Pobitora villagers transform grazing grounds into thriving Wildlife Sanctuary
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Guwahati, February 21 2026: In an in-spiring example of community-led conservation, villagers of Pobitora in Assam have successfully transformed a once-traditional animal grazing field into the renowned Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary-now a major tourist attraction generating substantial income for local residents.

A visiting team of North East journalists interacted with the villagers, who recounted how the area was initially declared a reserved forest in 1971 .

Later, in 1987, approximately 38.81 sq.

km of critical habitat was officially notified as the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.

Pobitora villagers transform grazing grounds into thriving Wildlife Sanctuary

Since then, the village has witnessed a remarkable revival of wildlife populations.

According to local residents, tourism has become a significant livelihood source.

In 2025 alone, the sanctuary generated over Rs 70 lakh.

Villagers operated Gypsy Safari services round the clock, providing visitors with guided rides through the sanctuary's rich grasslands and wetlands.

Home to the great one-horned rhinoceros, Pobitora is also known as a birder's paradise.

According to reports, the sanctuary supports 22 species of mammals, 375 species of birds, 27 species of reptiles, 9 species of amphibians and 39 species of pisces.

The villagers have formed the Eco Development Committee of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, enabling the village to streamline in the effective implementation of forest conservation.

The Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary success was the villagers' enthusiastic effort of conservation of forest and harmonious coexistence between humans and the forest ecosystem.

Pobitora's lush grasslands, water bodies and ox-bow lakes - such as Haduk, Solmari and Garanga Beel serve as vital habitats for migratory birds that arrive each winter, making it a birder's paradise and is a unique habitat further enhance the beauty of this landscape.

According to the villagers, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, set amidst the magical land of Mayong, holds the record for harbouring the highest density of the one horned rhinoceros.

Pobitora also holds the distinction of being the source population for wild to wild translocation of the rhinos.

Twelve rhinos were translocated from Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary to Manas National Park under the Indian Rhino Vision in 2020, stated the village members.

The sanctuary also shelters globally threatened bird species including the Douk Teal, Marsh Spotted Babbler, Wooly-necked Stork, White-fronted Goose Isaster, along with mammalian species such as the Wild Water Buffalo, Wild Boar, Monitor Lizard, Fishing Cat, Leopard Cat, Pangolin, etc.

Located on the outskirts of Guwahati, in Morigaon district of Assam, Pobitora continues to be a model of community-driven conservation.

It may be mentioned that the visit to Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary formed part of the Press Information Bureau (PM) itinerary tour programme for the North East journalists.