Kaziranga National Park's new report shows presence of 108 herpetofaunal species

The Kaziranga National Park authority unveiled new survey reports of fish frog and reptile diversity on November 6A rapid survey conducted in collaboration with scientists and researchers from the Wildlife Institute of India between July and September 2025 has revealed a rich assemblage of 77 species of freshwater fish forming a major share of Assams 216 indigenous fishes and contributing to the Northeasts remarkable diversity of 422 native fish speciesDr Sonali Ghosh field director of Kaziranga National Park amp Tiger Reserve said that it also supports 108 species of amphibians and reptiles which is over 50 per cent of over 274 herpetofaunal species known from Northeast IndiaThese unique species richness of native species of fishes and herpetofauna indicate the stronghold that Kaziranga is for providing a pristine habitat to wild fauna The diversity of amphibians and reptiles in turn also serve as key indicators of ecosystem health that play vital roles in maintaining ecological balance Dr Sonali Ghosh saidShe also said that the surveys although rapidly undertaken mark a significant step toward deepening ecological understanding of this UNESCO World Heritage SiteThe reports were released along with other publications such as Annual report of Kaziranga NPTR and a Poetry Collection by Dr Tapti Baruah Kashyap in a ceremonial event on November 2 at Kohora Convention Centre by Chandra Mohan Patowary Assam Minister of Environment Forest and Climate Change said GhoshAssam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma posted a video with 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 all elements of rare creatures Good news the green area has been identified as 108 species of housing lands 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 achievementDr Ghosh said that a total of 44 fish species were recorded with Cyprinidae and Danionidae emerging as the most dominant familiesWhen combined with earlier research Kazirangas 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 NTAmong the threatened and nearthreatened 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 Kazirangas intricate aquatic web of life said GhoshThe 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 longterm monitoring and stronger conservation measures Kazirangas aquatic systems are as vital as its grasslands and forests reaffirming the parks role as a living laboratory for freshwater biodiversity and a model for integrated wetland and floodplain management she saidKaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India Dehradun released the detailed report titled Herpetofaunal Diversity at KazirangaThe report presents the findings of 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 Kazirangas herpetofaunal diversity Field Director of Kaziranga National Park amp Tiger Reserve addedThe 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 the visual survey the study included AIbased passive acoustic monitoring to capture amphibian calls in potential breeding habitatsAccording to Dr Ghosh This noninvasive bioacoustic approach helped document species richness patterns across different habitat types and demonstrated the effectiveness of acoustic methods for amphibian monitoringThe report consolidates both new and historical records bringing the total checklist of herpetofaunal species in Kaziranga to 108 including threatened species such as the King Cobra Ophiophagus hannah Assam roofed turtle Pangshura sylhetensis and Asian Brown Tortoise Manouria emys including the rare Striped Caecilian Chiromantis assamensis VU Cyrtodactylus kazirangaensis DD found only in Kaziranga Nilssonia nigricans CR and Varanus flavescens EN She added