Assam: Kaziranga National Park soars as top destination for birds in India

Kaziranga National Park has earned the distinction of being one of India's "Top Five" bird habitats, as announced by Dr. Sonali Ghosh, Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, in a press conference held on January 12.

The revelation was made at the Forest Department Centenary Celebration Ceremony in Kahora, Kaziranga, where Dr. Ghosh announced the results of the recently concluded bird census. The comprehensive survey not only marked a 27 per cent surge in the population of migratory aquatic birds but also announced the presence of 10 rare bird species within the park's boundaries, including the elusive Baer's Pochard and the Baikal Teal.

During the press conference, it was disclosed that a remarkable discovery was made in the Bagri Forest Area, where the elusive Gull Billed Tern was spotted for the first time in the entire north eastern region of India. 

The bird census, conducted on January 10, covered 115 beels across East Assam Wildlife Division, Nagaon Wildlife Division, and Biswanath Wildlife Division, all falling under the purview of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, as well as nearby beels. Over 200 students, researchers, volunteers, and hundreds of enumerators contributed to the successful completion of the census.

Notably, the census revealed a special species of wildlife in Biswanath, adding an extra layer of ecological significance to the region. Moreover, Dr. Ghosh shared that the counting process brought to light the continued presence of rhinos in  Laokhowa-Burachapori, reaffirming the park's commitment to preserving diverse wildlife.