Syllabus: GS-III & V: Biodiversity and Conservation

Why in the News?

Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary has recently been in focus due to concerns over encroachment, habitat fragmentation and increasing urban pressure from the expanding city of Guwahati. The sanctuary is increasingly being recognised for its critical role in biodiversity conservation, climate regulation and human-elephant conflict management.

A Forest that Protects a City

Located on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River, Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary lies on the eastern fringe of Guwahati in Kamrup Metropolitan district, Assam. Often called the “green lungs of Guwahati”, it acts as a natural shield protecting the city from environmental degradation.

The sanctuary was created on 19 June 2004 by merging three reserve forests:

• Amchang Reserve Forest (1953)
• South Amchang Reserve Forest (1972)
• Khanapara Reserve Forest (1991)

Today, it covers an area of 78.64 square kilometres.The habitat comprises Assam alluvial grassland with hilly forests for an area of 38.81 sq. kms.

Why is Amchang Important?

It serves as a biodiversity hotspot.

• The sanctuary supports 44 species of mammals.
• Important wildlife includes: Asian Elephant, Leopard, Gaur (Indian Bison), Wild Dog, Sambar, Barking Deer, Assamese Macaque, Capped Langur, Slow Loris & Chinese Pangolin

It has been recognised as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA).

• It supports several resident and migratory bird species.
• Notable birds include: Greater Adjutant, Lesser Adjutant, Hornbills, Vultures, Kingfishers

Ecological Significance

• It acts as an elephant corridor.

• • • Amchang forms part of a larger ecological landscape connected with the forests of Meghalaya. It facilitates the movement of elephants between Assam and Meghalaya and helps maintain genetic diversity.

• It regulates the local climate.

• • Forests absorb carbon dioxide and act as carbon sinks.
  • They help reduce the urban heat island effect in Guwahati.
• It protects water resources.
  • Numerous streams originate within the sanctuary and contribute to groundwater recharge and hydrological stability.
• It reduces disaster risks.
  • Dense vegetation prevents soil erosion, landslides and flash floods during heavy monsoon rainfall.

Major Challenges

• Encroachment remains a serious concern.

• Around 7.7 square kilometres of sanctuary land is reportedly under encroachment.
• Expanding settlements and infrastructure projects are fragmenting habitats.

• Human-Wildlife Conflict is increasing.

• Habitat loss forces elephants and other wildlife into nearby human settlements.

• Urbanisation and road construction are disrupting wildlife movement.

• Increased traffic, noise and artificial lighting affect animal behaviour and survival.

Conservation Measures Needed

• Strengthening implementation of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Protecting elephant corridors under the Project Elephant framework.
• Promoting community-based conservation and environmental awareness.
• Integrating biodiversity conservation into urban planning.
• Restoring degraded habitats and preventing further encroachment.

Key Takeaways

• Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary was formed in 2004 by merging three reserve forests.
• It covers 78.64 sq km and is located on the eastern fringe of Guwahati.
• It is an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area and an important elephant corridor.
• The sanctuary plays a key role in climate regulation, flood mitigation and biodiversity conservation.
• Encroachment and urban expansion remain major threats to its ecological integrity.

Mains Question

Discuss the ecological significance of urban wildlife sanctuaries with special reference to Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam.

One-Line Wrap

Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary is not merely a protected forest but the ecological heart of Guwahati, sustaining biodiversity, climate resilience and environmental security for future generations.

Source