In Assam’s Kaziranga National Park, a hub of biodiversity renowned for its iconic one-horned rhinoceroses and rich ecosystem, researchers have unearthed two previously undocumented mammalian species during a recent survey on migratory birds. Now, this addition has expanded the park’s mammal count to an impressive 37.
Among the new-found mammals is the binturong, colloquially known as the bearcat or Arctictis Binturong. This enigmatic creature, the largest civet in Bharat, has long eluded detection owing to its nocturnal habits and penchant for dwelling high in the canopy. Captured on camera by astute guide Chirantanu Saikia during the park’s fifth migratory bird census, the binturong’s presence underscores the critical importance of conservation efforts, as it enjoys protection under the Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
The second revelation is the small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus), the diminutive darling of the otter world. Spotted following a training initiative led by the Wildlife Institute of India in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department, these partially webbed wonders boast remarkable hunting prowess in aquatic realms, feasting on a diet of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.
Living in tight-knit family units and communicating through an array of vocalizations, the small-clawed otter exemplifies the intricate social dynamics found within Kaziranga’s thriving ecosystem.
These noteworthy discoveries not only enrich the park’s already diverse tableau of life but also underscore its pivotal role as a sanctuary for endangered species. Kaziranga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sprawling across districts of Golaghat, Nagaon and Sonitpur, and stands as a beacon of conservation success, providing a sanctuary for an impressive array of fauna.
Home to the illustrious Big Five – rhinoceroses, elephants, tigers, wild water buffaloes, and eastern swamp deer – Kaziranga’s landscape of dense forests, towering elephant grass, and sprawling wetlands provides an idyllic haven for its inhabitants. From the majestic Indian wild boar to the elusive leopard, the park teems with life, including Gangetic dolphins, hoolock gibbons, sloth bears, and capped langurs.
The addition of the binturong and small-clawed otter to Kaziranga’s illustrious roster serves as a poignant reminder of the park’s enduring commitment to conservation and its indispensable role in safeguarding Bharat’s natural heritage.
