Assam GK Section
Wildlife Sanctuaries in Assam
Compiled on 2026-01-18
Assam notifies 18 wildlife sanctuaries, two proposed reserves and one Ramsar site, forming a state-wide safety net for rhinos, primates, birds and wetlands.
Key pointers
- Sanctuaries range from tiny Garampani (6 sq km) to expansive Marat Longri (451 sq km) and Borail (326 sq km).
- Laokhowa-Burachapori, Pabitora and Sonai Rupai secure rhino, buffalo and tiger habitats adjoining the Brahmaputra.
- Karbi Anglong houses a mosaic of sanctuaries (East Karbi, Nambor, Marat Longri, Nambor-Doigrung, Garampani) that connect to Kaziranga and elephants.
- Deepar Beel on Guwahati's edge is Assam's only Ramsar site, hosting more than 170 bird species including greater adjutant storks.
- Proposed additions include North Karbi Anglong WLS and Bordoibam Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary.
Sanctuary count
Proposed sanctuaries
Wildlife sanctuaries
Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary
Hot water spring, waterfalls and 51 orchid species contiguous with Nambor
Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary
Ideal rhino and wild buffalo habitat 40 km downstream of Kaziranga
Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary
Protected bhabar tract for Hispid hare and Pygmy hog
Chakrasila Wildlife Sanctuary
Second home of the golden langur outside Bhutan foothills
Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary
Wet alluvial grasslands ideal for Bengal florican and migratory birds
Panidehing Wildlife Sanctuary
Wetland paradise with 165 recorded bird species
Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary
India's only primate sanctuary for Hoolock gibbons and Bengal slow loris
Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary (Morigaon)
World's highest density of one-horned rhinos and 375 bird species
Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary
Foothill landscape combining scenic views with megafauna
Bherjan–Borajan–Padumoni Wildlife Sanctuary
Three isolated forest blocks sheltering seven primate species
East Karbi Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary
Key part of the Kaziranga–Karbi landscape
Nambor Wildlife Sanctuary
Orchid-rich forests contiguous with Garampani
Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary
Core of Dhansiri–Lungding Elephant Reserve
Nambor–Doigrung Wildlife Sanctuary
Hot water springs and the Kaziranga–Karbi Elephant Reserve
Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary
Urban-adjacent refuge created from Amchang, South Amchang and Khanapara reserve forests
Borail Wildlife Sanctuary
Moist evergreen and semi-evergreen forests of North Cachar and Borail ranges
Deepar Beel Wildlife Sanctuary
Permanent freshwater lake on a former Brahmaputra channel; Assam's only Ramsar site
- Ramsar2002
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary (tourism brief)
Tourism-focused safaris showcasing dense rhino populations and mixed wetlands
- Recognised as an Important Bird Area
- Highlights conservation work under Indian Rhino Vision 2020
- Faces habitat degradation and human-wildlife conflict challenges