Kaziranga (Assam) [India], November 6 : The Kaziranga National Park authority unveiled new survey reports of fish, frog and reptile diversity on Thursday.
A rapid survey conducted in collaboration with scientists and researchers from the Wildlife Institute of India between July and September 2025 has revealed a rich assemblage of 77 species of freshwater fish, forming a major share of Assam's 216 indigenous fishes and contributing to the Northeast's remarkable diversity of 422 native fish species.
Dr Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve, said that it also supports 108 species of amphibians and reptiles, which is over 50% of the 274+ herpetofaunal species known from Northeast India.
"These unique species richness of native species of fishes and herpetofauna indicate the stronghold that Kaziranga is for providing a pristine habitat to wild fauna. The diversity of amphibians and reptiles in turn also serve as key indicators of ecosystem health that play vital roles in maintaining ecological balance," Dr Sonali Ghosh said.
She also said that the surveys, although rapidly undertaken, mark a significant step toward deepening ecological understanding of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
"The Reports were released along with other publications such as Annual report of Kaziranga NPTR and a Poetry Collection by Dr Tapti Baruah Kashyap in a ceremonial event on 2nd November at Kohora Convention Centre by Chandra Mohan Patowary, Assam Minister of Environment Forest and Climate Change," said Ghosh.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma posted a video with a message on social media - "Kaziranga National Park - A lively acquaintance of Assam. In the heart of unique nature, this forest is rich with all elements of rare creatures. Good news: the green area has been identified as 108 species of housing lands according to a recent survey among 274 species of amphibians and reptiles found in the northeast. The protective and conservation environment created through the continuous efforts of our government and the dedicated work of forest department officers and workers deserves this achievement."
Dr Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve, said that a total of 44 fish species were recorded, with Cyprinidae and Danionidae emerging as the most dominant families.
"When combined with earlier research, Kaziranga's overall ichthyofaunal diversity stands at 77 unique species, reaffirming its status as a key refuge for freshwater biodiversity in the Brahmaputra basin. The report also documents species of conservation concern such as Wallago attu (VU) and Parambassis lala (NT).Among the threatened and near-threatened fishes found in the park are Ompok pabda (NT), Chitala chitala (NT), Wallago attu (VU), Cirrhinus cirrhosus (VU), Botia rostrata (VU), and Clarias magur (EN), each vital to Kaziranga's intricate aquatic web of life," said Ghosh.
"The report underscores the ecological importance of fish in sustaining nutrient cycles, food webs, and habitat connectivity, while supporting species such as otters, fishing cats, and waterbirds. It also highlights threats from climate change, siltation, hydrological changes, and unregulated fishing, calling for long-term monitoring and stronger conservation measures. Kaziranga's aquatic systems are as vital as its grasslands and forests, reaffirming the park's role as a living laboratory for freshwater biodiversity and a model for integrated wetland and floodplain management," she said.
Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, has released a detailed report titled "Herpetofaunal Diversity at Kaziranga".
"The report presents the findings of the diversity of amphibians and reptiles, collectively known as herpetofauna, in and around Kaziranga. The study was carried out jointly by forest officials, frontline staff, scientists, and researchers, reflecting a coordinated effort to document and understand Kaziranga's herpetofaunal diversity," Field Director of Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve added.
The survey recorded 31 species of herpetofauna, comprising 17 amphibians and 14 reptiles, belonging to 19 genera and 14 families. Amphibians were found to be most abundant along forest trails and stream habitats, while reptiles showed greater richness in stream zones. In addition to the visual survey, the study included AI-based (passive acoustic monitoring) to capture amphibian calls in potential breeding habitats.
According to Ghosh, "This non-invasive bioacoustic approach helped document species richness patterns across different habitat types and demonstrated the effectiveness of acoustic methods for amphibian monitoring."
The report consolidates both new and historical records, bringing the total checklist of herpetofaunal species in Kaziranga to 108, including threatened species such as the King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), Assam roofed turtle (Pangshura sylhetensis), and Asian Brown Tortoise (Manouria emys), including the rare Striped Caecilian, Chiromantis assamensis (VU), Cyrtodactylus kazirangaensis (DD), found only in Kaziranga, Nilssonia nigricans (CR) and Varanus flavescens (EN), She added.