Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam has marked a significant milestone in wildlife conservation by recording zero rhino poaching for the past 11 years. This achievement underscores the sanctuary's effective anti-poaching strategies and the collaborative efforts of local communities and conservationists.
Located approximately 40 km from Guwahati, Pobitora spans 38.81 sq km and is renowned for having the highest density of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros in the world. The sanctuary is home to over 100 rhinos, including 27 calves, within its core area of just over 16 sq km. The absence of poaching incidents since 2016 highlights the success of stringent protection measures and community engagement.
Conservation initiatives have been bolstered by the implementation of the Rhino DNA Indexing System (RhoDIS), a project led by the Wildlife Institute of India. This system aims to create a genetic database of rhinos across various sanctuaries, including Pobitora, to aid in the identification and prosecution of poachers. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, such as potential inbreeding and the risk of disease transmission from domestic livestock.
In addition to its conservation efforts, Pobitora has become a hub for eco-tourism. In the current tourist season, approximately 23,000 visitors have explored the sanctuary, leading to a 15 per cent increase in revenue compared to previous years. Tourists can engage in jeep and elephant safaris, with plans for boat safaris subject to weather conditions.
The sanctuary's success serves as a model for wildlife conservation, demonstrating the importance of integrated approaches that combine stringent protection measures with community involvement and sustainable tourism.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Morigaon district of Assam, is a protected area known for its high density of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses. The sanctuary lies about 40 km east of Guwahati.
Despite its small size, Pobitora supports a thriving population of over 100 rhinos, making it one of the most densely populated habitats for the species globally. In addition to rhinoceroses, the sanctuary is home to various species of birds, wild boars, and other mammals, and forms part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. It is managed by the Assam Forest Department and plays a crucial role in regional conservation efforts.
