HT Digital,
GUWAHATI, Nov 6: Kaziranga National Park has revealed new findings from a rapid biodiversity survey that uncover the lesser-seen world of its wetlands — from rare fish gliding below the surface to frogs and reptiles thriving in the park’s flooded forests.
Conducted between July and September 2025 in partnership with the Wildlife Institute of India, the study identified 77 species of freshwater fish within the park. These represent a significant share of Assam’s native fish diversity, confirming Kaziranga as a key habitat within the Brahmaputra floodplain ecosystem.
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Field Director Dr Sonali Ghosh said the survey also recorded 108 species of frogs, toads, and reptiles. She noted that such diversity reflects a balanced environment where both aquatic and terrestrial species continue to find refuge.
Released on November 2 at the Kohora Convention Centre, the report was part of an event that also included the park’s annual review and the launch of a poetry collection by Dr Tapti Baruah Kashyap. Assam’s Environment Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary attended the programme.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma responded online, commending the park’s sustained protection efforts that, he said, continue to safeguard its wildlife.
The study recorded 44 fish species during the survey, including members of the Cyprinidae and Danionidae families. When combined with earlier findings, the park’s freshwater fish diversity now stands at 77 species. Among them are several threatened varieties such as Wallago attu, Parambassis lala, Ompok pabda, and Clarias magur. Researchers noted that these species play a crucial role in the park’s food web, supporting predators like otters, fishing cats, and waterbirds.
Frog and reptile diversity was mapped using visual surveys and acoustic recordings. The team identified 17 amphibian and 14 reptile species — frogs were observed near forest trails and streams, while reptiles were concentrated around water channels. The list includes rare species like the King Cobra, Assam Roofed Turtle, Asian Brown Tortoise, and the Striped Caecilian, which is known only from Kaziranga.
