Kaziranga National Park, located in Assam, India, is home to the largest population of the greater one-horned rhinoceros. The park recorded a growth of 200 rhinos, bringing the total population to 2,613 individuals. This represents a significant increase from the 2018 census, which reported 2,413 rhinos.
The Director, Jatindra Sarma, attributes the increase in rhino population to effective conservation measures.
Kaziranga National Park, located in Assam, India, is home to around 2,600 wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee), which is about 95% of the world’s population of this species. These buffalo live in the park's grasslands, marshlands, and forests, which provide a perfect habitat.
Conservation Status : The wild water buffalo is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Kaziranga is essential for their conservation, offering a protected environment where they can thrive. Thanks to the park's efforts, including habitat management and anti-poaching patrols, the buffalo population has been growing.
Population Growth :In 2020, the park had around 1,400 buffalo, and the number has increased since then. Conservation efforts include rewilding rescued buffalo, like a four-year-old calf released back into the wild in 2024.
Coexistence with Other Wildlife: Kaziranga is famous for its “Big Five”: the wild water buffalo, Greater one-horned rhinoceros, Indian elephant, Royal Bengal tiger, and Eastern swamp deer. The park's diverse ecosystem supports many other species, making it crucial for wildlife conservation.
Kaziranga National Park is home to a significant population of Asian elephants, with approximately 1,940 individuals according to the 2005 census. The park’s elephant population is part of the larger Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Elephant Reserve, which spans across Assam’s eastern and western wildlife divisions.
Elephants in Kaziranga inhabit the park’s grasslands, forests, and wetlands, with a focus on the eastern Assam wildlife division’s ranges, including Kohora, Bagori, and Agaratoli.
Elephant safaris are a popular activity in Kaziranga, offering visitors a unique opportunity to observe wildlife from the back of an elephant. The safari typically takes place in the early morning or late afternoon, covering areas such as Bagori, Hole Path, Mihimukh, Kohora Central Path, and Arimarah. During the safari, visitors may spot herds of Indian elephants, one-horned rhinoceros, and other wildlife species up close.
The Indian elephant weighs approximately 8,000 kilograms (about 9 tons). It stands 10 to 15 feet tall and measures 10 to 13 feet wide.
Kaziranga National Park is home to the highest density of tigers among protected areas in the world. As of 2017, the park’s tiger population increased from 83 to 104 individuals. However, according to the 2018 census, Kaziranga has a population of approximately 86 tigers.
Kaziranga’s tiger population is spread across the park’s 430 square kilometers, with observation towers situated at Sohola, Mihilukh, Kathpara, Foliamari, and Hermoti for wildlife viewing. The park’s landscape, featuring dense elephant grass, marshlands, riverine forests, and tropical forests, provides an ideal habitat for tigers.
The tiger species of Kaziranga National Park are primarily the Royal Bengal Tigers, which are concentrated in the Agoratoli Safari range. Kaziranga was declared a tiger reserve in 2006, emphasizing its importance as a habitat for Bengal tigers and other wildlife.
A fully grown Indian Tiger in Kaziranga National Park can be up to 11 feet in length and can weigh up to 700 pounds.
Kaziranga National Park is home to a significant population of swamp deer (Barasingha), a large deer species native to the Indian subcontinent. According to the census report, the park recorded a total of 868 swamp deer, including 173 males, 557 females, and 138 yearlings. Compared to the previous census in 2018, the population showed a slight decrease from 907 deer.
Kaziranga national park’s conservation efforts have contributed to the growth of the Swamp deer population, the park’s management and wildlife authorities work together to monitor and protect the deer’s habitat, insuring the long term of swamp deer of the population.
Kaziranga National Park is home to a significant population of wild boars (Sus scrofa). Here are some key findings:
Kaziranga National Park is home to a significant population of sambar deer. A sambar deer stands at a height of 135 to 150 cm at the shoulder and can weigh up to 300 kg. The male has antlers measuring up to 1 meter. Its coat is dark brown in color, and it is characterized by a large muzzle and broad ears. It has thick fur and orange spots on its body. Males are larger than females, and their tail is 22 to 35 cm long. Males also have a thick mane of hair around their neck.
Sambar deer are found in almost every corner of India, but they are mainly concentrated in central India. They can be easily spotted at Kaziranga National Park, especially in the Kohora, Bagori, Agaratoli, and Bura-Pahar ranges. The deer population is about 3,000, according to the forest department census.