In a delightful boost for bird lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary – famously known as the world’s highest-density habitat for the Indian one-horned rhinoceros – has recorded the arrival of several prominent and rare migratory waterbirds this winter season, while its popular elephant-back safari for tourists has reopened from November 12 .Birders and wildlife photographers have confirmed sightings of several scarce and spectacular species in the sanctuary’s vital wetlands (beels). Among the highlights are White-fronted Goose, Pied Avocet, Falcated Duck, Ferruginous Pochard, Northern Pintail, Great Crested Grebe, and Common Pochard. These birds were spotted and documented primarily in three important beels – Tamuliduva, Pagladuva, and Hanhchora Beel.Renowned Assam birders and photographers including Dr Udayan Borthakur, Binod Deka, Debajit Nath, Prasanna Kalita, Umesh Deka, and Naruttam Deka have shared stunning images and confirmed identifications, generating huge excitement in the state’s birding community.Pobitora, already recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by Birdlife International, continues to prove its significance as a critical wintering ground for both common and threatened migratory waterfowl. The Forest Department, in collaboration with NGOs and local stakeholders, will soon conduct a comprehensive avian census to estimate the total number of bird species and their population in the sanctuary this season.In another major development for tourism, the iconic elephant riding point of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary was formally reopened earlier by Chief Wildlife Warden Vinay Gupta, IFS, PCCF (Wildlife & Biodiversity) in the presence of Alekh Saxena, IFS, DFO Guwahati Wildlife Division; Mukul Tamuli, AFS (Retd ACF); Pranjal Baruah, AFS, Range Officer, Pobitora WLS, along with mahouts and frontline staff. From 12th November 2025, tourists once again are experiencing the thrill of elephant-back safaris inside the sanctuary in two morning slots – 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM. Bookings can be made online through the official portal www.pobitorasafari.in or directly at the Help Desk counter at the sanctuary. Jeep safaris, which were inaugurated earlier by Hon’ble Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary on 23rd October 2025, continue to remain operational.With the return of rare migratory birds and the resumption of elephant rides, Pobitora is all set to offer visitors a unique double delight – world-class rhino viewing and exceptional birdwatching – this tourist season.Wildlife lovers are urged to visit responsibly and follow all guidelines to ensure minimal disturbance to the sanctuary’s precious avian and mammalian residents.