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Concern and conservation perspective in Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary of Nagaon district, Assam, India

Abstract

Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary one of the oldest Sanctuary is situated in the Nagaon district of Assam, India. It lies between the latitudes 26030 /N to 26032 / N and longitude 92040 / E to 92047 / E in the flood plains of the river Brahmaputra. The Sanctuary is about 25 km from Nagaon town, the district headquarter of the Nagaon district. It is situated in the extreme northern boundary of Nagaon district and the southern boundary of Sonitpur district and is bounded by Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary, Lawkhowa suti (wetland), Haldia suti (wetland), and Mara suti (wetland) in the north, Nagaon –Silghat PWD road in the east, Leterijan (wetland) in the south and forest road in the west. Geomorphologically, the Sanctuary consists of basically a flat land and the monotony of the plain is to a certain extent broken by the presence of wetlands. The land has gentle slope from south to north and east to west .It is a part of Brahmaputra valley. The soil of the area is mostly alluvial deposits of the river Brahmaputra. Soil is generally fertile, clay loam mixed with silt. Ironically, the floodplain ecosystem of the Sanctuary is poorly understood. Hence a better understanding of the Sanctuary is the priority need or effective and efficient management of these fast dwindling natural resources. A comprehensive scientific research effort including experimental field trials and long term in-built monitoring programme would greatly enhance the chances of survival of this unique ecosystem and its processes and functions. The basic premise to answer by scientists and managers would be what are harmful effects of current management practice, developmental activities, and other biotic pressure on floral and faunal diversity and productivity on one hand while on the other hand which are the best management practices those are ideal for maintaining at least the current level of diversity and long term conservation goals. The paper provides an insight on the current knowledge: identify threats and concerns: and gaps, priority conservation and management needs.

Sanjeeb Kumar Nath

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