Assam's Poba Reserve Forest, a biodiverse rainforest in the northeast of the state, is set to be designated as a wildlife sanctuary, announced Chandra Mohan Patowary, the state’s Environment and Forest Minister, on Friday.
The new Poba Wildlife Sanctuary located in the Dhemaji district of Assam will cover an area of 257.29 sq km, including the existing Poba Reserve Forest, the Kabu Chapri Proposed Reserve Forest, and adjacent riverine areas.
"This decision highlights the government's commitment to preserving Assam's natural resources and biodiversity," Patowary said.
Poba Reserve Forest is known for its rich wildlife and serves as a critical migration corridor for elephants, linking the D' Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary, Kabu Chapri Proposed Reserve Forest, and Dibru-Saikhowa National Park.
It is the second major elephant migration route from the north to the south bank of the Brahmaputra, after the Panpur-Kaziranga route.
Around 70-80 elephants use this route seasonally, while male elephants travel these paths year-round.
Home to unique arboreal species such as the slow loris and capped langur, Poba also hosts about 45 species of birds and reptiles.
The confluence of the Siang and Lohit rivers further supports a diverse array of fish species.
The forest is famous for its orchids, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and researchers, adding to its ecological importance.
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