Laokhowa and Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuaries

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Context

• Two rhinoceroses have triumphantly returned to the Laokhowa and Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam, after being absent for 40 years.

Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary:

Location:

• Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Nagaon district of Assam, India.
• It lies on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River.

Area and Biodiversity:

• Area: The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 70 square kilometers.
• Flora and Fauna: Rich in biodiversity, Laokhowa is known for its grasslands, wetlands, and riverine habitats. It is home to various species of flora and fauna, including the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, wild buffalo, and elephants.

Rhinoceros Conservation:

• Laokhowa has played a crucial role in the conservation of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. Efforts have been made to protect and increase the population of this endangered species.

Trivia

• It forms an integral part of the Laokhowa-Burachapori eco-system and is a notified buffer of the Kazairanga Tiger reserve.
• The sanctuary is home to the great Indian-one horned rhinoceros, elephants, royal Bengal tigers, Asiatic water buffaloes and more than 225 species of birds.
• The barking deer, fishing cat, leopard cat, civet and wild pig are some of the other animals seen in the sanctuary. The sanctuary is also a breeding ground for around 39 species of fishes, 9 species of amphibians and 14 species of reptiles.
• It is surrounded by many key PAs like Kaziranga National Park to the east, Orang National park and Pobitora Wildlife sanctuaries to the west, Pakke-Nameri NPs to the north and the rich reserve Forests of Karbi Anglong to the south. The PAs act as connecting corridor for migration of animals between Kaziranga and Orang National parks and hence, has been identified as Buffer Zones of Kaziranga Tiger Reserve.

Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary

Location:

• Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary is also situated in the Nagaon district of Assam, adjacent to the Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary.

Area and Landscape:

• Area: The sanctuary covers an area of around 44 square kilometers.
• Terrain: Burhachapori consists of a mix of grasslands, wetlands, and riverine habitats, providing a diverse ecosystem.

Flora and Fauna:

• Similar to Laokhowa, Burhachapori is known for its rich biodiversity, including various species of flora and fauna.
• The sanctuary is home to animals like elephants, wild buffalo, deer, and various species of primates.

Connectivity with Laokhowa:

• It is a part of the Laokhowa-Burachapori eco-system and comprises of a mosaic of wet alluvial grassland, riparian and semi-evergreen forests dotted by wetland and river systems.