Assam's Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary Sees 15% Rise in Tourism, Plans New Boat Safari

MORIGAON: Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam has seen a significant boost in tourism, with a 15% rise in earnings this season. More than 23,000 people visited the sanctuary this season, which is famous for its rich wildlife and one-horned rhinoceroses.

Home to 107 one-horned rhinos, Pobitora offers visitors the opportunity to explore its diverse wildlife through jeep and elephant safaris. To further enhance the visitor experience, a boat safari is also being planned, subject to favorable weather conditions.

Since 2016, there have been no poaching incidents in the sanctuary, making it a safe place for wildlife. This success shows the forest department and local authorities' dedication to protecting the area's unique animals.

Meanwhile, the population of water birds in Assam's Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary saw a significant increase, growing by more than 50% to nearly 11,000, according to a recent survey.

The Asian Water Bird Census recorded a total of 10,933 water birds from 56 different species. In 2024, the number was 7,225, showing a remarkable surge in the bird population.

The Tamuliduva wetland, the largest in the sanctuary, is important for supporting wildlife. On January 18, a bird census was conducted by 12 teams with about 22 experts, including ornithologist Anuwaruddin Choudhary and Forest Department staff. They surveyed nine water bodies in the sanctuary. The results showed that 80% of the birds were migratory, while 20% were resident species.

The census report was released on World Wetland Day, which was celebrated at Pobitora with the theme 'Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,' in collaboration with wildlife NGO Aaranyak.

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