Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, recently seen in news, is located in which state?

Ans: (3)

Key Points

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary – Key Highlights

1. Location:

• Situated in Morigaon district, Assam.

• Lies on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River.

2. Notable Features:

• Known for one of the highest densities of one-horned rhinoceros in the world.

• Often called “Mini Kaziranga” due to similar terrain and wildlife as Kaziranga National Park.

• Hosts diverse fauna such as:

  • Leopards, leopard cats, fishing cats, jungle cats

  • Feral buffaloes, wild pigs, and Chinese pangolins

• Vegetation:

  • About 72% is wet savannah dominated by grasses like Arundo donax and Saccharum species.

  • Remaining area includes various water bodies.

3. Recent News:

• Assam Cabinet’s move to de-notify the sanctuary was put on hold by the Supreme Court.

  • The court stated the Forest Department acted without consulting key authorities like the Revenue Department and Chief Minister.

• Reports of rhinoceros straying out of the sanctuary.

  • A recent case involved a rhino fatally attacking a biker outside sanctuary limits.

4. Historical Background:

• Declared a reserved forest in 1971.

• Upgraded to a wildlife sanctuary in 1987.

5. Area:

• Total protected area covers 38.81 square kilometers.