Quick revision notes on Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary covering location, rhino population, biodiversity, conservation significance, Indian Rhino Vision 2020, and other important facts for APSC & UPSC Prelims and Mains preparation.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
- Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Morigaon district of Assam, is renowned for having the highest density of Greater One-Horned Rhinoceroses in India.
- Situated in the floodplains of the Brahmaputra, Kolong, and Pokoria rivers, the sanctuary covers an area of 38.81 sq. km.
- Coordinates: 26°12′ N to 26°15′ N and 91°59′ E to 92°05′ E.
- Receives significant rainfall and has a favorable climate for wildlife.
- Best time to visit: November to April.
Historical Background
- Local communities protected the marshland and its wildlife long before official conservation measures.
- 1969: Raja Mayang Hill Reserve Forest declared.
- 1971: Pobitora Reserve Forest established.
- 1998: Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary by the Government of Assam due to declining rhino population and poaching threats.
Biodiversity
Pobitora is divided into two main habitats-the Rajamayong Reserve Forest hills and the Pobitora Reserve Forest grasslands-which together support an incredible array of documented wildlife.
Mammals
Pobitora hosts around 22 mammal species, including:
- Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros
- Wild Water Buffalo
- Leopard
- Wild Boar
- Capped Langur
- Pangolin
- Porcupine
Birds
- More than 375 bird species are recorded.
- Wetlands make it an important birdwatching destination.
Reptiles & Amphibians
- 27 reptile species
- 9 amphibian species
- 41 fish species
Importance in Rhino Conservation
- Pobitora’s conservation triumphs stretch far beyond its own borders.
- Because its rhino population thrived so successfully, the Government of India included the sanctuary as a foundational pillar for the Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (IRV 2020) breeding and repopulation program.
- Serving as a crucial source population, Pobitora successfully translocated eight of its own rhinos to help revive and rebuild the rhino population in Manas National Park.
APSC PYQ
Match the Wildlife Sanctuaries of Assam with their Districts ( PYQ: Engineer (Mechanical) under PWRD &[PW(B&NH)D] 2023 )
List-I (Sanctuary) List-II (District)
a. Marat Longri 2. Karbi Anglong
b. Pobitora 3. Morigaon
c. Nambor 4. Golaghat
d. Panidihing 1. Sivasagar
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(A) a-3,b-2,c-1,d-4
(B) a-1,b-2,c-3,d-4
(C) a-2,b-4,c-1,d-3
(D) a-2,b-3,c-4,d-1
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
- Marat Longri WS – Karbi Anglong (major elephant corridor).
- Pobitora WS – Morigaon (dense one-horned rhino population).
- Nambor WS – Golaghat (part of Kaziranga–Karbi Anglong landscape).
- Panidihing WS – Sivasagar (famous bird sanctuary on the Dikhow–Brahmaputra confluence).
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