Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) in Assam have witnessed a tragic loss of nearly 200 wild animals, including 10 critically endangered one-horned rhinoceroses, due to severe flooding that has gripped the state since May.
Spread across 1,300 square kilometres, KNPTR is renowned for its rich biodiversity, housing over 2,600 one-horned rhinos, 135 tigers, and numerous other species. The floods have inundated significant portions of the park, affecting 46 forest camps and leaving parts of the sanctuary submerged, although authorities report a gradual improvement in the overall flood situation. KNPTR remains a critical habitat for endangered species, and the loss incurred during this flood season highlights the ongoing environmental challenges faced by such biodiversity-rich regions amidst changing climatic patterns and human activities.
As per official sources, the toll among wildlife includes 179 hog deer, 3 swamp deer, 1 macaque, 2 otters, 1 Scops owl, and 2 sambar deer, in addition to the 10 rhinos. Tragically, two hog deer lost their lives after being struck by vehicles while attempting to navigate across the national highway that runs adjacent to KNPTR, in search of higher ground on the opposite side. Authorities have implemented strict measures along this stretch of the highway, including speed limits and escorted passage, to mitigate the risks to wildlife during floods. Despite these precautions, the influx of approximately 3,500 vehicles daily, including heavy vehicles, poses ongoing challenges.
“The animals are constantly monitored, with many seeking refuge within the park or migrating towards Karbi Anglong on the opposite side,” stated a directorial official from KNPTR. The devastating impact of the floods on Kaziranga underscores the vulnerability of its unique ecosystem and the urgent need for enhanced conservation measures. Efforts are underway to assess and address the repercussions of this natural disaster, with a focus on safeguarding the remaining wildlife and restoring normalcy in the affected areas. Local authorities continue to collaborate with wildlife conservationists and stakeholders to manage the aftermath effectively and mitigate future risks to the precious wildlife of Kaziranga National Park.
