How Many Wildlife Sanctuaries Are There in Assam?

Assam is one of the most important wildlife-rich states in India. Its forests, wetlands, grasslands, river valleys and hill ecosystems provide suitable habitats for a wide variety of animals, birds, reptiles and plant species.

Wildlife Sanctuaries play an important role in protecting these natural habitats and maintaining Assam’s biodiversity. According to the current Wildlife Sanctuary listing of the Government of Assam, the state has 18 notified Wildlife Sanctuaries, along with 2 proposed Wildlife Sanctuaries. Therefore, the list contains 20 Wildlife Sanctuary areas when proposed sanctuaries are included.

How Many Wildlife Sanctuaries Are There in Assam?

Assam has 18 officially notified Wildlife Sanctuaries. These protected areas are spread across different parts of the state and conserve a variety of habitats. There are also two proposed Wildlife Sanctuaries that are included separately from the notified sanctuaries.

Category	Number
Notified Wildlife Sanctuaries	18
Proposed Wildlife Sanctuaries	2
Total including proposed areas	20

For general knowledge questions asking for the number of Wildlife Sanctuaries in Assam, 18 is the appropriate figure when referring to notified sanctuaries.

List of Wildlife Sanctuaries in Assam

No.	Wildlife Sanctuary	Location
1	Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary	Karbi Anglong
2	Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary	Nagaon
3	Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary	Udalguri
4	Chakrasila Wildlife Sanctuary	Dhubri and Kokrajhar
5	Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary	Sonitpur
6	Panidehing Wildlife Sanctuary	Sivasagar
7	Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary	Jorhat
8	Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary	Morigaon
9	Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary	Sonitpur
10	Bherjan-Borajan-Padumoni Wildlife Sanctuary	Tinsukia
11	East Karbi Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary	Karbi Anglong
12	Nambor Wildlife Sanctuary	Karbi Anglong
13	Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary	Karbi Anglong
14	Nambor-Doigrung Wildlife Sanctuary	Golaghat
15	Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary	Kamrup Metropolitan and Kamrup
16	Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary	Dibrugarh and Tinsukia
17	Borail Wildlife Sanctuary	Cachar and Dima Hasao
18	Deepar Beel Wildlife Sanctuary	Kamrup Metropolitan

1. Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary

Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Karbi Anglong region of Assam. It is known for its forested landscape, hot-water springs and waterfalls. The sanctuary supports several species of mammals, birds and reptiles. Its natural surroundings make it an interesting destination for people who enjoy forests and nature.

2. Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary

Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Nagaon district. Its landscape includes grasslands, wetlands and forest areas. The sanctuary is important for several species of wildlife and birds and forms part of the larger wildlife landscape of central Assam.

3. Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary

Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary is located near the foothills of the Himalayas in northern Assam. Its forest and grassland habitats support a variety of wildlife. The sanctuary is also important because of its location near the Bhutan border and Himalayan foothill ecosystem.

4. Chakrasila Wildlife Sanctuary

Chakrasila Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Dhubri and Kokrajhar areas of Assam. It is particularly famous for the golden langur, a rare primate associated with the forests of Northeast India. The sanctuary also supports many other species of animals and birds.

5. Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary

Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Sonitpur district. Its combination of grasslands, wetlands and forest provides habitat for different mammals and birds. The area is part of an important wildlife landscape along the Brahmaputra valley.

6. Panidehing Wildlife Sanctuary

Panidehing Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Sivasagar district. It is particularly important for wetland birds and is a good area for birdwatching. The sanctuary’s wetlands provide feeding and resting areas for various species of birds.

7. Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary

Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Jorhat. It is famous for the hoolock gibbon, India’s only ape species. The sanctuary protects an important evergreen forest habitat and supports several species of primates, birds and other wildlife.

8. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Morigaon district and is one of the most popular wildlife destinations in Assam. It is particularly famous for the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. The sanctuary is known for having a high density of rhinoceroses within a relatively small protected area.

9. Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary

Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Sonitpur district near the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. Its forests, grasslands and surrounding landscape support elephants, deer, birds and other wildlife.

10. Bherjan-Borajan-Padumoni Wildlife Sanctuary

This Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Tinsukia district. It consists of three important forest areas: Bherjan, Borajan and Padumoni. The sanctuary provides valuable habitat for primates and other forest species.

11. East Karbi Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary

East Karbi Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Karbi Anglong region. The sanctuary protects forest habitats and supports a wide variety of wildlife. Its location within the Karbi Anglong landscape makes it important for maintaining ecological connectivity.

12. Nambor Wildlife Sanctuary

Nambor Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Karbi Anglong. The sanctuary contains forest ecosystems and supports several species of mammals, birds and reptiles. Its surrounding landscape is also important for wildlife movement.

13. Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary

Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the important protected areas of Karbi Anglong. It protects extensive forest habitat and supports numerous species. The sanctuary forms part of the larger forest ecosystem of central Assam.

14. Nambor-Doigrung Wildlife Sanctuary

Nambor-Doigrung Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Golaghat district. Its forests provide habitat for different species of mammals and birds. The sanctuary also contributes to the wider conservation landscape around the Kaziranga region.

15. Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary

Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary is located close to Guwahati. Its location near a major urban centre makes it especially important as a natural habitat surrounded by increasing development. The sanctuary supports elephants, deer, primates, wild pigs and many bird species.

16. Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary

Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Dibrugarh and Tinsukia regions. It is famous for its rich tropical rainforest ecosystem. The area supports elephants, primates, birds and many other species associated with Assam’s rainforest environment.

17. Borail Wildlife Sanctuary

Borail Wildlife Sanctuary extends across parts of Cachar and Dima Hasao. It protects forested hills and supports a diverse range of plants and animals. The sanctuary is particularly important for biodiversity conservation in southern Assam.

18. Deepar Beel Wildlife Sanctuary

Deepar Beel Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Guwahati and protects the important Deepar Beel wetland. The wetland provides habitat for numerous waterbirds and other aquatic species. It is also an important ecological feature of the Guwahati region.

Proposed Wildlife Sanctuaries in Assam

Apart from the 18 notified sanctuaries, two areas are listed as proposed Wildlife Sanctuaries.

Bordoibam Bilmukh Bird Wildlife Sanctuary

Bordoibam Bilmukh is proposed as a bird-focused protected area. Its wetland environment is considered important for birds and other aquatic wildlife.

North Karbi Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary

North Karbi Anglong is another proposed Wildlife Sanctuary. Its proposed protection would strengthen conservation efforts across the forested Karbi Anglong landscape. These proposed areas should not be counted among the 18 notified Wildlife Sanctuaries.

Why Does the Number Sometimes Differ?

People may find different numbers of Wildlife Sanctuaries for Assam on different websites and older study materials. This happens because protected-area lists can change when new areas are notified, proposed areas are added, or government records are updated. Some older sources may mention a smaller number, while newer government information may show additional protected areas. Therefore, it is important to distinguish between notified sanctuaries and proposed sanctuaries.

For the current count, the important figures are:

• 18 notified Wildlife Sanctuaries
• 2 proposed Wildlife Sanctuaries
• 20 areas when proposed sanctuaries are included

Wildlife Found in Assam’s Sanctuaries

Assam’s Wildlife Sanctuaries protect a remarkable variety of species.

Some important wildlife found across different sanctuaries includes:

• One-horned rhinoceros
• Asian elephant
• Wild buffalo
• Leopard
• Tiger
• Sambar
• Hog deer
• Barking deer
• Wild boar
• Golden langur
• Hoolock gibbon
• Slow loris
• Assamese macaque
• Rhesus macaque
• Various reptiles
• Numerous resident birds
• Migratory birds

The species found in each sanctuary depend on its particular habitat and geographical location.

Importance of Wildlife Sanctuaries in Assam

Wildlife Sanctuaries are extremely important for protecting Assam’s biodiversity. The state contains several different ecosystems, including tropical forests, wetlands, grasslands, riverine areas and hill forests.

These protected areas provide safe habitats where animals can feed, reproduce and move with reduced human pressure. They also help conserve important plant species and natural ecosystems. Sanctuaries such as Pobitora, Hollongapar Gibbon and Chakrasila are particularly valuable because they protect species that are important to Assam’s ecological heritage.

Wildlife Tourism in Assam

Several Wildlife Sanctuaries have become popular destinations for nature and wildlife tourism.

Visitors can enjoy activities such as:

• Wildlife watching
• Birdwatching
• Jeep safaris
• Nature walks
• Photography
• Forest exploration
• Wetland observation
• Environmental education

Pobitora is especially popular for rhinoceros sightings, while Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary attracts visitors interested in primates and forest biodiversity. Responsible tourism is important because excessive noise, littering and disturbance can negatively affect wildlife.

Best Wildlife Sanctuaries in Assam for Tourists

Wildlife Sanctuary	Main Attraction
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary	One-horned rhinoceros
Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary	Hoolock gibbon
Chakrasila Wildlife Sanctuary	Golden langur
Deepar Beel Wildlife Sanctuary	Wetland and birds
Panidehing Wildlife Sanctuary	Waterbirds
Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary	Elephants and forest wildlife
Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary	Tropical rainforest
Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary	Grasslands and wetlands
Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary	Forest and foothill wildlife
Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary	Hot springs, waterfalls and forests

Best Time to Visit Wildlife Sanctuaries in Assam

The best time for wildlife tourism in Assam is generally between October and April. During winter, temperatures are more comfortable and many wetlands attract migratory birds. Wildlife viewing can also be more enjoyable during the cooler months.

The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall to many parts of Assam. Some wildlife tourism activities may be affected during this period because of flooding, poor road conditions or temporary closures.

Wildlife Sanctuaries vs National Parks in Assam

Assam has both National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. A National Park generally follows a stricter protection framework, while a Wildlife Sanctuary can allow certain recognised rights and regulated activities depending on its legal status. Both categories protect wildlife and natural habitats and are important components of Assam’s conservation network.

Conclusion

Assam currently has 18 notified Wildlife Sanctuaries, making them an important part of the state’s wildlife conservation network. In addition, 2 proposed Wildlife Sanctuaries are listed separately, bringing the total to 20 when proposed areas are included.

These protected areas conserve diverse ecosystems and provide habitats for important species such as the one-horned rhinoceros, Asian elephant, golden langur, hoolock gibbon and numerous birds.

For wildlife lovers, Assam’s sanctuaries offer an excellent combination of biodiversity, natural landscapes, conservation and responsible wildlife tourism.

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