Dibrugarh, May 31: Sightings of a one-horned rhinoceros and a Royal Bengal Tiger in Assam’s Medela Reserve Forest have sparked fresh calls for stronger conservation measures and wildlife protection in the ecologically rich forest near Dibrugarh.
Located around 18 kilometres from Dibrugarh city in Madhupur, the reserve forest has emerged as a significant wildlife habitat after a full-grown Royal Bengal Tiger was recently captured on a camera trap installed by the Forest Department.
Local residents and forest watchers said a one-horned rhinoceros has also been living in the forest for nearly a year, with some villagers claiming that more than one rhino may be using the habitat.
The latest sightings have highlighted the growing ecological importance of Medela Reserve Forest, which already supports populations of wild elephants and wild buffalo.
Wildlife enthusiasts and local residents have now urged the government to upgrade the reserve forest into a wildlife sanctuary and introduce stronger conservation and habitat management measures to safeguard the area’s biodiversity.
Conservationists said the simultaneous presence of flagship species such as the one-horned rhinoceros and the Royal Bengal Tiger indicates the forest’s potential as an important wildlife corridor and habitat in upper Assam.
They believe enhanced protection, scientific habitat management and anti-poaching measures could help preserve the forest’s wildlife while strengthening ecological balance in the region.
The sightings have also renewed attention on the need to conserve lesser-known forest areas outside Assam’s established protected landscapes amid growing concerns over habitat fragmentation and human pressure on wildlife habitats.
The development serves as a reminder of Assam’s globally significant biodiversity and the need for long-term conservation efforts to protect its wildlife heritage.
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