Morigaon (Assam), 21 October (HS): Assam’s Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Morigaon district is set to reopen for tourists on October 23, after remaining closed during the monsoon months, officials said.

The sanctuary administration has made all necessary preparations to welcome visitors. Ranger Pranjal Barua told the media that all essential infrastructure damaged by heavy rains has been repaired ahead of the reopening. He added, “With the arrival of winter, a large number of migratory birds are expected in the sanctuary, making it a major attraction for both domestic and international tourists.”

From the very first day of reopening, tourists will be able to enjoy both jeep and elephant safaris. Located around 35 km from Guwahati, the sanctuary was declared in 1998 through the merger of the Pobitora Reserve Forest and Raja Mayang Hill Reserve Forest.

Spanning 38.81 square kilometers, Pobitora is known for having the world’s highest density of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses. According to the 2022 census, the park is home to 107 rhinos along with a rich variety of wildlife, including 22 species of mammals, 27 species of reptiles, nine species of amphibians, 41 species of fish, and 375 species of birds.

Besides rhinos, visitors can also spot leopards, fishing cats, wild buffalo, wild boar, Chinese pangolins and various species of deer across the sanctuary’s grasslands, forests and wetlands.-------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash