4. Forest Resources and Wildlife of Bam:Jiyauddin Choudhury

The topic of forest resources and wildlife of the region is naturally included in a brief overview of the natural environment. In this context, it must be said that the 'Bam' region of South Cachar is a playground of nature. This region, with its undulating hills and dense forests, boasts a variety of spectacular species of trees, as well as numerous small and large birds of various colors, and different species of wild animals and reptiles. They differ in appearance, size, and variety. The natural environment of this region attracts tourists.

Flora and Fauna of Bam

The vast forests here were once abundant with valuable trees and plants. Among these trees were two valuable types of wild trees, Cham and Sundi, as well as the popular Gamar tree, along with the extremely durable and rare Nageshwar, Ramdala used for building materials, and Jarul, a popular tree for shipbuilding; besides these, there were numerous species of now endangered trees such as Kurta, Rata, Puma, Jam, Gandarai, Tula, Kadam, Shirish, etc. There were many types of bamboo, Ikra and Khag on the slopes of the hills, Tera, and various species of rattan—Golla rattan, Jali rattan, Sundi rattan, Annah rattan, etc.  Along with these, various rare medicinal plants and herbs make this region rich in forest resources. Naturally, the various types of flowers in the forest attract bees to Bam, and Bam is famous for its honey. At one time, a large quantity of forest honey was available. Its taste was unique. Of course, it is still available.

 

Regarding the animals and birds, it can be said that the areas were once covered with dense, eerie forests. The area was roamed by wild elephants, ferocious tigers, timid deer, various species of monkeys, wolves, wild cats, striped wildcats, and civets (locally known as Tola), and other diverse types of animals and reptiles such as snakes.

The Rukni Valley and the surrounding region are a land of birds, a gift of nature. A ​​keen observer can see how many different types of small and large birds roam in this valley. In this area bordering the Mizo Hills to the south, the free movement of various birds amidst human settlements was once a symbol of its unique character. The area was vibrant with the presence of local and migratory birds. Parrots, mynas, storks, wild ducks, various types of herons, waterhens, kingfishers, colorful kites, eagles, hornbills, multiple species of vultures, orioles, wild pigeons, blue doves, various types of mynas, wild roosters, cuckoos, yellow birds, bulbuls, woodpeckers, and small sparrows (flowerpeckers, munias, tailorbirds), etc., enlivened human life with their sweet melodies and cooing.

Just as the trees, forests, and diverse animal life created a rich biodiversity on land, the rivers and streams also teemed with various types of fish, river turtles, dolphins (locally called 'Phu'), and aquatic snakes.

Until the middle of the last century, tigers would come into the villages, freely killing the livestock of the villagers. Occasionally, deer would wander around. In the evenings, groups of gibbons would howl in unison on the hillocks near human settlements. The chirping of countless birds would announce the arrival of dawn to the residents of the area. Probably, there was no wildlife conservation law in existence at that time. Rural hunters would kill tigers and carry them to the Dhalai police outpost. The practice of rewarding hunters for killing tigers and leopards may have originated from the fact that in 1904, the government awarded prizes for killing 17 tigers and 16 leopards in the Cachar district. It is said that the village of French Nagar (locally pronounced as Perech Nagar), located near the Mizoram border in Bam, is named after a British gentleman, J. French, who used to come here for tiger hunting.

In Bam, young elephants were captured through elephant drives. Professionals, with licenses from the forest department, would capture young elephants from the forests of Bam, train them, and domesticate them. Reportedly, the last elephant captured in an elephant drive in Bam was caught in 1957 near Bhubandahar, east of Dholai Bazaar, in the Bhuban Hills region. The elephant was trained for a month in Channighat village before being domesticated.

 

Although the wildlife of Bam has not become extinct due to population growth, their numbers have decreased rapidly.

Early Bam was a haven of biodiversity. If the government had decided to conserve the forest land instead of settling people there, Bam would have become a beautiful sanctuary for wild animals. One-horned rhinoceroses would also have been present.

With the passage of time, changes have occurred. Much of the wealth that nature had accumulated in the area is now gone. Due to indiscriminate and thoughtless exploitation by humans, much of it is now on the verge of extinction. A piece of good news for the people of Bam is that the Assam government has recently declared the eastern part of Bam, between the Sonai River and the Barak River, as the "Barak Bhuban Wildlife Sanctuary".