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Context :

• Recently , there was news that Tamulidoba Beel is drying up.
• It is a major wetland in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.
• This has highlighted the urgent need for habitat management in the sanctuary.

About Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary:

• It is Located in Guwahati
• Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1998
• It covers an area of .
• The sanctuary has Rajamayong Reserve Forest & Pobitora Reserve Forest.

Flora:

• 72% of the sanctuary consists of wet savannah dominated by species like:
  • Arundo donax
  • Erianthus ravennae
  • Phragmites karka
  • Imperata cylindrica
  • Saccharum spp.
• Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a major issue. Because it is forming thick mats on the water surface.
• This is affecting waterfowl.

Fauna:

• Pobitora is famous for its population of Greater Indian One Horned Rhinoceros.
• Other wildlife species include:
  • Leopard
  • Wild boar
  • Barking deer
  • Wild buffalo
• It has 2000 migratory birds & various reptiles.

History:

• In 1971, Government of Assam designated Pobitora as a reserved wooded area.
• It was later included in the Indian Rhino Vision 2020. It is a rhino breeding program initiated by the Government of India.
• The sanctuary holds the highest density of Greater One Horned Rhinoceros in India.

About Tamulidoba Beel:

• Tamulidoba Beel is a wetland within the sanctuary. It is located near Morigaon.
• It is a popular spot for birdwatching & photography during the winter when it attracts migratory birds.
• The wetland is a crucial habitat for rhinos, buffaloes, & water birds.

National Park (NP) of Assam

Wildlife Sanctuary of Assam :

1. Garampani Wildlife Santuary
2. Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary
3. Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary
4. Chakrasila Wildlife Sanctuary
5. Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary
6. Panidehing Wildlife Sanctuary
7. Hollongapar Wildlife Sanctuary
8. Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary
9. Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary
10. Bherjan - Borajan - Padumoni Wildlife Sanctuary
11. East K. Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary
12. Nambor Wildlife Sanctuary
13. Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary
14. Nambor - Doigrung Wildlife Sanctuary
15. Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary
16. Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary
17. Borail Wildlife Sanctuary
18. Deepar Beel Wildlife Sanctuary
19. Bordoibam Bilmukh Bird Wildlife Sanctuary (Proposed)
20. North K. Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary (Proposed)

Source: ETVBHARAT