Location and Physical Setting
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary and Community Conservation: Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Kokrajhar and Dhubri districts of Assam. It covers an area of 45.5 square kilometres and is marked by undulating hills and dense forest cover. The terrain creates natural corridors for wildlife movement and supports varied habitats.
Static GK fact: Assam lies within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, one of the richest regions for flora and fauna in the world.
The sanctuary was notified to conserve regional biodiversity and to protect species unique to this landscape.
Recent Conservation Developments
Chakrashila has recently gained attention due to community-led conservation initiatives. Local communities actively worked to restore wild honey bee colonies, protect natural nesting sites, and reduce human disturbance within forest patches.
The revival of wild honey bees has strengthened pollination networks, improved forest regeneration, and supported food availability for multiple species. This effort demonstrates how local participation can complement formal conservation measures.
Static GK Tip: Pollinators like bees are considered keystone species because their decline can disrupt entire ecosystems.
Importance as a Golden Langur Habitat
Chakrashila is widely known as the second protected habitat of the endangered Golden Langur in India. The sanctuary supports a population of over 600 golden langurs, making it one of the most important conservation sites for the species.
The Golden Langur is endemic to western Assam and southern Bhutan. Habitat protection in Chakrashila plays a critical role in ensuring the long-term survival of this primate.
Static GK fact: The Golden Langur is listed as Endangered under the IUCN Red List.
Wetlands Within the Sanctuary
Two significant wetlands enhance the ecological value of Chakrashila:
- Dheer Beel
- Diplai Beel
These water bodies support aquatic biodiversity, regulate local microclimates, and provide drinking and feeding grounds for wildlife. Wetlands also act as buffers during dry seasons.
Static GK Tip: In Assam, natural wetlands are locally called Beels, and they play a vital role in flood control and biodiversity support.
Forest Types and Vegetation
The sanctuary includes a mix of forest ecosystems such as tropical moist deciduous, mixed deciduous, and semi-evergreen forests. The dominant tree species is Sal (Shorea robusta).
Sal forests provide critical shelter and food resources for herbivores and form the backbone of the sanctuary’s forest structure.
Static GK fact: Sal is one of the most economically and ecologically important tree species in central and eastern India.
Faunal Diversity
Chakrashila supports diverse mammalian species including Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Gaur, Sambar Deer, and Barking Deer. This indicates a healthy trophic structure.
The sanctuary is also important for birds such as the Bengal Florican, Great Hornbill, and White-winged Wood Duck. Several of these species are rare or endangered, increasing the sanctuary’s conservation significance.
Static GK fact: The White-winged Wood Duck is the state bird of Assam.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary and Community Conservation:
| Topic | Detail |
| Sanctuary location | Kokrajhar and Dhubri districts, Assam |
| Area | 45.5 square kilometres |
| Key conservation initiative | Community-led honey bee restoration |
| Flagship species | Golden Langur |
| Golden langur status | Endangered |
| Important wetlands | Dheer Beel and Diplai Beel |
| Dominant tree species | Sal (Shorea robusta) |
| Bird significance | Habitat for Bengal Florican and White-winged Wood Duck |
