The Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts of Assam, is popularly known as the "Amazon of the East". This nickname reflects its lush tropical rainforest, rich biodiversity, and dense canopy—qualities that resemble the world-famous Amazon rainforest in South America.
Why Is Dehing Patkai Called the Amazon of the East?
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Tropical Evergreen Forest: It is the only patch of dipterocarp-dominated rainforest in India.
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Rich Biodiversity: Home to over 300 bird species, 47 mammal species, 40 reptile species, and countless flora.
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Rare Wildlife: Includes endangered animals like Hoolock Gibbon, Clouded Leopard, Asian Elephant, and Hornbills.
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Ecological Significance: Plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of Upper Assam.
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Unique Terrain: Dense vegetation, hills, and river systems mirror the characteristics of the Amazon basin.
Location & Coverage:
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Region: Upper Assam
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Districts: Tinsukia and Dibrugarh
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Area: Approx. 111.19 sq. km
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Declared as Wildlife Sanctuary: 2004
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Part of Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve
Did You Know?
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Dehing Patkai is a part of the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot—one of the world’s richest ecosystems.
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The forest also holds historical importance with remnants of World War II camps and British-era oil exploration sites nearby.
Conclusion:
The Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary is rightly known as the Amazon of the East in Assam due to its unmatched natural richness and tropical forest cover. It stands as a vital conservation zone and a green treasure of Northeast India.
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