Pani Dihing Bird Sanctuary

Pani Dihing Bird Sanctuary UPSC

The Pani Dihing Bird Sanctuary is located in the state of Assam, India. This bird sanctuary is known for its rich avian diversity and is an important habitat for various species of birds.

The sanctuary is renowned for its rich avian diversity, with over 267 species of birds identified, including 70 species of migratory birds.

The sanctuary covers a flat terrain on the floodplains and is characterized by wetlands and grasslands. During the monsoon season, much of the area becomes inundated.

The best time to visit the Pani-Dihing Bird Sanctuary is between November and March when many migratory birds are present.

Table of Contents Location History Area River Wetlands or Beels Flora Fauna UPSC Questions

Pani Dihing Bird Sanctuary Location

The Pani Dihing Bird Sanctuary is located in the Sivasagar district of Assam, India. It is situated approximately 22 kilometers (14 miles) away from Sivasagar town. 

The sanctuary is positioned on the south bank of the River Brahmaputra, near its confluence with the tributary Disang. This location places it within the northeastern region of India.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to the Pani Dihing Bird Sanctuary is the Rowriah Airport, which is located in Jorhat, Assam. This airport is approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) away from the sanctuary.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to the Pani Dihing Bird Sanctuary is the Tinsukia Junction, which is situated in Tinsukia, Assam. Tinsukia is a significant railway station in the region and serves as a transportation hub for travelers visiting the sanctuary.

Pani Dihing Bird Sanctuary History

The Pani Dihing Bird Sanctuary has a history that dates back to its establishment as a protected area for birds. Here's a brief history of the sanctuary:

1. Identification as a Potential Bird Sanctuary: The area that now encompasses the Pani Dihing Bird Sanctuary was identified as a potential bird sanctuary in the late 1980s. It was recognized for its significance as a habitat for various bird species, both resident and migratory.

2. Ornithological Surveys: The first systematic ornithological surveys in the area were conducted by Dr. Anwaruddin Choudhury, a noted conservationist, in 1987-88. These surveys helped in documenting the bird species found in the region and assessing its importance as a bird habitat.

3. Establishment as a Bird Sanctuary: Based on the findings of these surveys and recognizing the ecological value of the area for avian life, the Government of Assam officially established the Pani Dihing Bird Sanctuary as a protected area in August 1996.

Pani Dihing Bird Sanctuary Area

The Pani Dihing Bird Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 33.93 square kilometers (13.10 square miles). This sanctuary encompasses a significant expanse of wetlands, grasslands, and other natural habitats that provide a home to a diverse range of bird species, making it a vital conservation area and a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Pani Dihing Bird Sanctuary River

The Pani Dihing Bird Sanctuary is situated on the south bank of the River Brahmaputra in the Sivasagar district of Assam, India. Additionally, it is also bounded by the Disang River to the south. 

The sanctuary's location near the confluence of the Brahmaputra and Disang rivers contributes to its unique wetland ecosystem, making it an ideal habitat for a variety of bird species, both resident and migratory. 

The presence of these rivers and their associated wetlands is a critical factor in the sanctuary's importance as a birdwatching and conservation area.

Pani Dihing Bird Sanctuary Wetlands or Beels

The Pani Dihing Bird Sanctuary is primarily characterized by its wetlands, marshes, and grasslands. However, it is surrounded by several wetlands or beels in its environs, some of which include:

• Tokia Beel
• Jarjaria Beel
• Boloma Beel
• Dighali Beel
• Singorajan Beel
• Sagunpora Beel
• Kandhulijan Beel
• Fulai Beel
• Gaiguma Beel

These wetlands are an integral part of the sanctuary's ecosystem. They provide crucial habitats for various bird species, especially during different seasons and migrations. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts often visit these wetlands to observe the avian diversity and the beautiful natural surroundings.

Pani Dihing Bird Sanctuary Flora

The Pani Dihing Bird Sanctuary is primarily known for its avian diversity and wetland ecosystem. While the focus is on the birdlife, the sanctuary's flora is an essential component of the ecosystem that supports and sustains the various bird species. Here are some of the key types of flora found in the sanctuary:

• Bada
• Bohera
• Bajrang
• Asok
• Amra
• Cham
• Dewa
• Hansh
• Hatia
• Kadam
• Korol

Pani Dihing Bird Sanctuary Fauna (Pani Dihing Bird Sanctuary Animals)

The Pani Dihing Bird Sanctuary is renowned for its rich avian diversity, but it also supports a variety of other wildlife species. Here's an overview of the fauna found in the sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Asian Elephants 
• One-horned Rhinoceros 
• Tiger 
• Common Otters 
• Hog Deer 
• Gangetic Dolphin

Birds:

• Bar-headed Goose
• Greylag Goose
• Spotbill
• Mallard
• Gadwall
• Wigeon
• Garganey
• Shoveller
• Red-crested Pochard
• Common Pochard
• Ferruginous Duck
• Adjutant Stork
• Lesser Adjutant Stork
• Open-billed Stork
• Whitenecked Stork
• Black-breasted Parrotbill 
• Cattle Egret 
• Pond Heron 
• Chinese Pond Heron 
• Little Egret 
• Purple Heron 
• Grey Heron 
• Little Cormorant 
• Glossy Ibis 
• Arundo donax 
• Phragmites karka

Reptiles:

• Brown Roof Turtle 
• Indian Tent Turtle 
• Gangetic Softshell

Pani Dihing Bird Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. Where is Pani Dihing Bird Sanctuary located?

A. The Pani Dihing Bird Sanctuary is located in the Sivasagar district of the Indian state of Assam. It is situated approximately 22 kilometers (about 14 miles) away from Sivasagar town. The sanctuary is positioned on the south bank of the River Brahmaputra, near its confluence with the tributary Disang. This location places it within the northeastern region of India.

Q. Why is Pani Dihing Sanctuary famous?

A. The Pani Dihing Bird Sanctuary in Assam, India, is famous for several reasons:

(i) Rich Avian Diversity: The sanctuary is renowned for its remarkable avian diversity. It is home to over 267 species of birds, including both resident and migratory species. Birdwatchers and ornithologists flock to this sanctuary to observe and study these diverse avian populations.

(ii) Migratory Birds: During the winter months, the sanctuary becomes a temporary home for a significant number of migratory birds. This seasonal influx of migratory waterfowl makes it an exceptional place for bird lovers to witness the spectacle of bird migrations.

(iii) Important Bird Area: Pani Dihing and its surrounding areas have been recognized as an Important Bird & Biodiversity Area (IBA). This designation highlights its significance for the conservation of avian species and biodiversity.

(iv) Natural Beauty: Apart from its birdlife, the sanctuary offers a picturesque natural landscape, including wetlands, marshes, grasslands, and the scenic backdrop of the Brahmaputra River. Visitors can enjoy the serene and pristine environment.

(v) Tourism and Education: The sanctuary is well-maintained for visitors, with facilities such as watchtowers and paths for birdwatching. It serves as an educational and awareness-building site, helping people understand the importance of conserving wetland habitats and biodiversity.