Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the northeastern Indian state of Assam. Pobitora is renowned for its significant population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), which is one of the main attractions of the sanctuary.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is often referred to as the "Mini Kaziranga" because it has the highest population density of one-horned rhinoceros in the world. The sanctuary's compact size makes it easier for visitors to spot these majestic creatures during safari tours.
While the sanctuary is primarily known for its rhinoceros population, it also hosts a diverse range of wildlife species, including elephants, wild boars, leopards, Asiatic water buffaloes, and various species of deer. The avian population is also notable, with numerous bird species inhabiting the wetlands and grasslands within the sanctuary.
Pobitora is conveniently located near Guwahati, which is well-connected by road, rail, and air to major cities in India. This accessibility makes it a popular destination for both wildlife enthusiasts and tourists.
The best time to visit Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is during the winter months, from November to March, when the weather is pleasant, and wildlife sightings are more frequent.
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Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Morigaon district of the northeastern Indian state of Assam. It is situated on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is approximately 30 kilometers east of Guwahati, which is the largest city in Assam and serves as a major transportation hub for the region. This proximity to Guwahati makes Pobitora easily accessible to tourists and wildlife enthusiasts visiting the area.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is the Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam. This airport is located at Borjhar, approximately 30 kilometers west of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. Travelers can fly into this airport and then proceed to the sanctuary by road.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is also in Guwahati. It is known as the Guwahati Railway Station. From Guwahati Railway Station, you can take a road trip to reach Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is located at a distance of about 35 kilometers via Chandrapur and 52 kilometers via NH 37 (Sonapur) from Guwahati.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary History
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary has a history that reflects its importance in the conservation of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses and other wildlife. Here is an overview of its history:
Establishment and Notification: Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary was officially declared a wildlife sanctuary on September 2, 1987, under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. This declaration was a crucial step in recognizing the ecological significance of the area and providing legal protection to its diverse flora and fauna.
Conservation Significance: The sanctuary's primary mission has been the conservation and protection of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, which is an endangered species. Pobitora plays a vital role in rhino conservation, serving as a habitat for a significant population of these rhinos. Its importance in this regard has earned it the nickname "Mini Kaziranga," as it shares similarities with Kaziranga National Park in Assam, known for its rhino population.
Population Growth: Over the years, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary has witnessed a growth in its rhino population. Efforts by the Assam Forest Department and various conservation organizations have contributed to the successful conservation of these rhinos within the sanctuary. The population has been carefully monitored, and steps have been taken to manage the overpopulation of rhinoceroses and mitigate potential conflicts with humans.
Translocation: As part of the Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (IRV 2020) program, rhinos from Pobitora have been translocated to other protected areas in Assam to help establish additional populations of this endangered species. This translocation program aims to ensure the long-term survival of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses by creating multiple viable populations.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary Area
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 38.85 square kilometers (15.00 square miles). This sanctuary provides habitat for a variety of wildlife species, with a particular focus on the conservation of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros.
It's a relatively compact yet ecologically significant protected area, often referred to as "Mini Kaziranga" due to its similarities in landscape and vegetation with the larger Kaziranga National Park in Assam.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary River
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River in Assam, India. The Brahmaputra River is one of the major rivers in the Indian subcontinent and plays a significant role in shaping the landscape and ecosystems of the region.
The presence of the Brahmaputra River in the vicinity of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary contributes to the sanctuary's ecological diversity and provides a water source for the wildlife that inhabits the area. The river and its associated wetlands are crucial for various species of birds and aquatic life in the sanctuary.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora that contributes to its unique and ecologically significant habitat. While the sanctuary's primary focus is on the conservation of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses and other wildlife, its flora plays a crucial role in supporting the ecosystem.
Here are some of the notable flora species found in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary:
(1) Grasses:
The sanctuary's grassland vegetation consists of various grass species, including Cynodon dactylon, whip grass (Hemarthria compressa), vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides), ravennagrass (Saccharum ravennae), Phragmites karka, southern cutgrass (Leersia hexandra), and signalgrass (Brachiaria pseudointerrupta). These grasses provide food and habitat for herbivores like the Indian one-horned rhinoceros.
(2) Wetland Plants:
Pobitora has extensive wetland areas, and the vegetation in these regions includes species adapted to waterlogged conditions. Wetland plants like Phragmites karka contribute to the overall biodiversity of the sanctuary.
(3) Aquatic Plants:
In the water bodies within the sanctuary, you can find various aquatic plants. Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), an invasive aquatic plant, is present in some areas and can form thick mats on the water's surface.
(4) Trees and Shrubs:
While the sanctuary is primarily grassland and wetland, there are also areas with trees and shrubs. These may include species like vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) and other plants adapted to the local conditions.
(5) Riverine Vegetation:
Along the banks of the Brahmaputra River, you can find riverine vegetation, which includes plants specifically adapted to the riparian environment.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, making it a significant and ecologically important conservation area. While it is best known for its population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses, it hosts a variety of other wildlife species as well.
Here are some of the notable fauna found in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary:
Mammals:
- One-horned Rhinoceros
- Asiatic Water Buffaloe
- Asian Elephant
- Leopard
- Leopard Cat
- Fishing Cat
- Jungle Cat
- Chinese Pangolin
- Wild Boar
- Golden Jackal
Birds:
- Brahminy Ducks
- Indian Peafowl
- Osprey
- Adjutant Stork
- Asian Openbill Stork
- Kingfishers (Various Species)
Reptiles:
- Indian Python
- Monitor Lizards
- Various Snake Species
- Turtles and Tortoises
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary?Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary often called ‘Mini Kaziranga’ is located in which state?/In which state Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is located?
A. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Assam, which is in the northeastern region of India. It is situated in the Morigaon district of Assam, approximately 30 kilometers east of Guwahati, the largest city in Assam.
Q. What is the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary often called?
A. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is often referred to as "Mini Kaziranga" due to its similarities in landscape, vegetation, and wildlife, especially its significant population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses, with Kaziranga National Park, another renowned wildlife sanctuary in Assam, India.
Q. Why is Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary famous?
A. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for several reasons:
(i) Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros: It is renowned for having one of the highest population densities of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) in the world. This species is listed as vulnerable, and Pobitora plays a crucial role in its conservation.
(ii) Mini Kaziranga: Pobitora is often called "Mini Kaziranga" because it shares similarities with Kaziranga National Park, another famous rhinoceros habitat in Assam. Both parks have similar landscapes, including grasslands and wetlands.
(iii) Diverse Wildlife: Besides rhinoceroses, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary hosts a variety of other wildlife species, including Asian elephants, leopards, wild boars, various bird species, and more. Birdwatchers also flock to the sanctuary due to its rich avian biodiversity.
(iv) Conservation Success: The sanctuary's success in conserving the Indian one-horned rhinoceros and other wildlife is a significant reason for its fame. Conservation efforts have led to an increase in the rhino population in the sanctuary.
(v) Proximity to Guwahati: Its close proximity to Guwahati, the largest city in Assam, makes it easily accessible to both local and international tourists, contributing to its popularity.
(vi) Rich Flora: While known for its wildlife, Pobitora also has diverse flora, including grasslands, wetlands, and riverine vegetation, which supports the sanctuary's wildlife.
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