A recent wildlife survey has revealed the rich avian diversity of Assam’s Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, recording 30 species of raptors and six species of storks across the protected landscape.
The comprehensive stork and raptor rapid survey was conducted during February and March this year by the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve Authority in collaboration with researchers from Gauhati University. The findings were released on the occasion of World Environment Day.
According to the report, a total of 217 individual raptors belonging to 30 species and 266 individual storks representing six species were recorded during the survey. Kaziranga’s diverse habitats, including grasslands, wetlands and forested areas, provide ideal conditions for both resident and migratory bird species.
The park supports a wide range of birds of prey, including eagles, falcons, vultures, buzzards and owls. It is also home to several species of storks that depend on the region’s extensive wetland ecosystem for feeding and nesting.
The survey covered three administrative divisions of the reserve—Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, Biswanath Wildlife Division and Nagaon Wildlife Division. Among them, the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division recorded the highest diversity with 21 raptor species and five stork species.
Among the storks, the Asian Openbill emerged as the most abundant species, with 92 individuals recorded, while the Greater Adjutant Stork was the rarest, with only three sightings. Among raptors, the Himalayan Griffon Vulture was the most commonly observed species with 69 individuals, while the Booted Eagle and White-tailed Eagle were represented by only one sighting each.
The report also highlighted the importance of the Kaziranga landscape as a crucial habitat for the rare Pallas’s Fish Eagle.
Officials stated that the findings underscore Kaziranga’s significance in bird conservation and will support future efforts to protect nesting habitats, reduce threats such as powerline electrocution and strengthen conservation initiatives for threatened bird species.