Publications
Spatio-temporal flood frequency dynamics in Kaziranga National Park using multi-year Sentinel-1 SAR and vegetation indices
Kaziranga National Park experiences dynamic and frequent floods along the Brahmaputra River, leading to significant ecological changes. A study using 228 Sentinel-1 SAR and 8 Sentinel-2 optical images (2015–2022) revealed that flood frequency (FF) is highest near the Brahmaputra channel, permanent waterbodies, and wetlands, with extreme years (2017, 2020, 2022) showing mean FF over 40%. Analysis identified 8.24% of the park with decreasing FF due to sediment deposition and 10.04% with increasing FF linked to erosion and channel encroachment. Flood ridges indicated average channel migration of ∼157 m upstream and ∼311 m inward, with localized shifts exceeding ∼1 km. DBSCAN clustering highlighted 68 zones of hydro-geomorphic instability, including 43 hotspots and 25 cold spots. Vegetation analysis showed NDVI decline in hotspots due to inundation but greening in cold spots from sediment deposition and grassland regeneration. This integrated SAR–optical approach provides critical insights for monitoring riverine ecosystems and strengthening conservation strategies.
Identification of flood-prone areas in Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India
A significant increase in flood risk was identified in Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Assam, India, with the northeastern parts of the park showing the highest vulnerability. The study, conducted using GIS-based multi-criteria analysis for 2015 and 2019, revealed that high and very high flood-prone areas covered 36.83% and 31.26% of the study area in 2019, respectively. Key factors such as rainfall intensity and soil type were found to be most influential, with clayey soils near the Brahmaputra River exacerbating runoff, while sandy soils in the southern region mitigated flood risk due to higher infiltration. These findings underscore the need for strategic flood mitigation measures to protect the park's unique biodiversity, particularly the iconic one-horned rhinoceroses.
Kaziranga National Park and Kajir Ronghangpi: Reclaiming Karbi Narratives
Kaziranga National Park, renowned for its successful conservation of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, has a contested history marked by the marginalization of indigenous communities. This study reveals that the Karbi tribe's oral traditions and the legend of Kajir Ronghangpi, a revered figure in their narrative, challenge mainstream conservation discourse and official historiography. The research demonstrates how cultural myths are mobilized to resist dispossession, reassert indigenous identity, and navigate the complexities arising from conservation efforts, tourism expansion, and state development projects. By centering Karbi perspectives, the study illuminates the often-overlooked dimensions of ecological landscapes and indigenous agency in shaping their heritage.
Tracking Scientific Attention on Kaziranga National Park: A Bibliometric Study
A bibliometric analysis of Kaziranga National Park reveals a dynamic and evolving research landscape, with steady scholarly growth from 1993 to 2025. The study, based on 44 documents retrieved from the Web of Science database, highlights key contributors such as Tezpur University, CSIR India, and the University of Edinburgh, and explores diverse themes including biodiversity conservation, megafaunal extinction, paleoecology, geochemistry, and environmental history. Thematic mapping identifies well-developed major themes alongside niche-specialized topics and emerging areas, underscoring Kaziranga's significance for ecological conservation and its multifaceted scholarly engagement.
Enhancing Forest Canopy Height Mapping in Kaziranga National Park, Assam, by Integrating LISS IV and SAR data with GEDI LiDAR data Using Machine Learning
A significant increase in forest canopy height in Kaziranga National Park, Assam, was observed between 2018 and 2022, with mean heights rising from approximately 8.58 meters to 9.07 meters. This study pioneered the integration of GEDI LiDAR data with LISS IV optical imagery, Sentinel-1 SAR, and PALSAR data using machine learning models to map canopy height continuously. Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) emerged as the top-performing model, achieving an RMSE of 5.47 meters and an R2 of 0.55, outperforming Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, and k-Nearest Neighbors. The analysis revealed that over 35% of the park's area had canopy heights below 5 meters, while taller canopies beyond 20 meters were found in less than 5%. This novel approach not only enhances canopy height mapping but also lays the groundwork for future research on biomass assessment and carbon sequestration in this critical biodiversity hotspot.
