Encouraged by a local NGO, Discovery Club, these former poachers and other residents of villages in the vicinity of Chakrasila Wildlife Sanctuary have formed anti-poaching squads that help the forest department patrol the 45 square-km area.

Public participation in the conservation programme has already done wonders for the sanctuary, which has a sizeable population of the critically endangered golden langur.

“Widespread deforestation, poaching and human settlements in close proximity are the major threats to the sanctuary. However, villagers and many former poachers from the surrounding villages have come forward to protect the wildlife park. They are actively involved in protecting the wildlife ,” Sanjib Brahma, a member of the club, said.

A few other organisations are helping the NGO in its mission.

The Wildlife Trust of India recently provided equip-ment, including 10 sleeping bags, five binoculars and flashlights, to members of the anti-poaching squads under its Wild Aid programme.

“We are grateful to the Wildlife Trust of India and would like to assure it that effective anti-poaching and conservation steps have been initiated by Discovery Club,” Brahma said.

With long-term conservation programmes being set in motion, residents are hopeful that the park will soon become a well-known tourist destination.

Chakrasila Wildlife Sanctuary is located five km from Kokrajhar and was notified as a wildlife sanctuary in 1993. Apart from the golden langur, it is home to endangered species like the capped langur, Assamese macaque, rhesus macaque, leopards, barking deer and wild boar.

Various species of bats, rodents, mongoose and flying squirrels are among the other denizens of the sanctuary. As many as 34 species of animals, 272 species of birds, 26 species of reptiles, 43 species of butterflies and 32 species of ferns are found in the park.

Of the different species of plants, more than 30 per cent have medical as well as commercial value.

The park is unique for its grasslands, flanked by sal trees all round.

Deepali Beel, a wetland located on the southwestern boundary of the sanctuary, attracts many species of migratory birds. The place is being promoted as a picnic spot.

The Sikhri Sikla fall is yet another tourist attraction. The site has breathtaking scenic beauty to offer to tourists.

A resort has been opened for tourists at Choraikhola, in the vicinity of the sanctuary. Residents are hoping that with the Bodoland Territorial Council giving priority to the tourism sector, the park will soon get better infrastructure. The authorities are planning to offer elephant rides, jeep safaris and trekking packages to tourists.