How Many Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam – Exploring All 18 Sanctuaries

When traveling through the northeastern states of India, Assam stands out not only for its tea gardens and mighty Brahmaputra river but also for its exceptional wildlife sanctuaries. Many nature lovers frequently ask, how many wildlife sanctuary in Assam there are — a question that underscores just how crucial the state is for wildlife conservation. In this article, we will explore the number, types, and significance of these protected areas, painting a picture of Assam’s commitment to preserving its natural treasure.

How Many Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam: The Official Count

First, let us address the question at the heart of this discussion: how many wildlife sanctuary in Assam? According to multiple authoritative sources, Assam currently has 18 officially recognized wildlife sanctuaries. This number is confirmed by the Assam State Biodiversity Board, which lists 17 wildlife sanctuaries along with three proposed ones. Even more practical data from government reports and exam-prep materials also support this figure. 

These sanctuaries cover a variety of habitats — from wetlands and floodplains to dense forests and hills — and together they form a critical network for conserving Assam’s rich biodiversity.

Understanding the Diversity: What Makes These Sanctuaries Unique

To appreciate why Assam’s wildlife sanctuaries are so significant, it helps to look at the rich ecological tapestry they represent. The state’s subtropical climate and the dynamic geography foster a wide array of wildlife habitats. Some sanctuaries are tiny wetlands, while others include vast tracts of forest. For example, Deepar Beel Wildlife Sanctuary is centered on a freshwater wetland near Guwahati, while Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary, closer to the urban fringe, is a forested area that supports large mammals.

There are sanctuaries that shelter primates like the hoolock gibbon in Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, as well as grassland sanctuaries such as Sonai Rupai, which is much larger in area and supports a more open landscape. In wet and remote corners of Assam, Dehing Patkai Sanctuary preserves dense rainforest, offering refuge to rare species. 

This ecological diversity is one of the main reasons why the question “how many wildlife sanctuary in Assam” is not just about counting, but also about understanding the depth of conservation in the state.

Historical and Conservation Significance

The sanctuaries of Assam are not just tourist attractions, but pillars of conservation. Many of them were declared over decades to protect very specific species or habitats. Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary, for instance, is one of the older ones and is known for its hot springs and orchid diversity. Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary, on the other hand, is celebrated for its high density of one-horned rhinoceros, offering visitors a rare chance to view these magnificent creatures in relatively compact terrain.

In recent years, proposals for new sanctuaries show a forward-looking conservation mindset: according to the Assam State Biodiversity Board, three more wildlife sanctuaries are proposed, including North Karbi Anglong and Poba Wildlife Sanctuary. 

These sanctuaries play a vital role in ecological balance, serving as corridors for wildlife, preserving genetic diversity, and acting as buffer zones against habitat fragmentation. Their existence is a testament to Assam’s commitment to conservation, but also highlights continuing challenges, such as human-wildlife conflict and land conversion.

Wildlife Sanctuaries and Eco-Tourism: A Traveler’s Perspective

For travelers, wildlife sanctuaries in Assam are not just about conservation — they are gateways to unique wildlife experiences. Knowing how many wildlife sanctuary in Assam helps you plan a deeper, more informed exploration of the state.

If you are passionate about bird watching, for instance, you might gravitate toward the wetlands, such as Deepar Beel, which attract migratory and resident waterfowl. For those keen on spotting mammals, Amchang or Pabitora offer compelling opportunities. The relatively small size of some sanctuaries makes them accessible as day-trip destinations, while the larger ones allow for more immersive stays.

Eco-tourism in Assam sanctuaries supports local economies as well. Communities around these protected areas benefit when wildlife tourism is done sustainably. As more travelers ask “how many wildlife sanctuary in Assam,” they also contribute to awareness and funding for conservation efforts.

Conservation Challenges and the Role of Sanctuaries

Despite having 18 sanctuaries, Assam’s protected areas face serious challenges. Human-wildlife conflict is a recurring issue — elephants, rhinos, and tigers sometimes stray beyond sanctuary borders, leading to tragic encounters. If people understand how many wildlife sanctuary in Assam, they may also appreciate that protection efforts are spread across limited but precious land.

Moreover, pressures such as deforestation, illegal poaching, and infrastructure development threaten the integrity of these sanctuaries. For conservationists, the number 18 is not just statistical — it represents finite safe havens for endangered species in a rapidly changing landscape.

The proposed sanctuaries, if officially notified and managed well, could provide additional buffer zones, reduce conflict, and improve connectivity between fragmented forests. For the state government and wildlife authorities, turning proposals into protected areas would be a major step forward in fulfilling long-term conservation goals.

Why Knowing “How Many Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam” Matters for Your Travel Planning

From a travel perspective, knowing that there are 18 wildlife sanctuaries in Assam gives you a sense of both choice and responsibility. It helps you plan your itinerary more strategically: whether you want a short, wildlife-rich visit or a longer, more exploratory trip across different landscapes.

It also emphasizes the richness of Assam’s natural heritage — this isn’t a region with just one or two famous parks, but a network of sanctuaries each offering something distinct. That makes Assam not just a destination, but a wildlife tourism hub.

For eco-conscious travelers, understanding the number and distribution of sanctuaries also encourages more sustainable choices: staying in eco-lodges, hiring local guides, and supporting conservation-friendly tour operators.

Celebrating and Protecting Assam’s Sanctuaries

In summary, when people wonder how many wildlife sanctuary in Assam, the answer is clear and meaningful: there are 18 officially recognized sanctuaries, each contributing uniquely to the conservation fabric of the state. These protected areas are more than just tourist spots — they are vital for safeguarding Assam’s biodiversity, supporting endangered species, and maintaining ecological balance.

As tourism continues to grow in Assam, these sanctuaries offer travelers a powerful way to connect with nature, witness rare wildlife, and play a part in conservation. By highlighting the number, diversity, and importance of these sanctuaries, we not only inform potential visitors but also help raise awareness about the need to protect them.

So the next time you plan a trip to Assam, don’t just ask how many wildlife sanctuary in Assam — dive deeper into what each one offers, and make your journey a contribution to conserving this truly wild and wonderful state.