Meghalaya’s First Wildlife Sanctuary – The Siju Wildlife Sanctuary

Siju Wildlife Sanctuary

Siju Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya. It is the oldest and first wildlife sanctuary of the Meghalaya, notified in 1979.

Spread across 5.18 sq km, it is home to unique biodiversity with many rare and endemic species of flora and fauna. The Simsang river, which is one of the longest river in Meghalaya, flows along the western boundary of the sanctuary.

History of Siju WLS

The area was declared a Reserved Forest in 1906 by the Lieutenant-Governor of East Bengal and Assam during British rule. In 1979, it was upgraded to a wildlife sanctuary under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.

The name ‘Siju’ comes from the village located within the sanctuary dominated by the Attong subtribe of the Garo indigenous community.

Where is Siju Wildlife Sanctuary Located?

Siju Wildlife Sanctuary is located around 45 km from Baghmara town and 160 km from Tura city in Meghalaya. It is situated in the South Garo Hills district adjoining the international border with Bangladesh.

The sanctuary lies around 475 km away from the state capital Shillong by road. The nearest airport is at Guwahati, Assam located at a distance of 180 km.

Geography of Siju Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary has a hilly terrain typical of the Garo Hills region. The highest peak is the Chitmang peak rising to an elevation of 1128 m.

The Simsang river forms the western boundary while the Balpakram National Park adjoins the eastern side. The southern periphery overlaps with the Balpakram-Baghmara and Siju-Rewak elephant corridors.

Climate

Siju has a moderate climate. The summer temperatures range from 15°C to 32°C while winters see the mercury drop to 8°C – 24°C.

The region receives an annual rainfall of 2500 mm on average, with the wettest months being July and August. The humidity levels remain high throughout the year.

Siju Wildlife Sanctuary MAP

Biodiversity of Siju Wildlife Sanctuary

Flora found in Siju

Siju sanctuary harbors tropical moist evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests. The major tree species found here include:

• Sal (Shorea robusta)
• Teak (Tectona grandis)
• Axlewood (Anogeissus latifolia)
• Indian laurel (Terminalia myriocarpa)
• Gmelina (Gmelina arborea)
• Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus)
• Jarul (Lagerstroemia parviflora)

Other plant varieties like herbs, shrubs, climbers, epiphytes, and orchids are also found in the area.

Fauna found in Siju

Siju has a rich diversity of animal species within its small area. Some of the important fauna found here are:

Mammals

• Asian Elephant
• Barking Deer
• Sambar
• Wild Boar
• Tiger
• Clouded Leopard
• Hoolock Gibbon
• Stump-tailed Macaque
• Slow Loris
• Rhesus Macaque

Reptiles

• Rock Python
• King Cobra
• Common Cobra
• Common Krait
• Green Pit Viper
• Water Monitor Lizard

Birds

• Grey Hornbill
• Siberian Duck
• Spoonbill
• Peacock Pheasant

Threats and Conservation

Siju Wildlife Sanctuary is an important protected area for the following reasons:

• It harbors rare and endemic species of the Garo Hills like the Hoolock Gibbon.
• Provides refuge to many endangered species like the Tiger, Asian Elephant, Clouded Leopard.
• Serves as an important habitat corridor linking the Balpakram National Park.
• The free-flowing Simsang river along the boundary supports rich aquatic life.
• Acts as a catchment area regulating water flows in the region.
• Preserves the biodiversity and ecosystems of the Garo Hills.

Some threats to Siju Wildlife Sanctuary are:

• Habitat loss due to human settlements encroaching the area
• Poaching activities leading to loss of wildlife
• Unregulated tourism causing disturbance
• Grazing by domestic livestock within the sanctuary

Various conservation efforts are undertaken by the Meghalaya Forest Department to protect Siju including:

• Patrolling and protection of habitat and wildlife
• Creating awareness among local communities
• Nature education for visitors
• Scientific research on biodiversity
• Habitat improvement and restoration

Given its ecological significance as the oldest sanctuary in Meghalaya, Siju needs strengthened long-term conservation for its valued biodiversity.

What are Tourist Spot in Siju WLS

Siju offers beautiful nature, wildlife and ethnic Garo culture for visitors. Some key attractions are:

Dobakkol Bat Cave

A huge natural limestone cave with stalactite and stalagmite rock formations housing thousands of bats. It is one of the longest cave systems in Asia.

Goera Ronggat

A unique and fascinating limestone rock structure resembling the ruins of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

Bird Watching

Spotting rare birds like Grey Hornbill, Peacock Pheasant and migratory waterfowl.

Trekking

Hiking to viewpoints and peaks like the Chitmang peak within the sanctuary.

Simsang River

The pristine river has sandy beaches and rock formations to explore.

Eco-tourism activities like bird watching, trekking and community visits can be arranged by the Forest Department. Proper guidelines must be followed by visitors to minimize disturbance to wildlife.

As the pioneering wildlife sanctuary of Meghalaya, Siju is a hidden gem waiting to be explored sustainably. With committed conservation, its natural heritage can be maintained for posterity.

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