Kaziranga (Assam) [India], November 7 (HBTV): The Kaziranga National Park authority on Thursday unveiled new survey reports highlighting the rich diversity of fish, frog, and reptile species in the park.
A rapid survey conducted between July and September 2025, in collaboration with scientists and researchers from the Wildlife Institute of India, revealed a remarkable assemblage of 77 species of freshwater fish. This represents a major share of Assam’s 216 indigenous fish species and contributes significantly to the Northeast’s 422 native fish species.
Dr Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, said that the park also supports 108 species of amphibians and reptiles — more than 50 per cent of the 274 herpetofaunal species recorded in Northeast India.
‘These unique species richness of native fishes and herpetofauna indicate Kaziranga’s importance as a pristine habitat for wild fauna. The diversity of amphibians and reptiles also serves as a key indicator of ecosystem health, playing vital roles in maintaining ecological balance,’ Dr Ghosh said.
She added that although the surveys were conducted rapidly, they mark a significant step toward deepening ecological understanding of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
‘The reports were released along with other publications such as the annual report of Kaziranga NPTR and a poetry collection by Dr Tapti Baruah Kashyap, during a ceremonial event on 2 November at Kohora Convention Centre. The reports were unveiled by Assam Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary,’ Ghosh said.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also shared a message on social media, saying, ‘Kaziranga National Park – a lively acquaintance of Assam. In the heart of unique nature, this forest is rich with rare creatures. Good news: the green area has been identified as housing 108 species according to a recent survey among 274 species of amphibians and reptiles found in the Northeast. The protective and conservation environment created through the continuous efforts of our government and the dedicated work of forest department officers and workers deserves this achievement.’
Dr Ghosh stated that a total of 44 fish species were recorded during the survey, with Cyprinidae and Danionidae emerging as the most dominant families.
‘When combined with earlier research, Kaziranga’s overall ichthyofaunal diversity stands at 77 unique species, reaffirming its status as a key refuge for freshwater biodiversity in the Brahmaputra basin. The report also documents species of conservation concern such as Wallago attu (VU) and Parambassis lala (NT). Among the threatened and near-threatened fishes found in the park are Ompok pabda (NT), Chitala chitala (NT), Wallago attu (VU), Cirrhinus cirrhosus (VU), Botia rostrata (VU), and Clarias magur (EN), each vital to Kaziranga’s intricate aquatic web of life,’ she said.
‘The report underscores the ecological importance of fish in sustaining nutrient cycles, food webs, and habitat connectivity, while supporting species such as otters, fishing cats, and waterbirds. It also highlights threats from climate change, siltation, hydrological changes, and unregulated fishing, calling for long-term monitoring and stronger conservation measures. Kaziranga’s aquatic systems are as vital as its grasslands and forests, reaffirming the park’s role as a living laboratory for freshwater biodiversity and a model for integrated wetland and floodplain management,’ she added.
Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, has also released a detailed report titled Herpetofaunal Diversity at Kaziranga.
‘The report presents findings on the diversity of amphibians and reptiles, collectively known as herpetofauna, in and around Kaziranga. The study was carried out jointly by forest officials, frontline staff, scientists, and researchers, reflecting a coordinated effort to document and understand Kaziranga’s herpetofaunal diversity,’ Dr Ghosh said.
The survey recorded 31 species of herpetofauna, comprising 17 amphibians and 14 reptiles belonging to 19 genera and 14 families. Amphibians were found to be most abundant along forest trails and stream habitats, while reptiles showed greater richness in stream zones. In addition to visual surveys, the study included AI-based passive acoustic monitoring to capture amphibian calls in potential breeding habitats.
According to Dr Ghosh, ‘This non-invasive bioacoustic approach helped document species richness patterns across different habitat types and demonstrated the effectiveness of acoustic methods for amphibian monitoring.’
The report consolidates both new and historical records, bringing the total checklist of herpetofaunal species in Kaziranga to 108. It includes threatened species such as the King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), Assam roofed turtle (Pangshura sylhetensis), and Asian brown tortoise (Manouria emys), as well as rare species like the Striped Caecilian (Chiromantis assamensis, VU), Cyrtodactylus kazirangaensis (DD), found only in Kaziranga, Nilssonia nigricans (CR), and Varanus flavescens (EN), she added.
(ANI)