Participatory Security as Form of Control: Kaziranga National Park, India
Kaziranga National Park, renowned for its successful conservation of the Greater One-horned Rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis), employs participatory security measures that serve as a form of indirect control over local communities. This study reveals how these mechanisms, supported by state and non-state agencies, complement militarized anti-poaching efforts, contributing to structural violence and national building in Assam. The research analyzes the revitalization of two key bodies—the eco-development committee and the voluntary defense organization—demonstrating their role as 'counterinsurgency practices.' By examining these participatory protection strategies, the study sheds light on the dual nature of conservation efforts: while aiming to enhance security and biodiversity preservation, they also reinforce broader social control dynamics.
Temporal Change Studies in Kaziranga National Park
A decade-long analysis of Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and critical habitat for the one-horned rhinoceros, reveals significant temporal changes in its landscape driven by natural and anthropogenic factors. Using advanced satellite imagery processing techniques from 2014 to 2022, researchers quantified fluctuations in water bodies—primarily due to the Brahmaputra River's flood cycles—and observed patterns of vegetation regrowth and decline. The study highlights the dual role of these floods: enriching alluvial soils while challenging wildlife conservation efforts. By combining multispectral analysis, change detection algorithms, and supervised classification methods, this research underscores the potential of satellite-based monitoring to support evidence-driven conservation strategies in dynamic ecosystems.
Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Kaziranga National Park and Surrounding Areas, Assam, with Taxonomic Changes Briefly Explained
Kaziranga National Park, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site and Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA), hosts 521 bird species, including 62 globally threatened or near-threatened ones—among the highest recorded in any IBA in India. This annotated checklist identifies 35 additional species requiring further confirmation and highlights grassland-obligate birds like the Critically Endangered Bengal Florican as key conservation priorities. The study, based on field observations and birdwatcher data, also addresses recent taxonomic changes affecting avian classifications. With its diverse grassland ecosystems covering over half of its 1,302 sq. km area, Kaziranga emerges not only as a critical habitat for the iconic One-horned Rhinoceros but also as a premier global destination for birdwatching.
Contingent valuation approach to maximising park finances: a study of Kaziranga National Park
A study on Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular tourist destination in Assam, India, reveals that visitors exhibit high willingness to pay (WTP) for park entry. This finding suggests that the park's entry fee could be strategically increased to maximize revenue without deterring visitors. Using contingent valuation method (CVM), researchers analyzed data from 766 visitors, identifying key factors influencing WTP: income, domicile, expenditure, satisfaction, perceived image, revisit intention, and environmental disposition. The study offers actionable insights for pricing policies aimed at achieving financial sustainability while supporting conservation efforts.
Increase of Waterfowl Abundance in Kaziranga National Park, India
A remarkable 175% increase in waterfowl abundance has been documented in Kaziranga National Park, India, highlighting the success of ongoing conservation efforts. Recent census data revealed a total of 93,491 individuals across 112 avian species, including 62 globally threatened or near-threatened species, underscoring the park's significance as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA). This surge in waterfowl populations, particularly winter migratory birds, suggests positive ecological impacts. The study, conducted by Kumar and Alam (2023), analyzed data from 52 wetlands within the park, providing a snapshot of its rich avifauna diversity.
Land Use and Land Cover Change Monitoring and Prediction of a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Kaziranga Eco-Sensitive Zone Using Cellular Automata-Markov Model
A significant decline in natural habitats within the Kaziranga Eco-Sensitive Zone has been documented over 30 years (1990–2020), with waterbodies, grasslands, and agricultural lands decreasing by 18.4%, 9.96%, and 64.88% respectively, while built-up areas and sand/dry river beds increased dramatically. Projections suggest continued habitat loss by 2050, unless interventions are implemented. The study used remote sensing data and Cellular Automata-Markov models to analyze land use and land cover (LULC) changes, revealing critical insights for the long-term conservation of this biodiversity hotspot.
