Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve - Brahmaputra Valley, India

Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve (DSBR), which enjoys a tropical monsoon climate with a hot and wet summer, is situated in the south bank of the river Brahamaputra in the extreme east of Assam state. Reserve is known for its vibrant wilderness. The reserve’s core area currently includes the Dibru Saikhowa National Park in its entirety, administratively DSBR is further divisible into two forest ranges, i.e., Guijan and Saikhowa. The reserve, with numerous island pockets and water bodies, provides unique habitats for varied wildlife and aquatic fauna, including water dependent avifauna. As a part of biodiversity ‘hotspot’ this reserve provides a suitable habitat for a large number of globally threatened faunal and floral elements, which include endangered white winged wood duck (Cairina scutulata) and wild feral horses. This reserve is unique because the ecological succession of this BR is driven through water by way of recurrent fl ooding and inundation. In addition, the diversity of colorful birds and orchids make the reserve a unique destination for researchers, naturalists and many more groups of stakeholders.