest, and the surrounding riverine areas. 

The Poba Reserve Forest is a biodiverse rainforest known for its rich wildlife. 

It serves as an essential migratory route for various animals, particularly elephants, as it connects the D’ Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary, Kabu Chapori proposed reserve forest and Dibru-Saikhowa National Park.

This corridor is the second significant elephant migration route from the north to the south bank of the Brahmaputra River, the other being the Panpur-Kaziranga route. 

Herds of approximately 70-80 elephants migrate across the river at various times, while male elephants utilise these routes almost throughout the year. 

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The Poba Reserve Forest is home to various arboreal species, including the slow loris and capped langur. Among the most common mammal species is the wild boar.

The forest is also a habitat for about 45 species of birds and reptiles, and the confluence of Siang and Lohit rivers supports a diverse range of fish species. 

Additionally, the forest is renowned for its variety of orchids, making it an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts and researchers alike. 

The step to notify Poba as a wildlife sanctuary marks a vital step towards the continued preservation and development of Assam’s natural heritage.