Pollen and non-pollen palynomorph depositional patterns in Kaziranga National Park, India: Implications for palaeoecology and palaeoherbivory analysis
A study of pollen and non-pollen palynomorph (NPP) depositional patterns in Kaziranga National Park, India, reveals distinct vegetation types and herbivore impacts. Canonical correspondence analysis identified five significantly different vegetation types based on pollen data, while NPPs showed relatively consistent patterns across habitats. Notably, coprophilous fungal spores were most abundant in openland areas, indicating higher herbivore density. Swamp samples reflected the overall composition of all vegetation types in the park. This research provides a modern analog for paleoecological and paleoherbivory studies, offering valuable insights into the long-term association between wildlife and vegetation dynamics in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Reinventing Nature in Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park's conservation history reveals that cultural politics, not just Western ideals, drove the creation of wilderness. This study shows how Assamese cultural narratives about the Greater One-horned Rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) reinforced exclusionary practices in Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS), leading to militarized protection and further wilderness reinforcement by the late 1960s. The research highlights that local cultural politics, rather than purely Western influences, were pivotal in shaping conservation approaches in the Global South. This approach subtly influenced exclusionary conservation strategies across India's national parks and tiger reserves.
Technical Sustainability of Rhinoceros in Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park, the sole habitat of the critically endangered Indian one-horned rhinoceros in India, faces significant threats to its population growth due to poaching, habitat destruction, and environmental challenges like floods and droughts. Annual rhino mortality rates range from 15-20 individuals, jeopardizing both biodiversity conservation and tourism sustainability. The study proposes the integration of sensor network technology as a novel solution to enhance rhino protection by monitoring location and survival status in real-time. This approach aims to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, improve anti-poaching efforts, and ensure habitat preservation, thereby supporting long-term rhino conservation and sustaining Kaziranga's ecological and cultural significance.
Endangering the Endangered: The Poaching and Conservation Conundrum Facing the Greater Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros in Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India
Kaziranga National Park (KNP) hosts the world's largest population of the endangered greater Indian one-horned rhinoceros. Despite its critical role in global conservation efforts and as Assam's state symbol, this species faces persistent poaching threats. The study highlights significant gaps between policy formulation and implementation of anti-poaching measures within KNP, revealing challenges that hinder effective conservation. It examines current strategies against a backdrop of international wildlife protection frameworks and domestic policies, underscoring the need for strengthened ecological governance to safeguard this iconic species.
Impact and Mitigation of Human-Elephant Conflict Around Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India
Human-elephant conflict (HEC) around Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India, poses significant threats to both conservation and rural development, with crop raiding by elephants perceived as a more severe risk than wild buffalo or rhinoceros. A study involving 140 households in 29 villages revealed that HEC is primarily nocturnal and seasonal, peaking in winter, and mitigation efforts are largely reliant on traditional methods like shouting and burning tires. Villagers, who view elephants as sacred, expressed a desire to stay in their communities despite the conflict. While government compensation policies were known to only 40% of respondents, those aware criticized them as inadequate. Farmers recommended solar-powered electric fencing and improved compensation as key solutions. Effective mitigation strategies must engage local communities, build trust, and address perceptions of success to align with UN Sustainable Development Goals and support both elephant conservation and rural livelihoods.
Speed thrills but kills: A case study on seasonal variation in roadkill mortality on National highway 715 (new) in Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape, Assam, India
National Highway 715 (new) in Assam, India, poses a significant threat to wildlife, with roadkill mortality peaking during monsoon seasons. A study conducted from October 2016 to September 2017 identified 6036 individual roadkills across 53 species, highlighting herpetofauna as the most affected group. The research found that 38.27% of mortalities occurred during monsoon months (July and August), with amphibian fatalities reaching 43.28%. This study underscores the severe impact of roads on biodiversity within protected areas like Kaziranga National Park, emphasizing the need for mitigation strategies to ensure sustainable coexistence between wildlife and infrastructure development.
