Singphan wildlife sanctuary declared 30th elephant reserve of the country

The Nagaland government has declared the Singphan Wildlife Sanctuary as an elephant reserve making it the 30th reserve for jumbos in the country.

An important reserve in North Eastern States, Singphan Elephant Reserve has huge tracts of forest, strategically located in contiguity with the Abhaypur Reserve Forest of Assam which is frequented by the moving herds of elephants, an official statement said.

"The Government of Nagaland has declared Singphan Wildlife Sanctuary as 'Singphan Elephant Reserve' with the approval of Government of India on 16th August 2018," it said.

Elephant distribution habitat in Nagaland is a continuous stretch starting from Peren district running all along the foothills north westerly until Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh.

"This stretch which is a traditional elephant bearing area got broken at various points as a result of which only few elephants are found isolated pockets without having permanent corridor.

"The creation of reserve will give better protection and conservation of elephants in the state," the statement said.

Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan tweeted, "Nagaland's #SingphanWildlifeSanctuary made India's 30th #ElephantReserve. Nagaland govt notified the Reserve with the approval of @moefcc. It is a key reserve in the NE states, strategically located in contiguity with Abhaypur Reserve Forest of Assam. @CmoNagland."