Guwahati, Jan 1: Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNP&TR) in Assam has had a remarkable year, achieving unprecedented milestones in wildlife conservation, tourism, and community development.
Tourism Milestones
Kaziranga welcomed its highest-ever number of tourists in the 2023-24 season, with 164,636 visitors generating over ₹4.32 crore in revenue. New initiatives, such as boat safaris, bird watching, trekking, and cycle tracks, have enhanced the tourist experience. Notably, the Koliabhomora boat tourism circuit has become a major attraction, offering opportunities to view river dolphins and pristine landscapes.
Flood Management and Wildlife Conservation
Despite facing the worst floods since 1991, the park recorded the lowest animal mortality rate during the flood season, with just two deaths from road accidents. This success is attributed to effective flood mitigation measures that ensured wildlife safety and ecological balance.
Kaziranga also witnessed a historic milestone with the return of rhinos to Burachapori and Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuaries in Nagaon after a 40-year absence, showcasing the success of habitat restoration efforts.
Anti-Poaching and Community Involvement
Kaziranga’s anti-poaching measures have thwarted seven poaching attempts this year, thanks to enhanced coordination between departments and proactive task forces. The park also introduced its first-ever eco-shop, which supports the welfare of staff and local artisans by selling wildlife-themed products, generating over ₹47 lakh in three months.
Scientific Contributions
The Kaziranga Bird Festival in January documented 184 bird species, including 88,710 migratory and land birds. The discovery of a striped caecilian and the documentation of 443 butterfly species in the Panbari Reserve Forest further highlighted the park’s biodiversity. Grassland management, invasive species removal, and the release of critically endangered black softshell turtles into the wild underscored Kaziranga’s commitment to scientific conservation.
Empowering Communities
Kaziranga has championed community-led initiatives, training local women in silk weaving and men and women in woodcraft, while encouraging the production of eco-friendly products like paper from water hyacinth. These efforts have provided alternative livelihoods to forest-fringe communities.
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