Community-led conservation efforts at Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary in Kokrajhar, Assam, have successfully restored wild honey bee colonies and improved local biodiversity.

• The initiative was highlighted at the Community Conference on Commons 2025, organised by the Foundation for Ecological Security, showcasing the role of indigenous stewardship in wildlife protection.

About Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: Kokrajhar and Dhubri districts of Assam.
• Ecological significance: It is the second ideal habitat for the Golden Langur (Trachypithecus geei), which is Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
• Geographical Features: The sanctuary is unique for its hilly terrain interspersed with two major wetlands: Beel Dhir and Beel Diphalu.
• Vegetation: The landscape is dominated by Semi-evergreen, mixed Deciduous and tropical Moist Deciduous forests, with Sal tree being the dominant species in these forests.
• Landscape: Characterised by hills, sal forests, sacred groves and wetlands, making it both ecologically and culturally important.

Community Conservation Initiative

• Local leadership: The effort was led by Gala Basumatary, a spiritual leader and environmentalist from Bandarpara village.
• Sacred forest protection: The initiative focused on conserving the Pedpakra sacred forest, located at the heart of the sanctuary.
• Key challenge addressed:
  • Unregulated honey hunting, which was degrading forest cover and threatening wildlife.
• Outcome:
  • Harmful honey-hunting practices were reduced.
  • Wild honey bee populations recovered, benefiting pollination and forest regeneration.
  • Associated wildlife also showed signs of revival.

Institutional and Cultural Support

• The initiative was supported by BERE (Bwiswmuthy Eco-Reverence Ensemble), which helped present this indigenous conservation model at an international forum.
• A community screening of the conference was organised locally, helping villagers and schoolchildren connect global conservation ideas with their own experiences.

Exam Hook – Prelims

Q. With reference to Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary, consider the following statements:

1. It is the only wildlife sanctuary in India dedicated to the conservation of the golden langur.
2. Community-led protection of sacred forests has helped restore honey bee populations in the sanctuary.
3. The sanctuary is located in the floodplains of the Barak River.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

One-line Wrap:
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary shows how indigenous knowledge and community participation can revive biodiversity while protecting cultural landscapes.

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