The Jungle's of Kaziranga

Kaziranga National Park, located in the northeastern state of Assam, India, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich biodiversity and ecological significance. Spanning over 1,000 square kilometers, the park is home to a vast array of flora and fauna, making it one of the most diverse and important wildlife reserves in India. With a variety of habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, and tropical forests, Kaziranga offers a safe haven for many endangered and threatened species, both terrestrial and avian.

This content is prepared by the Jungleciti Hospitality India Pvt. Ltd. research team, and it is subject to copyright and data protection laws. The information provided here serves as a valuable resource for understanding the remarkable biodiversity of Kaziranga National Park.

• IUCN Status: Vulnerable
• CITES Status: Appendix I (Endangered Species)
• Schedule: Schedule I under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

Kaziranga is famously home to the largest population of the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, which constitutes over 70% of the global population of this species. These iconic animals are mostly found in the park’s vast grasslands and wetlands. Once on the brink of extinction due to poaching and habitat loss, the park’s successful conservation programs have helped increase the population. The rhinos of Kaziranga are a major conservation success story and a symbol of the park’s commitment to protecting endangered wildlife.

• IUCN Status: Endangered
• CITES Status: Appendix I
• Schedule: Schedule I under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

Kaziranga is one of the few places in the world where the Royal Bengal Tiger thrives in significant numbers. The park is known for its high density of tigers, making it an essential tiger conservation hotspot in India. These apex predators play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance by regulating prey populations. The tigers of Kaziranga are often spotted in the dense forests and tall grasses, adding to the park's reputation as a haven for large carnivores.

• IUCN Status: Endangered
• CITES Status: Appendix I
• Schedule: Schedule I under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

Kaziranga also shelters the Wild Water Buffalo, a species that has seen a significant decline in numbers across its range. These wild buffaloes are typically found in the park's marshy areas and are known for their impressive horns. The population of wild water buffaloes is steadily increasing in Kaziranga, thanks to effective protection and habitat management. Their conservation is critical not only for their own species but for maintaining the integrity of Kaziranga’s wetlands and grasslands.

• IUCN Status: Endangered
• CITES Status: Appendix I
• Schedule: Schedule I under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

The Asian Elephant is another keystone species in Kaziranga, where large herds roam the park’s grasslands and forested regions. These majestic creatures are essential for maintaining the ecological balance by dispersing seeds and creating clearings that are beneficial to other species. The park provides a safe habitat for the elephant population, though they face threats from human-wildlife conflict and habitat fragmentation in other regions of their range.

• IUCN Status: Vulnerable
• CITES Status: Appendix I
• Schedule: Schedule I under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

Kaziranga is one of the last remaining strongholds of the Swamp Deer or Barasingha, which thrives in the park's wetlands. This species prefers the marshy areas of the park, where it feeds on aquatic plants. The Swamp Deer is critically endangered outside of Kaziranga, and the park’s protection programs have been crucial in stabilizing the population. They are known for their large antlers and elegant appearance.

• IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
• CITES Status: Appendix I
• Schedule: Schedule I under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

The Bengal Florican is a critically endangered species of bird found in the tall grasslands of Kaziranga. These birds are known for their dramatic courtship displays, which attract attention from birdwatchers and conservationists alike. The Bengal Florican faces severe habitat loss, but Kaziranga provides a vital sanctuary for its population. Its presence is a key indicator of the health of the park's grassland ecosystem.

• IUCN Status: Vulnerable
• CITES Status: Appendix I
• Schedule: Schedule I under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

The Indian Bison or Gaur is one of the largest species of wild cattle in the world. Kaziranga supports a stable population of these impressive animals, which are commonly seen grazing alongside the park’s other herbivores. Known for their strength and large size, Gaurs play an important ecological role by shaping the landscape and contributing to the park's biodiversity.

• IUCN Status: Endangered
• CITES Status: Appendix I
• Schedule: Schedule I under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

The Lesser Adjutant Stork is an endangered species of large wader bird that can be found in Kaziranga’s wetlands. These birds are essential for the ecological balance of the park, feeding on fish, amphibians, and small reptiles. Kaziranga’s wetlands offer an ideal habitat for this species, making it an important location for bird watchers and researchers alike.

Kaziranga's flora is equally diverse, and it plays a critical role in supporting the park's rich fauna. The park is a mosaic of different ecosystems, from grasslands and wetlands to tropical forests. Some key plant species include:

• Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum): A dominant grass species that provides food and shelter for herbivores like rhinos, deer, and buffalo.
• Bamboo species: Various species of bamboo thrive in the park’s forests, providing habitat for species like tigers and wild boar.
• Sal Trees (Shorea robusta): A dominant species in the tropical forests, providing cover and food for many forest-dwelling species.
• Water Lilies and Lotus: These aquatic plants are found in the park’s wetlands, offering food and habitat for amphibians, birds, and reptiles.

Kaziranga is home to several species of reptiles, many of which are critical for the health of the ecosystem. Some notable species include:

• King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah): The world’s largest venomous snake, which can be found in the park’s forests and wetlands. The King Cobra plays a crucial role in controlling populations of other reptiles and small mammals.
• Indian Python (Python molurus): A large constrictor found in Kaziranga’s grasslands and wetlands, preying on small mammals and birds.
• Monitor Lizards (Varanus spp.): Large reptiles that feed on smaller animals and are often spotted in the park’s grasslands and forests.

Kaziranga National Park is a unique sanctuary for some of the most iconic and endangered species on the planet. From the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros to the Royal Bengal Tiger, Kaziranga is home to a rich diversity of wildlife that is protected through the park’s conservation efforts and the support of local communities. The diverse flora and fauna of the park contribute to its ecological balance, making it one of the most important protected areas in the world.

Prepared by Jungleciti Hospitality India Pvt. Ltd. research team, this content is intended for educational purposes and is subject to copyright and data protection laws. All rights reserved. For more information about the wildlife of Kaziranga and to plan your visit, please visit www.jungleciti.com.