Whether is Flood Doom or Boon for Kaziranga National Park of Assam, India?
Floods in Kaziranga National Park present both challenges and benefits to the park's ecosystem. While floods cause significant damage such as land erosion, siltation of water bodies, habitat degradation, and increased animal accidents on NH-37, they also play a crucial role in nourishing and reviving the park's wetlands and grasslands annually. This study examines the dual nature of floods—whether they are more of a doom or a boon—and evaluates how the park authority mitigates adverse outcomes during flood seasons. The research critically analyzes the effects of flooding on the park, providing insights into its complex dynamics and management strategies.
Abundance of Multiple-Antibiotic-Resistant Salmonella Strains in Fecal Samples of Rhinoceros unicornis of the Kaziranga National Park, India
A concerning prevalence of multiple-antibiotic-resistant (MAR) Salmonella strains was identified in fecal samples from Indian one-horned rhinos (Rhinoceros unicornis) in Kaziranga National Park, India. The study found that 97.6% of Salmonella isolates exhibited resistance to more than one antibiotic, with 100 isolates from two samples showing resistance to imipenem—a critical last-resort antibiotic. Among these, 52 tested positive for metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) genes, and five carried class 1 integrons, suggesting horizontal gene transfer and potential for widespread resistance. The research used replica plating on antibiotic-containing agar plates and multiplex PCR to detect resistance markers. Given that Salmonella spreads via contaminated water, the findings imply environmental contamination in Kaziranga, posing risks to rhinos and potentially complicating treatment of Salmonellosis outbreaks.
Greater one-horned rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) behaviour during high floods at Kaziranga National Park and the Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam, India
Greater one-horned rhinos exhibit distinct behavioral responses to high floods, with adults primarily resting during flood periods, likely as a stress-coping mechanism. In contrast, sub-adults and calves actively swam between highland refuges, even against strong currents, while the lone sub-adult female in Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) exhibited reduced feeding behavior, possibly contributing to her post-flood death due to starvation. The study suggests that adult rhinos may be more resilient to flooding and better candidates for translocation than sub-adults or mother-calf pairs, offering critical insights for adaptive management of protected areas in flood-prone regions.
Livestock vaccination programme participation among smallholder farmers on the outskirts of National Parks and Tiger Reserves in the Indian states of Madhya Pradesh and Assam
A study on livestock vaccination participation among smallholder farmers near UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Tiger Reserves in India revealed that while awareness and positive attitudes toward vaccination were high, actual participation remained low—except in villages immediately surrounding Kaziranga National Park, where 65% of respondents reported vaccinating their cattle. The research identified key barriers to vaccination, including poor communication from vaccinators, lack of awareness about program timing, and passive attitudes among farmers who relied on organized drives rather than seeking services independently. Recommendations include integrating vaccination programs with local agricultural and social calendars, improving publicization of dates/times, and engaging beneficiaries more actively, potentially through small monetary contributions to encourage responsibility.
A Case Study on Dimensions of Tourist Satisfaction with Kaziranga National Park of Assam
Tourist satisfaction at Kaziranga National Park (KNP) hinges on three critical factors: cleanliness, improved amenities, and safety and security. A study analyzing data from 450 tourists who visited KNP between October 2018 and March 2019 revealed that these dimensions significantly influence overall satisfaction levels. Econometric and non-econometric methods were employed to assess responses on a five-point Likert scale, ranging from 'Excellent' to 'Very Poor.' The findings underscore the potential for KNP to become a preferred destination for both domestic and international tourists if these key factors are prioritized in future development efforts.
