Home to the endangered Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Morigaon district of Assam. Boasting of the highest density of Indian rhinos, the sanctuary is 40 km east of Guwahati. Pobitora along with Kaziranga National Park and Manas Wildlife Sanctuary form the three most important reserves for the protection of Indian rhinos.
The sanctuary stretches over 38 km and has a swampy marshland which is a perfect habitat for the rhinos, wild buffalos and the wild boars. There are a few embankments through the parks and rough roads have been built for the jeeps to tread.
A census of rhinos counted in 2006 pegged their number at 81. Pobitora boasts of the highest density of rhinos and sightings of the beasts are assured during a visit to the sanctuary. High density of the animals has also resulted in translocation of some to Manas National Park.
Animals like the Asiatic buffalos, leopards, wild bear, civet cat, etc. are found in the sanctuary. The sanctuary is also an ideal for bird watching. It consists of more than 2000 migratory birds. Several resident and migratory birds such as Indian pied horn bill, osprey, hill myna, kalij pheasant, etc. are found in the reserve. Due to its rich birdlife, the sanctuary is also called as the ‘Bharatpur of the East’.
Various species of reptiles like Indian python, common monitor lizard, Indian tent turtle, Indian cobra are also found in the sanctuary. Pobitara Wildlife Sanctuary could be accessed from Guwahati, the capital city of the state of Assam, the district head quarter Morigaon and the industrial town Jagiroad through National Highway 37 and State Highway 3. The Sanctuary is situated about 35 Km. from Guwahati via Chandrapur. The other approach road from the city 52 Km of which 32 Km is along the National Highway No.-37 and 18 Km along the state road.