Description

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Context :

Recently , The Laokhowa Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam has attracted a lot of attention because of its growth & aquatic birds. It is even surpassing the state's only Ramsar site, Deepor Beel..

Key Points

1. Water Bird Population:

Deepor Beel: Around 17,623 birds this year.
Laokhowa Burhachapori: Around 54,961 water birds.

2. Waterbird Estimation in Kaziranga Tiger Reserve:

The 2-day assessment counted 124 species of water & wetland dependent birds in 189 beels, Total 1,12,062.
Nagaon Wildlife Division (includes Laokhowa Burhachapori), recorded the highest number of species (107) & individual birds (54,961).

3. Significance of Laokhowa Burhachapori:

Romari-Donduva complex within the sanctuary is an important site for migratory birds & a potential Ramsar site.
The sanctuary has over 20 wetlands, which have been restored after eviction drives. Now it is bringing back wildlife & birds.

4. Return of One-Horned Rhinos:

After 40 years, one horned rhinos were seen in Laokhowa Burhachapori in early 2023.
Historical records show that there were 40 : 50 one horned rhinos until 1983, but because of poaching & habitat, they disappeared.

About Assam's Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary

Location	It is situated on the Southern part of the Brahmaputra River, Nagaon District, Assam
Conservation Status	It is a Buffer zone of the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve (since 2007)
Ecosystem	It is a Part of the larger Laokhowa-Burachapori ecosystem
Surrounding Environment	It is Human-dominated areas on all sides except the north
Flora	Grasslands Tropical moist deciduous forests Semi evergreen forests
Fauna	Great Indian one-horned Rhinoceros, Indian Royal Bengal Tiger, Elephant, Wild Boar, Civet Cat, Leopard Cat, Hog Deer, Asian Water Buffalo, Around 200 species of birds (including Bengal Florican), Leopard & Asiatic Buffalo
Conservation Efforts	There are Ongoing efforts to protect and restore habitats Community involvement & government initiatives (e.g., eviction drives)

Source:

ETVBHARAT

Practice Question

Q. With reference to Laokhowa Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary, consider the following statements:

The sanctuary is situated in the Nagaon district of Assam, on the southern side of the Brahmaputra River.
It is a buffer zone of the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve & It has over 20 wetlands that were restored after eviction drives.
Laokhowa Burhachapori is home to more than 300 species of birds, including the Bengal Florican.

Which of the statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only!
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)
Explanation:

● Statement 1 is correct: The sanctuary is situated in the Nagaon district, on the southern side of the Brahmaputra River.

● Statement 2 is correct: Laokhowa Burhachapori is a buffer zone of Kaziranga, & it has restored wetlands after eviction drives.

● Statement 3 is incorrect: While the sanctuary is home to many species, it has around 200 bird species, not more than 300.