One of the newly declared tiger reserves, Kaziranga National Park located in Assam, has over 118 royal Bengal tigers and became a tiger reserve in 2006. Despite housing a large number of royal Bengal tigers, they aren’t Kaziranga’s primary attraction. That title goes to its healthy and growing population of Indian one-horned rhinoceros. Based on the latest census conducted by Assam’s forest department, there are 2,413 rhinoceros in the park.
In 1905, the rhino population of the park stood at 12 individuals. Since then, thanks to conservation efforts, the numbers have steadily grown to their current numbers. We’ll take a look at the park’s history, but before that, let’s focus on the annual floods in Kaziranga National Park.
When the park floods, its residents move north towards the hills for shelter. As they try to get out of the floodplains, several are left stranded while others end up as roadkills. Despite the loss of wildlife, the annual floods are essential to the survival of Kaziranga’s ecosystem. Kaziranga’s annual flood cycle revitalizes the wetlands, taking away the toxins and leaving behind fertile land. Once the Bhramaputra recedes, Kaziranga is reborn.
Kaziranga Expansions Between 1977-1999
| Expansion No. | Date | Area in Square kilometres |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28th May 1977 | 43.79 |
| 2 | 31st May 1985 | 0.69 |
| 3 | 13th June 1958 | 1.15 |
| 4 | 10th July 1985 | 6.47 |
| 5 | 3rd August 1988 | 0.89 |
| 6 | 7th August 1999 | 376.50 |
During the period, Kaziranga also took over the two forest reserves, Kukurakata’s 16 square kilometres and Panbari’s 8 square kilometres.
Kaziranga is not only home to the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceros, but it also has an abundant population of Indian elephants, Asiatic water buffaloes, and easter swamp deer. Other significant herbivores in the regions include sambar, guar, hog deer, Indian muntjac, and wild boar.
Amongst the big cats are a large number of royal Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, and the elusive wild cat species – the clouded leopard. Other predators in the park are golden jackals, Bengal fox, leopard cat, fishing cat, and jungle cats.
With over 478 species of birds, Kaziranga National Park is one of India’s premium bird-watching destinations. Kaziranga’s ecosystem hosts a large number of raptors, such as the greater spotted eagle, eastern imperial eagle, grey-headed fish eagle, Pallas fish eagle, white-tailed and fishing eagle. Pigeons, bustards, partridges, thrushes, weaver birds, and hornbills are rare species found in Kaziranga.
Kaziranga National Park is open for visitors in winter and summer (November to April). When the monsoon ends, the park looks stunning with its lush and blooming vegetation. The climate in the park is also quite pleasant and inviting, making it an ideal time to visit the park. November and February, in particular, are the best months to visit the park.
Similarly, the summers are also a great time for wildlife viewing. April, in particular, is the best month to visit. Although a bit hot in the afternoons, the temperatures are bearable. And as the day unwinds, the temperatures cool down.
Remember, Kaliganga remains closed for the duration of the monsoon, which falls between June to October.
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