Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Assam, India. The sanctuary is bounded by the mighty Brahmaputra River on its northern side, making it an ecologically significant area.
The sanctuary's location along the Brahmaputra River and its connectivity with other protected areas in the region, such as Kaziranga National Park and Orang National Park, highlight its importance in facilitating wildlife migration and maintaining genetic diversity among various populations.
The rich biodiversity, diverse birdlife, and unique vegetation, including evergreen and dry deciduous forests, make Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary a valuable ecological treasure in the northeastern biogeographic zone of India.
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Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Nagaon district of Assam, India. It is situated on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River.
The sanctuary itself is enveloped by numerous key protected areas. such as the Kaziranga National Park to the east, the Pakke National Park and Nameri National Park to the north, the Orang National park and Pobitora Wildlife sanctuaries to the west, and the lush, abundant forests of Karbi Anglong to the south.
Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
LGBI Airport (Guwahati) is the closest airport to Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary. It is approximately 148 kilometers (about 92 miles) to the west of the sanctuary. Guwahati is the largest city in Assam and a major transportation hub in the region.
Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
Nagaon Railway Station is the closest railway station to the sanctuary, located approximately 28 kilometers (about 17 miles) away. Nagaon is a town in Assam and serves as a convenient transportation point for visitors traveling to the sanctuary by train.
Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary History
Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary has a history tied to the conservation efforts in the region. Here's a brief history of the sanctuary:
Early Conservation Efforts: The sanctuary was originally declared a game reserve as early as 1907 due to the presence of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis). At that time, conservationists recognized the importance of this area for the protection of this iconic species.
Establishment: Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary was officially established as a protected area in the year 1972. It was designated as a wildlife sanctuary with the primary goal of conserving the region's rich biodiversity.
Connectivity with Other Protected Areas: Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary is strategically located, surrounded by several key protected areas, such as Kaziranga National Park, Pakke-Nameri National Park, Orang National Park, and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. These areas are interconnected through corridors, allowing for the movement of animals between them.
Conservation Challenges: The history of Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary also includes conservation challenges, particularly related to poaching and the decline in the population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses in the past. Efforts have been made to address these challenges and reintroduce rhinos into the sanctuary as part of programs like the Indian Rhino Vision 2020.
Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary Area
Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 70.13 square kilometers (27.08 square miles). It is a relatively compact wildlife sanctuary but is significant for its biodiversity and the conservation of various wildlife species, including the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, tigers, elephants, and numerous bird species.
Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary River
Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River. The Brahmaputra River is one of the major rivers in the Indian subcontinent and plays a significant role in the ecology and geography of the region.
It forms the northern boundary of the sanctuary, providing a crucial water source and contributing to the overall habitat and biodiversity of the area.
Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
What is the flora of Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary?
Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of flora, which includes both natural vegetation and planted species. Here are some of the notable flora found in the sanctuary:
(1) Evergreen Forests:
Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary contains patches of evergreen forests. These are characterized by trees that retain their leaves throughout the year, contributing to the sanctuary's overall greenery.
(2) Dry Deciduous Forests:
Dry deciduous forests are also present in the sanctuary. These forests shed their leaves during the dry season, but they are an important habitat for various wildlife species.
(3) Grasslands:
A significant portion of the sanctuary is covered in grasslands, which provide essential grazing and foraging areas for herbivores. Grasslands are interspersed with tall grasses and often support a diverse range of wildlife.
(4) Riverine Vegetation:
Vegetation along the banks of the Brahmaputra River, which forms the northern boundary of the sanctuary, includes riverine vegetation adapted to periodic flooding.
(5) Other Native Species:
The sanctuary is home to various native tree and plant species, including Khair, Sissoo, Simul, Urium, Kokoli, Amari, Sopa, Cham, Bonsum, Bogipoma, Gonsoroi, Dhuna, and Dendrocalamus hamiltonii (a bamboo species) and Bambusa tulda (a bamboo species).
Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse and rich fauna. Here are some of the notable animal species found in the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- One-horned Rhinoceros
- Wild Buffalo
- Hog Deer
- Barking Deer
- Tiger
- Leopard Cat
- Fishing Cat
- Elephants
- Wild Boar
- Porcupine
- Large Indian Civet
- Indian Grey Mongoose
- Jungle Cat
- Common Otter
- Clawless Otter
- Golden Jackal
Birds:
- Palla’s Fish Eagle
Reptiles:
- Snakes
- Lizards
Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Where is the Lakwa Wildlife Sanctuary situated?
A. Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Nagaon district of Assam, India. It is located on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River in the northeastern part of the state.
Q. When was the Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary established in the year?
A. Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Laokhowa Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary, was established in the year 1972.
Q. What is Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Assam, India, is famous for several reasons:
(i) Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros: One of its primary claims to fame is its conservation efforts related to the critically endangered Indian one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis). The sanctuary has been involved in efforts to protect and conserve this iconic species, which was severely affected by poaching in the past.
(ii) Diverse Wildlife: Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse and rich wildlife. In addition to rhinoceroses, it is home to various other charismatic animals such as Bengal tigers, wild buffaloes, leopards, hog deer, barking deer, and numerous bird species. The sanctuary provides crucial habitats for these species.
(iii) Birdwatching: The sanctuary is renowned among birdwatchers, as it hosts over 225 species of birds, including both resident and migratory species. Birdwatching is a popular activity for visitors to the sanctuary.
(iv) Connectivity with Other Protected Areas: Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary serves as a connecting corridor between other important protected areas, such as Kaziranga National Park, Pakke-Nameri National Park, Orang National Park, and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. This connectivity is vital for wildlife movement and genetic diversity.
(v) Natural Beauty: The sanctuary is known for its scenic beauty, with lush vegetation, wetlands, and the Brahmaputra River flowing along its northern boundary. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the region while exploring the sanctuary.
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