MadhurjyaIntroduction
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Region, is a treasure trove of Biodiversity. Spanning approximately 45.57 sq. km across Dhubri and Kokrajhar districts, this sanctuary is most famous for being the second protected habitat of the rare Golden Langur in India. It was initially declared a reserve forest in 1966 and later recognized as a wildlife sanctuary in 1994. The sanctuary’s unique ecosystem, with its lush green hills and serene lakes, makes it an important conservation site for various endangered species.
Home to the Rare Golden Langur
One of the most remarkable aspects of Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is its role in protecting the endangered Golden Langur (Presbytis geei), a primate species found only along the Indo-Bhutan border. This species was first identified in the sanctuary in 1986 by Natures Beckon, an environmental activist group from Northeast India. The conservation efforts in the sanctuary play a crucial role in safeguarding the Golden Langur population, making it a significant site for wildlife researchers and conservationists.
Diverse Wildlife in Chakrashila
Apart from the Golden Langur, Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is home to around 30 species of mammals, including:
- Leopard
- Leopard Cat
- Rhesus Macaque
- Chinese Pangolin
- Barking Deer
- Sambar
- Asiatic Jackal
- Bengal Fox
- Porcupine
The sanctuary also harbors 23 species of reptiles and amphibians, such as monitor lizards, turtles, snakes, and frogs. Additionally, over 40 species of butterflies and 60 species of insects contribute to the vibrant biodiversity of the region.
Birdwatcher’s Paradise
With over 250 bird species recorded, Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for bird enthusiasts. Many of these species are listed as endangered in the IUCN Red Data List. The sanctuary’s two adjacent lakes, Dheer and Deeplai, play a significant role in supporting birdlife, particularly migratory birds. Some of the commonly sighted bird species include:
- Little Cormorant
- Darter
- Open-Billed Stork
- Greater and Lesser Adjutant Storks
- Various species of Egrets and Herons
- Lesser Whistling Teal
- Cotton Teal
- Hornbills
- Green Pigeons
- Kingfishers
- Magpie Robins
These lakes enhance the ecological balance of the sanctuary, making it an essential refuge for avian biodiversity.
Flora of Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary’s landscape is predominantly covered with semi-evergreen forests, with Sal (Shorea robusta) being the dominant tree species. The mixed deciduous forests at higher altitudes contain an array of other tree species, such as:
- Amari (Amoora wallichi)
- Bhumura (Terminalia belerica)
- Hilikha (Terminalia chebuja)
- Poma (Cedrela toona)
- Jamuk (Syzygium cuminni)
- Kadam (Anthocephalus cadamba)
- Udal (Sterculia villosa)
- Outenga (Dillenia indica)
- Gomari (Gmelina arborea)
Grasslands are also an integral part of the sanctuary, providing food and shelter for many herbivorous animals.
Climatic Conditions and Best Time to Visit
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary experiences a tropical moist climate. The annual rainfall varies between 2000 mm and 4000 mm, with the highest precipitation recorded in July and August. The temperature ranges from a maximum of 30°C in summer to a minimum of 8°C in winter. The relative humidity remains high, averaging around 86% during the summer months.
For visitors interested in experiencing the sanctuary’s wildlife and biodiversity, the best time to explore is between October and April. The monsoon months (June to July) should be avoided due to heavy rainfall, which can make travel difficult.
Unique Features of Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary
1. Conservation of the Endangered Golden Langur
As the second protected habitat for Golden Langurs in India, Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary plays a crucial role in their survival. The conservation efforts here have helped stabilize their population, making it an essential ecological hotspot.
2. Rich Birdlife Supported by Two Lakes
Unlike many other sanctuaries, Chakrashila is uniquely enriched by the presence of Dheer and Deeplai lakes, which provide a critical habitat for both local and migratory birds.
3. Diverse Ecosystem Supporting Rare Species
With its mix of tropical and deciduous forests, Chakrashila shelters a wide range of flora and fauna, including leopards, pangolins, deer, and several rare bird species, making it one of Assam’s most significant wildlife reserves.
4. An Important Site for Researchers and Conservationists
Due to its rich biodiversity and the presence of endangered species, the sanctuary is frequently visited by researchers studying wildlife conservation and ecological balance.
Conclusion
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is an invaluable natural habitat that protects endangered species like the Golden Langur and supports diverse flora and fauna. With its serene landscapes, rich biodiversity, and significant conservation efforts, the sanctuary stands out as a crucial ecological zone in Assam. Whether for research, education, or conservation purposes, this sanctuary remains an essential part of India’s wildlife heritage.
FAQ’s:
What is Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is well known for being the second protected habitat of the Golden Langur in India. This rare and endangered primate is found only in Assam along the Indo-Bhutan border. The sanctuary is also home to a variety of birds, reptiles, and butterflies, making it an important site for biodiversity conservation.
Where is Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary located?
This wildlife sanctuary is situated in Lower Assam, covering parts of the Kokrajhar and Dhubri districts under the Bodoland Territorial Region. It is about 6 km from Kokrajhar town and around 68 km from Dhubri.
Which animals can be found in Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary?
Apart from the famous Golden Langur, the sanctuary is home to many mammals, including leopards, leopard cats, rhesus macaques, barking deer, and Bengal foxes. There are also reptiles like monitor lizards, turtles, and various snake species, along with over 40 species of butterflies.
What kind of birds are seen in Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary?
More than 250 bird species have been recorded in the sanctuary. Some commonly seen birds include hornbills, kingfishers, egrets, herons, storks, doves, and sunbirds. The lakes near the sanctuary, Dheer and Deeplai, attract both local and migratory birds.
What type of forests are found in Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary?
The sanctuary consists of semi-evergreen forests with a mix of deciduous trees. Sal trees are the dominant species, along with other trees like Amari, Bhomura, and Kadam. Grasslands also play a significant role in maintaining the ecosystem.
What is the best time to visit Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary?
The sanctuary can be visited throughout the year, but it is best to avoid the monsoon season, which occurs from June to July. The winter and spring months offer the most comfortable weather for exploring the sanctuary.
How was Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary established?
Initially, Chakrashila Hill was declared a reserve forest in 1966. Later, due to efforts by environmentalists and wildlife activists, it was officially recognized as a wildlife sanctuary on July 14, 1994, to protect the Golden Langur and other species.
What is the climate like in Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary?
The climate here falls under the tropical moist category. The temperature ranges from a maximum of 30°C in summer to a minimum of 8°C in winter. The region receives an annual rainfall between 2000 mm and 4000 mm, with the highest rainfall occurring in July and August.
Why is the Golden Langur important in Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary?
The Golden Langur is a rare and endangered species found only in specific parts of Assam and Bhutan. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the forest. Due to habitat loss and declining populations, conservation efforts are crucial to protect this species.
Are there any lakes inside Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary?
Yes, there are two important lakes, Dheer and Deeplai, located near the sanctuary. These lakes contribute to the sanctuary’s rich biodiversity by supporting aquatic life and attracting a variety of birds, including migratory species.
Neha Baruah
