GUWAHATI: Assam Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary has announced that the Poba Reserve Forest will soon be officially designated as a wildlife sanctuary. This development was revealed today on Friday, August 30 in response to a zero-hour notice raised by MLA Bhuban Pegu in the Assam Legislative Assembly.
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Minister Patowary highlighted that this decision has also been voiced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The newly established Poba Wildlife Sanctuary will span 257.29 square kilometer, incorporating the Poba Reserve Forest, Kabu Chapri Proposed Reserve Forest, and adjacent riverine areas.
The Poba Reserve Forest, located in northeastern Assam, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and serves as a crucial migratory corridor for various species, especially elephants. It connects key protected areas, including the D' Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary, Kabu Chapri Proposed Reserve Forest, and Dibru-Saikhowa National Park. This corridor is one of the two primary elephant migration routes across the Brahmaputra River, with herds of 70-80 elephants using it seasonally, while males traverse the route year-round.
The forest hosts numerous species, including the slow loris and capped langur, and is known for its populations of wild boar, various bird species, and reptiles. The confluence of the Siang and Lohit rivers further enriches the area with a diverse array of fish species. Additionally, Poba Reserve Forest's wide variety of orchids makes it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and researchers.
