Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary (NWLS)

GS3 – Environment

Context:

The proposed ecotourism development project in Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary has faced local opposition due to concerns over ecological impact.

Key Features of NWLS

• Establishment:
  The sanctuary was carved out of the Nongkhyllem Reserve Forest in 1981.
• Location:
  Situated in Ri Bhoi District, Meghalaya, it lies within the Eastern Himalayan Global Biodiversity Hotspot.

• Topography:
  Characterised by undulating plains, low hills, and rugged terrain, shaped by the erosion from rivers such as the Umtrew, Umran, Umling, and Umtasor.
  • The Umtrew River marks the western boundary of the sanctuary.
• Faunal Diversity:
  Home to several key and rare species including:
  • Clouded Leopard
  • Himalayan Black Bear
  • Hoolock Gibbon
  • Giant Flying Squirrel
  • Golden Langur
  • Rufous-necked Hornbill and Brown Hornbill
• Floral Richness:
  Over 630 plant species have been documented. Prominent among them are:
  • Shorea robusta (Sal)
  • Tectona grandis (Teak)
• Conservation Status:
  The sanctuary was recognized as the best-managed protected area in Northeast India, as per the 2021 Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) Report.