Guwahati, Nov 6 – In the lush grasslands of Assam’s Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, scientists have found a surprising richness of life below the surface. A quick survey carried out by the park’s authority between July and September revealed 77 species of freshwater fish and 108 species of amphibians and reptiles, a huge share of the Northeast’s 422 native fish species and 274 herpetofaunal species.
Director Sonali Ghosh told reporters that the fish findings add 44 newly recorded species to a total of 77 unique types, grouped in 18 families. Cyprinidae and Danionidae dominate the list, echoing earlier studies that keep Kaziranga on the map as a key refuge for fish in the Brahmaputra basin. These fish help maintain nutrient cycles, support food webs, and feed predators like otters, fishing cats, and many waterbirds.
The herpetofauna survey, a joint effort with forest officers, frontline staff, and researchers from the Wildlife Institute of India, recorded 31 new species—17 amphibians and 14 reptiles—across 19 genera and 14 families. AI‑driven acoustic monitoring captured frog calls, showcasing modern methods to guard biodiversity. When combined with past records, the park now hosts 108 amphibian and reptile species, including endangered ones such as the King Cobra, Assam Roofed Turtle, and Asian Brown Tortoise. The survey also highlighted the rare Striped caecilian and the critically endangered Nilssonianigricans.
“This richness shows Kaziranga offers a pristine habitat for wild fauna,” said Ghosh. “Amphibians and reptiles are key indicators of a healthy ecosystem, and their abundance confirms the park’s ecological value.” She warned that climate change, siltation, uncontrolled fishing, and hydrological shifts threaten the aquatic habitats, urging long‑term monitoring and stricter conservation measures.
The results were unveiled at the Kohora Convention Centre in a ceremony with Assam’s Environment Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared a video on social media praising the Forest Department’s dedication to protecting the park’s unique wildlife.
Kaziranga’s fresh‑water systems now stand as equally important as its famous grasslands and forests, underscoring the park’s role as a living laboratory for wetland and floodplain management. The fresh data strengthens the case for continued protection of one of India’s premier biodiversity hotspots.
Source: ianslive
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