Assam forest for birdwatchers reopens after 16 years
The Hindu
Panbari Reserve Forest in Kaziranga National Park reopens after 16 years, offering birdwatchers diverse flora, fauna, and upgraded facilities.
GUWAHATI
One of Assam’s richest birding sites has reopened after 16 years.
The Panbari Reserve Forest, a part of the 1,302 sq. km Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, is home to more than 300 species of birds, several species of butterflies, and arboreal mammals.
A hill forest with tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen trees, Panbari boasts of the tallest birding machan in the northeast comprising eight States. However, the reserve forest was closed for birdwatching in 2009 because of accessibility and other unspecified factors.
A bid to reopen the forest for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts in 2022 was nipped in the bud.
“We reopened Panbari on February 2 after completing an 8 km safari route. We are promoting responsible tourism there,” Kaziranga’s Field Director Sonali Ghosh said.
Located across the highway along the southern boundary of Kaziranga National Park’s core area, Panbari is known for its diverse flora and fauna. Among the birds found here are the Asian fairy-bluebird (Irena puella), great Indian hornbill (Buceros bicornis), Jerdon’s baza (Aviceda jerdoni), black baza (Aviceda leuphotes), pied falconet (Microhierax melanoleucos), ruby-cheeked sunbird (Chalcoparia singalensis), sultan tit (Melanochlora sultanea), white-throated bulbul (Alophoixus flaveolus), black-naped monarch (Hypothymis azurea), and blue-naped pitta (Hydrornis nipalensis)
PMK founder demands DMK release white paper on unfulfilled poll promises, including NEET exemption and vacant posts.
After three days of intense ministerial-level meetings, conclaves, and signings of memoranda of understanding between major armament companies, the gates of the Air Force Station in Yelahanka were open to the general public on Thursday.
Munnar experiences sub-zero temperatures, attracting tourists despite traffic congestion, with frost covering tea plantations.
Delhi High Court discusses guidelines for service animals by persons with disabilities in India, involving stakeholders for consultation.
DMK seeks CBI probe into Pondicherry University's mismanagement, criticizes Centre's interference in education sector.
Srinivas University's 7th convocation saw 2,233 students graduate, with inspiring speeches and awards highlighting the ceremony.
Dalai Lama and BJP leader Sambit Patra receive Z-category security cover from CRPF in India.
Senior scientist emphasizes water conservation and sustainable resource management for future generations at international conference on environmental sustainability.
Chairperson G. Pallavi visits nomadic communities in Kodagu, urging them to benefit from government schemes for economic stability.
Minister C.V. Ganesan inaugurates phase III of Makkaludan Mudhalvar scheme in Krishnagiri
Yuvraj ahead of Jamal by a stroke
Arrest of Vamsi illegal, says YSRCP leader Botcha Satyanarayana. The NDA government in Andhra Pradesh has been resorting to vendetta politics since coming to power, and has failed to implement its electoral promises, he says.
UDF hartal in Wayanad over wild animal attacks disrupts daily life, affecting businesses, transportation, and educational institutions.