GUWAHATI: The Poba Reserve Forest, located in a critically vulnerable geographic area under the Jonai subdivision of Assam’s Dhemaji district, will soon be notified as a wildlife sanctuary.
This was announced by Environment and Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary on Friday in response to a zero-hour notice raised by MLA Bhuban Pegu in the Assam Legislative Assembly.
The minister stated that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma always emphasizes the government’s commitment to the conservation and sustainable development of the state’s natural resources and biodiversity, and this move marks another significant step in this direction.
The new Poba Wildlife Sanctuary will encompass an area of 257.29 sq. km, including the Poba Reserve Forest, Kabu Chapri Proposed Reserve Forest, and the surrounding riverine areas.
Notably, the Poba Reserve Forest is a biodiverse rainforest located in the northeastern part of Assam and known for its rich wildlife. The abundance of flora and fauna has made Poba a biodiversity hotspot.
It serves as an essential migratory route for various animals, particularly elephants, as it connects the D’ Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary, Kabu Chapri 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 utilize these routes almost throughout the year.
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.
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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.
