The Endangered Animals Of Assam

Here are some animals which are as important to our eco-system as the popular One-Horned Rhino but don’t get the required attention and thus run the risk of becoming extinct altogether.

- Nabarun Guha

Northeast India in general and specifically Assam is known for its rich bio-diversity. The amazing range of flora and fauna brings many tourists from across the world to the region throughout the year. However, the curse of mankind has endangered many of the exotic species found here. Massive deforestation across the State has robbed these animals of their habitats and then their numbers have further dwindled due to poaching. While we are well aware of the presence of bigger mammals like rhinos, tigers, leopards and elephants, we don’t give similar attention to the smaller animals. In this article, we will be looking at some of the lesser known animals which are as important to our ecosystem as the bigger ones.

Slow Loris - Even though the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the primate in its red list as a vulnerable species, the State Forest Department has not conducted any census of the species in the State so far. Renowned wildlife activist Soumyadeep Dutta said, ‘Lorises are mainly found in Karbi Anglong, Jorhat, Nagaon and Tinsukia in Assam. Their population in Karbi Anglong has been almost wiped out due to poaching and deforestation. Now, the Dihing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary holds the highest population of Slow Loris in the State but their exact number is not known as no survey has been conducted.’