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Discover Assam’s Stunning Chakrashila wildlife sanctuary
Chakrashila wildlife sanctuary
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the northeastern Indian state of Assam. It spans parts of the Kokrajhar and Dhubri districts. The sanctuary covers an area of around 45.6 square kilometers and was established in 1994.
Chakrashila is best known as the second protected habitat in India for the endangered golden langur, a rare primate found only along the Indo-Bhutan border region. The sanctuary plays a vital role in conserving this unique species. Local environmental activist group Nature’s Beckon advocated for recognizing Chakrashila as a wildlife sanctuary in order to protect the golden langur population.
The hilly terrain of the sanctuary ranges from tropical moist forests to mixed deciduous cover. Two lakes, Dheer Beel and Diplai Beel, are located within the sanctuary. Over 200 species of birds, numerous mammals including leopards and pangolins, as well as reptiles like snakes and lizards inhabit Chakrashila. Its rich biodiversity makes it an important protected area.
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is a critical protected habitat for wildlife, especially rare species like the golden langur. Its establishment has aided conservation efforts in the region. The sanctuary’s diverse flora and fauna also add to its significance as a wildlife refuge. In this write-up, the UCN Team analyzes the importance of Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary, giving you key concepts and insights.
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary Overview
| Sections | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Located in Kokrajhar & Dhubri districts, Assam 45 sq km area established as sanctuary in 1994 Safeguards endangered golden langur |
| Geography |
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| Biodiversity |
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| Conservation |
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Geography
Location
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the northeastern Indian state of Assam. It lies primarily within the Kokrajhar district of Assam. Parts of the sanctuary also extend into the adjacent areas of the Dhubri district.
The sanctuary is situated around 6 km from Kokrajhar town and 68 km from Dhubri town. The nearest major airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, located approximately 219 km from Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary.
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary Interactive Map
Terrain
The terrain of Chakrashila sanctuary comprises mainly of hilly tracts running along a north-south axis. Two lakes – Dheer Beel and Diplai Beel – are situated on either side of this hilly terrain within the sanctuary. These lakes form an integral part of the sanctuary’s ecosystem.
The lower reaches of the hills are covered primarily by sal coppice regeneration. The middle and upper reaches have mixed deciduous forests covering them.
Climate
Chakrashila has a tropical moist climate. It receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, which lasts from June to July. The annual average rainfall ranges from minimum 2000 mm to maximum 4000 mm.
Temperatures reach a maximum of 30°C in summers and a minimum of 8°C in winters. The relative humidity is around 86% on average during the summer season.
Biodiversity
Flora
The lower hilly reaches of Chakrashila are dominated by sal coppice regeneration. The main tree species here is the sal tree (Shorea robusta).
In the middle and upper reaches, the sanctuary has mixed deciduous forests. These forests have a diverse mix of tree species such as teak, mahogany, bamboo, and more.
Other trees found in the sanctuary include semul, kadam, cedrela toona, etc. Grassland habitats are also present within the protected area.
Fauna
Mammals
Some noteworthy mammals found in Chakrashila include the golden langur, leopard, Chinese pangolin, Asiatic jackal, and Bengal fox. The sanctuary provides an important protected habitat for these species.
Birds
Over 200 bird species inhabit the sanctuary, including the pond heron and hornbill. Endangered birds like the black francolin and jungle bush quail are also spotted here.
The lakes within the sanctuary support diverse birdlife.
Reptiles
Snakes, lizards and turtles comprise the reptilian fauna of Chakrashila. 23 species of reptiles are found within the sanctuary.
The rich biodiversity of the sanctuary across mammals, birds and reptiles contributes to its conservation significance.
Conservation History
The history of Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary shows the efforts made to protect and conserve this area over the decades:
Chakrashila Hill was initially declared a reserve forest in 1966. This marked early recognition of the need to preserve the natural habitat.
After continued efforts from conservation groups, the area was finally granted sanctuary status in 1994 by the Government of Assam.
A key role was played by the local activist group Nature’s Beckon in advocating for Chakrashila’s recognition as a wildlife sanctuary. They campaigned extensively to protect the sanctuary, especially the endangered golden langur found here.
In July 1994, Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary was officially established under the Wildlife Protection Act. This was an important milestone in securing this biodiverse region as a protected area where wildlife could thrive in their natural habitats.
The declaration as a sanctuary was vital for the conservation of rare species like the golden langur. It also ensured the preservation of the larger ecosystem including the lakes, forests and grasslands of Chakrashila.
Final Thoughts
In the UCN team’s judgment, Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is a significant protected area in Assam that plays a key role in conservation.
Its main significance stems from providing a safe habitat for endangered species like the golden langur. It is only the second protected area in India for this rare primate.
Additionally, the sanctuary harbors rich biodiversity across its forests, grasslands and wetlands. Its diverse flora and fauna spanning over 200 bird species, mammals like leopards and reptiles make it a crucial site for preserving wildlife.
The sanctuary’s establishment in 1994 was an important milestone in securing this natural heritage. Its wetlands, mixed deciduous cover and endangered species highlight why Chakrashila is vital for conservation.
Going forward, continued preservation efforts are needed to maintain the ecological balance of this sanctuary. Its biodiversity and rare wildlife inhabitants showcase why such protected habitats are irreplaceable natural treasures that we must conserve.
FAQ
How to reach Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary?
The nearest airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, located around 219 km from the sanctuary. Kokrajhar town is just 6 km away, while Dhubri town is 68 km from the sanctuary. One can take a train to Kokrajhar Railway Station and then hire local transport to reach Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary.
What animals are protected in Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary?
Some of the key endangered animal species protected in Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary include:
Golden langur – This rare primate is found only along the Indo-Bhutan border. The sanctuary provides its second protected habitat in India.
Black francolin, jungle bush quail – These endangered bird species are spotted at the sanctuary.
Leopard, Chinese pangolin, Asiatic jackal – These vulnerable mammals find refuge in the sanctuary.
Chakrashila wildlife sanctuary is located in which district?
The sanctuary is located primarily in Kokrajhar district, Assam. Parts of it also extend to the adjacent Dhubri district.
Chakrashila wildlife sanctuary is famous for?
Chakrashila is most famous for being the second protected habitat in India for the endangered golden langur. It plays a crucial role in conserving this rare primate found only along the Indo-Bhutan border region.
Chakrashila wildlife sanctuary is famous for which animal?
The golden langur is the animal that brings the most fame to Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary. This rare and endangered primate is endemic to the Indo-Bhutan border area, and Chakrashila provides its second protected habitat in India.
