Kaziranga National Park Hosts Diverse Bird Bonanza, Spotting 146 Species

On October 19, 2025, the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, renowned for its one-horned rhino population, conducted a comprehensive bird survey that recorded an impressive 146 species. The survey, carried out by the Assam Bird Monitoring Network in collaboration with the park authorities, was timed to coincide with the Kati Bihu festival.

The survey covered five key locations within the national park and the adjoining Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary. Surveyors recorded a total of 1,919 avian individuals, with the Agoratoli range showing the highest diversity at 89 species. The survey also uncovered the presence of two endangered species - the swamp grass babbler and Pallas's fish eagle - as well as several other vulnerable and near-threatened birds.

Kaziranga's director, Sonali Ghosh, praised the Kati Bihu Bird Count 2025 as a significant citizen science initiative that promoted inclusive, community-based conservation. The active participation of students, youth, birders, and women forest staff demonstrated a growing commitment to wildlife preservation in the region.

The autumnal Kati Bihu is one of Assam's three major agrarian festivals, along with the mid-January Bhogali or Magh Bihu and the mid-April Rongali or Bohag Bihu. The latest bird survey has further highlighted the ecological richness of the Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a crucial habitat for the endangered one-horned rhinoceros.