Why in news?
Civil society organisations have urged authorities to nominate the Rowmari–Donduwa wetland complex within Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary for Ramsar status. The sanctuary, located on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra, plays a vital role as a buffer to Kaziranga Tiger Reserve and houses rich biodiversity.
Background
Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary covers about 70 square kilometres in Nagaon district of Assam. Established in 1972, it is part of the larger Laokhowa‑Burachapori ecosystem and was declared a buffer to Kaziranga Tiger Reserve in 2007. The sanctuary lies in the Brahmaputra floodplain and comprises grasslands, wetlands, riparian forests and semi‑evergreen patches.
Wildlife and habitat
- Fauna diversity: The sanctuary harbours Indian one‑horned rhinoceroses, Bengal tigers, leopards, Asiatic water buffaloes, elephants, hog deer, wild boar and smaller mammals such as civets and fishing cats.
- Birds: Over 225 bird species, including migratory ducks, cranes and raptors, have been recorded here.
- Fish and herpetofauna: Laokhowa contains breeding grounds for about 39 fish species, 14 reptiles and 9 amphibian species.
- Flood‑prone landscape: Being part of the Brahmaputra floodplain, up to 50–70 percent of the sanctuary is inundated during the monsoon, creating dynamic habitats for wildlife.
- Reintroduction efforts: Greater one‑horned rhinos, wiped out by poaching in the 1980s, have begun returning to the sanctuary as a corridor connecting Orang and Kaziranga parks has been established.
Significance
- Ecological buffer: The sanctuary acts as a safety zone for wildlife dispersing from Kaziranga and Orang, reducing human‑animal conflicts.
- Wetland conservation: Recognising the Rowmari–Donduwa complex as a Ramsar site would help conserve floodplain wetlands and support local livelihoods.
- Community involvement: Surrounding villages rely on grazing and fishing; participatory management is essential for balancing conservation and sustainable use.
Sources: NaParks, International Rhino Foundation