History of Kaziranga

Brief History of Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park, located in the northeastern state of Assam, India, is one of the world’s most celebrated wildlife conservation areas. Spread across the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River, the park is renowned for housing the largest population of the endangered Indian one-horned rhinoceros.

The history of Kaziranga dates back to 1904 when Mary Curzon, wife of Lord Curzon, visited the area and expressed concern over the declining rhino population. In response, the region was declared a Reserved Forest in 1908. Over the years, it received greater protection and was designated a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1950.

Recognizing its ecological importance and successful conservation efforts, Kaziranga was declared a National Park in 1974. In 1985, it earned the prestigious status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional biodiversity and conservation value.

Today, Kaziranga is home not only to the iconic one-horned rhinoceros but also to Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, wild water buffaloes, swamp deer, and hundreds of bird species. The park stands as a global example of wildlife conservation and attracts nature lovers, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts from around the world.

Forest Zones of Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park is divided into four major tourism and management zones, each offering unique landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities.

1. Central Range (Kohora Range)

• Area: Approximately 120 sq. km
• Highlights: Most popular safari zone, excellent sightings of one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, wild buffaloes, and numerous bird species.
• Safari Types: Jeep Safari and Elephant Safari.

2. Western Range (Bagori Range)

• Area: Approximately 110 sq. km
• Highlights: Known for high rhino density and open grasslands, making wildlife easier to spot.
• Safari Types: Jeep Safari and Elephant Safari.

3. Eastern Range (Agaratoli Range)

• Area: Approximately 100 sq. km
• Highlights: Rich birdlife, wetlands, and scenic views of the Brahmaputra River. Ideal for birdwatchers.
• Safari Types: Jeep Safari.

4. Burapahar Range (Ghorakati Range)

• Area: Approximately 87 sq. km
• Highlights: Hilly terrain, dense forests, nature trails, and habitat for hoolock gibbons and other primates.
• Safari Types: Jeep Safari and trekking in designated areas.

Total Area of Kaziranga

Kaziranga National Park and its additions currently cover approximately 1,300+ square kilometers, making it one of India’s largest protected wildlife landscapes. The park consists of tall elephant grasslands, tropical moist mixed deciduous forests, wetlands, and riverine ecosystems that support a rich diversity of flora and fauna.

Wildlife of Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park is one of India’s richest wildlife destinations and is globally famous for its remarkable biodiversity. The park provides a safe habitat for numerous mammals, reptiles, and birds across its grasslands, wetlands, and forests.

Mammals

Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros

The park is home to more than two-thirds of the world’s population of the endangered Indian one-horned rhinoceros, making it Kaziranga’s most iconic species.

Royal Bengal Tiger

Kaziranga has one of the highest densities of tigers among protected areas in India and is recognized as an important tiger reserve.

Asian Elephant

Large herds of wild Asian elephants can often be seen grazing in the grasslands and moving through forested areas.

Wild Water Buffalo

Kaziranga supports one of the world’s largest populations of wild water buffalo, known for their impressive curved horns.

Eastern Swamp Deer

This rare deer species thrives in the park’s wetlands and grasslands.

Other Mammals

• Indian Leopard
• Sloth Bear
• Hoolock Gibbon
• Capped Langur
• Wild Boar
• Sambar Deer
• Hog Deer
• Indian Muntjac (Barking Deer)
• Smooth-coated Otter

Birdlife

Kaziranga is a paradise for birdwatchers, with more than 500 recorded bird species.

Notable birds include:

• Greater Adjutant Stork
• Lesser Adjutant Stork
• Bengal Florican
• Pallas’s Fish Eagle
• Grey-headed Fish Eagle
• Bar-headed Goose
• Spot-billed Pelican
• Oriental Darter
• Black-necked Stork
• Great Hornbill
• Various Kingfishers, Herons, and Egrets

Reptiles

The park also supports a diverse reptile population, including:

• Indian Rock Python
• King Cobra
• Indian Cobra
• Monitor Lizard
• Assam Roofed Turtle
• Indian Flapshell Turtle

The Big Five of Kaziranga

Kaziranga is famous for its “Big Five”:

1. Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros
2. Royal Bengal Tiger
3. Asian Elephant
4. Wild Water Buffalo
5. Eastern Swamp Deer

These species, combined with the park’s rich birdlife and scenic landscapes, make Kaziranga National Park one of the most spectacular wildlife destinations in Asia.