Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary
Why in News?
On April 19, 2026, authorities intensified the clearing of illegal structures within the sanctuary's buffer zones to restore critical elephant corridors and protect the urban forest ecosystem.
Location and Geography
- State: Located in the Kamrup Metropolitan district of Assam.
- Proximity: It is situated on the eastern fringe of Guwahati city, making it a vital "green lung" for the urban population.
- Composition: It was declared a sanctuary in 2004 by combining three reserved forests:
- Amchang
- South Amchang
- Khanapara
Biodiversity and Wildlife
- Mammals: Known for the Asian Elephant, Chinese Pangolin, Flying Fox, Slow Loris, and the Hoolock Gibbon.
- Birds: Home to over 250 species, including the Lesser Adjutant Stork, Greater Adjutant Stork, and the Slender-billed Vulture.
- Vegetation: Predominantly Khasi Hill Sal forests and Eastern Himalayan moist deciduous forests, interspersed with bamboo brakes.
- Reptiles: Houses the Python, Monitor Lizard, and various species of tortoises.
Conservation Challenges
- Illegal Settlement: Rapid urbanization of Guwahati has led to the "eating away" of the forest edges by settlers.
- Stone Quarrying: Illegal mining and stone crushing in the vicinity have caused significant noise pollution and habitat fragmentation.
- Habitat Isolation: The sanctuary is largely isolated from other large forest tracts, forcing wildlife into "islands" surrounded by human development.
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