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Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary
The Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Indian state of Assam. Situated in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, it spans over an extensive terrain characterized by diverse topography and vegetation.
The sanctuary harbors a rich variety of flora and fauna, making it an important biodiversity hotspot. Conservation efforts have been implemented to preserve its unique ecological features, although various threats persist.
This article aims to provide an overview of the sanctuary’s location, terrain, flora, fauna, conservation efforts, challenges faced, and concludes with insights into the significance of its conservation for future generations.
Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Date of Notification | 12-Oct-98 |
| Area | 220 km2 |
| Habitat | Himalayan foothill forest |
| Biographic zone | North-east |
| Animals | Tiger, Asian Elephant, Gaur, Wild Boar, Hog Deer, Barking Deer; White-winged Wood Duck; Python, Russell’s Viper |
| Plants | Hollang, Mekai, Dhuno, Udiyam, Nahar, Samkothal, Bheer, Hollock, Nahor |
Introduction
The Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the north-western part of Sonitpur district in Assam, was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1998. It is known for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscape. The sanctuary covers an area of 220 sq km, extending from longitude 92°20′24′′E to 92°34′48′′E and from latitude 26°51′36′′N to 26°57′36′′N. It is bounded by the Pachnoi River to the west, Jia Gabharu to the east, Doimara Reserve Forest to the north in Arunachal Pradesh, and revenue village and Charduar Reserve Forest of Sonitpur to the south.
Historically, this sanctuary has been home to a diverse range of species such as the Asian Elephant, Indian Tiger, and White Winged Wood Duck. Due to its remarkable diversity and stunning landscapes, it has earned the title of ‘Jewel of Assam.
Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary Location Map
Geography
Location
Situated in the foothills of the Great Himalayan range, Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary spans across the districts of Sonitpur in Assam and West Kameng in Arunachal Pradesh. This sanctuary is located in the extreme north-western part of Sonitpur district, with its northern boundary formed by Kameng reserved forest of West Kameng district. To the south lies the Charduar reserved forest.
The sanctuary covers a total area of 220 sq km, extending from longitude 92°20’24’E to 92°34’48’E and latitude 26°51’36’N to 26°57’36’N. It straddles the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border and offers a diverse range of habitats due to its location within the Himalayan region.
The sanctuary’s unique location provides an opportunity for various wildlife species to thrive amidst this natural setting.
Terrain
Spanning across the foothills of the Great Himalayan range, Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary exhibits a diverse terrain that includes rising elevations and two rivers forming its boundaries. With an area of 220 sq km, this sanctuary is surrounded by reserved forests such as Rowta, Kameng, and Charduar to the north and south.
The sanctuary’s elevation rises from around 100 meters in the south to over 600 meters in the north near the Arunachal Pradesh border. This unique foothill landscape provides a habitat for rich Himalayan biodiversity. The Gabhoru river forms the eastern boundary of the sanctuary, while the Panchnoi river forms its western boundary.
The sanctuary’s varied topography supports a wide range of flora and fauna, making it a significant ecological hotspot in the region.
Habitat and Biodiversity
Flora
Flora in the Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary comprises a diverse range of vegetation types, including wet hill forests and grassland patches, which contribute to its unique landscape and biodiversity.
The sanctuary is known for its rich natural vegetation cover, with major species such as Hollang, Mekai, Dhuna, Udiyam, Nahar, Samkothal, Bheer, Hollock, and Nahor.
Situated in the foothills transition zone between the Himalayan mountains and Assam plains, the sanctuary’s flora is characterized by moist deciduous and evergreen vegetation suited to the terrain. Grassy areas are interspersed within wooded regions.
This biodiverse flora supports numerous rare plant species. The presence of different vegetation types creates distinct habitats within the sanctuary that support a wide variety of wildlife and contribute to its ecological significance.
Fauna
The fauna in the Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary comprises a diverse range of mammal, bird, and reptile species, contributing to its overall biodiversity.
Major mammal species found in the sanctuary include Asian Elephant, Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Bison, Wild Boar, Hog Deer, and Barking Deer. The sanctuary provides a suitable habitat for elephants and tigers.
Bird species such as the rare White Winged Wood Duck, various hornbill species, and pelicans can also be found here.
Reptiles like Python and Russell’s Viper are present as well. Additionally, the sanctuary is home to leopard, lesser cats, and other animals.
The faunal diversity includes both resident and migratory bird species.
Conservation History and Issues
Conservation efforts
Conservation efforts in the protected area have focused on reducing deforestation, encroachment, and human-wildlife conflict. The Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary was notified as a protected sanctuary in 1998 with the aim of minimizing deforestation and encroachment in the reserved forest area. To prevent elephants from entering human settlements, electric fencing has been installed around the sanctuary.
Afforestation drives have also been initiated, although their success has been limited due to lack of cooperation and deliberate forest fires. The legal protection provided by the sanctuary’s notification has helped restrict the exploitation of forest resources to some extent. However, there is still a need for further strengthening protection by increasing fodder availability within the sanctuary to sustain wildlife and prevent their movement into surrounding villages.
These conservation efforts are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and preserving the habitat of various species within the Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary. By addressing deforestation, encroachment, and human-wildlife conflict, these measures contribute towards creating a sustainable environment that supports both wildlife and local communities living in close proximity to the sanctuary.
Threats
Habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict pose significant threats to the preservation of biodiversity in Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary. Encroachment and forest degradation have resulted in a substantial reduction in suitable habitat for wildlife, with nearly 50% of the original forest cover lost between 1998-2006.
The encroachment for settlement expansion and agriculture has forced animals like elephants to venture outside the sanctuary in search of food, leading to an increase in human-elephant conflict. This conflict has resulted in damage to houses, crops, and even loss of lives on both sides.
Tackling these dual threats remains a major challenge for conservation efforts. It is crucial to address habitat loss and mitigate conflicts between humans and wildlife to ensure the long-term viability of biodiversity within the sanctuary.
Conservation Challenges
Addressing the challenges of balancing community needs and forest protection requires a multi-pronged approach.
The Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary faces several conservation challenges that hinder effective biodiversity preservation. One major challenge is striking a balance between the needs of local communities and the protection of the sanctuary’s forests. The villages surrounding the sanctuary heavily rely on its resources for their livelihoods, making it difficult to impose strict restrictions that may disrupt their daily activities.
Another challenge is the lack of awareness among locals about the ecological importance of conservation, which hampers efforts to promote sustainable practices. Additionally, certain forest laws, such as the Forest Rights Act, empower forest dwellers to utilize minor forest produce, limiting strict conservation measures.
Furthermore, limited staffing and resources within the Forest Department pose constraints on addressing these challenges effectively. Overcoming these societal, legal, and resource limitations necessitates a comprehensive and integrated strategy for successful conservation efforts in Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary.
Conclusion
Given the complex interplay of sociocultural, legal, and resource-related factors, it is evident that a multifaceted approach is required to effectively preserve the ecological integrity and biodiversity of this protected area.
The Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary serves as a crucial habitat for endangered species such as elephants and tigers, in addition to supporting diverse flora. However, it faces significant challenges including habitat loss, encroachment, and increasing human-wildlife conflicts.
To address these issues, sustainable community engagement must be prioritized alongside public awareness campaigns, policy reforms, and improved resource allocation for forest protection.
It is imperative to actively conserve the sanctuary through continued participation and support from local communities, governments, and conservation groups. By doing so, we can safeguard the remaining wildlife populations in this region and uphold the sanctuary’s status as a valuable ecological asset for Assam.
