Kaziranga National Park UPSC

Location of Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park is located in the Golaghat, Karbi Anglong, and Nagaon districts of Assam, India.
Kaziranga National Park lies on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River, which forms its northern and eastern boundaries.
It is situated in the Brahmaputra floodplains, where seasonal flooding helps sustain its grasslands, wetlands, and diverse wildlife habitats.

1904: Lady Mary Curzon visited Kaziranga and advocated the protection of the declining rhinoceros population after failing to spot one.
1905: The Kaziranga Proposed Reserve Forest was established on June 1, covering approximately 232 sq km.
1908: Kaziranga was declared a Reserved Forest.
1916: The protected area became known as Kaziranga Game Sanctuary.
1950: Kaziranga Game Sanctuary was renamed Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary.
1974: Kaziranga was declared a National Park by the Government of India.
1985: The park was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its outstanding natural value and biodiversity.
2007: Kaziranga was declared a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger.
BirdLife International has also identified Kaziranga as an Important Bird Area (IBA) because of its diverse resident and migratory bird populations.

Kaziranga National Park covers a core area of approximately 430 square kilometers (166 square miles).
The extended Kaziranga Tiger Reserve covers approximately 1,090 square kilometers (421 square miles), including additional conservation areas and wildlife corridors toward the Karbi Anglong Hills.
The park extends approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from east to west and 13 kilometers (8 miles) from north to south.
Its landscape includes grasslands, marshes, wetlands, and forests.

The Burapahar Range is located in the southern part of Kaziranga National Park and is known for its hilly terrain.
The Bagori Range is an important wildlife tourism area in western Kaziranga, known for its grasslands, wetlands, and forests.

Brahmaputra River: The Brahmaputra River forms the northern and eastern boundaries of Kaziranga National Park and plays a vital role in maintaining its floodplain ecosystem through seasonal floods that replenish soil nutrients and sustain wetlands and grasslands.
Diphlu River: The Diphlu River flows through the Kaziranga landscape and supports the park’s freshwater habitats, providing water for wildlife and contributing to the region’s ecological diversity.
Moradiflu River (Mora Diphlu): The Moradiflu River is a rivulet and tributary of the Diphlu River that flows along the southern boundary of the park.

Grasslands: Tall grasses, including elephant grass and other grass species, provide food and shelter for rhinoceroses, elephants, deer and wild buffaloes.
Wetlands and marshes: Aquatic plants such as lotus, water lilies, reeds and sedges support fish, amphibians and waterbirds.
Alluvial savanna woodlands: These woodlands contain a mixture of trees and grasses adapted to the floodplain environment.
Moist mixed deciduous forests: These forests provide shade, shelter and feeding habitats for mammals and birds.
Riparian forests: Vegetation along riverbanks and water channels helps maintain riverine habitats and supports wildlife diversity.

Mammals: Kaziranga is famous for the Greater One-horned Rhinoceros and also supports Royal Bengal Tigers, Asian Elephants, Asiatic Wild Water Buffaloes and Swamp Deer.
- Big Five: The Big Five of Kaziranga National Park include the Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Wild Water Buffalo, Swamp Deer, and Asian Elephant.
Other mammals: Sambar, Hog Deer, Indian Muntjac, Hoolock Gibbon, Leopard, Fishing Cat, and Sloth Bear are also found in the region.
Aquatic mammals: The Gangetic Dolphin is associated with the river systems of the wider region.
Birds: The park supports the Bengal Florican, hornbills, pelicans, osprey and several resident and migratory waterbirds.
Reptiles: The park supports reptiles such as the King Cobra, Indian Rock Python, Bengal Monitor Lizard, and Assam Roofed Turtle.