Animal health perceptions and challenges among smallholder farmers around Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India: A study using participatory epidemiological techniques
Smallholder farmers around Kaziranga National Park, Assam, face significant animal health challenges that hinder rural prosperity and sustainable development. Key issues include foot-and-mouth disease, Newcastle disease, haemorrhagic septicaemia, chronic fasciolosis, diarrhoea, bloating diseases, goat pox, and sarcoptic mange, exacerbated by seasonal flooding, wild predator raids, and limited access to veterinary services. A participatory epidemiological approach revealed farmers' adeptness in describing disease syndromes, highlighting the need for targeted vaccination programs and animal management schemes. Addressing these challenges could enhance productivity and prosperity, aligning with UNESCO World Heritage Site conservation goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Antimicrobial biosynthetic potential and diversity of culturable soil actinobacteria from forest ecosystems of Northeast India
Soil actinobacteria from Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary and Kaziranga National Park, located in the Indo-Burma mega-biodiversity hotspot, exhibit significant antimicrobial biosynthetic potential. Of 107 isolates, 77 showed antagonistic activity, with 24 harboring genes for secondary metabolite production linked to ansamycin, benzoisochromanequinone, and streptogramin. Molecular analysis identified Streptomyces as the dominant genus, with four strains (Streptomyces sp. PB-79, Kz-28, Kz-32, Kz-67) showing ~89.5% similarity to known species, suggesting novelty. One strain, Streptomyces sp. Kz-24, demonstrated potent activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.024 µg/mL. These findings highlight the untapped potential of actinobacteria in this biodiverse region for producing biologically active compounds.
Documenting the land use pattern in the corridor complexes of Kaziranga National Park using high resolution satellite imagery
Kaziranga National Park (KNP) in Assam, India, faces growing threats to its ecosystem due to increasing human and wildlife populations, as well as development pressures. A study using high-resolution satellite imagery from 2002 and 2013, alongside extensive field surveys including camera traps and GPS tracking, revealed that the corridor complexes—critical pathways for wildlife movement—are increasingly fragmented by anthropogenic activities. These corridors, shared by both humans and animals, are under severe pressure, particularly near NH-37, where developmental activities have rendered some routes nearly non-functional. The research highlights the urgent need for sustainable land-use planning to balance human needs with wildlife conservation in these vital buffer zones.
Existence of Hopf-Bifurcation in a Mathematical Model on Depletion of Grassland under the Catastrophic Effect of Invasive Species in Kaziranga National Park (KNP), Assam, India
A mathematical model demonstrates the existence of Hopf-bifurcation, revealing how invasive species can trigger catastrophic shifts in grassland ecosystems within Kaziranga National Park. This phenomenon explains sudden transitions from stable states to chaotic dynamics, accelerating grassland depletion under invasive pressure. The study employs nonlinear dynamical systems theory to analyze interactions between native and invasive species, providing insights into the mathematical mechanisms driving ecological collapse. These findings underscore the need for proactive management strategies to mitigate biodiversity loss in UNESCO-listed sites facing invasion threats.
Rhinoceros in Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park, renowned for its great one-horned rhinoceros population, faces intense political and conservation debates that threaten the coexistence of agrarian communities with its ecological landscape. The study reveals how governmental institutions and public rhetoric increasingly alienate local communities, while legal prescriptions aim to eliminate human influences from the park. This approach overlooks the region's complex ecological, historical, and political realities, setting a problematic tone for governance. By analyzing the historical evolution of Kaziranga National Park, the research highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding that balances conservation goals with the rights and livelihoods of agrarian communities.
Coprophilous fungi from dung of the Greater One-Horned Rhino in Kaziranga National Park, India and its implication to paleoherbivory and paleoecology
Researchers have identified coprophilous fungi, particularly Sporormiella, Saccobolus, Ascodesmis, Cercophora, and Sordaria, in the dung of the greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) within Kaziranga National Park, India. This discovery marks the first documentation of these fungi in rhino dung across both forest and grassland habitats. The Sporormiella–Ascodesmis–Saccobolus assemblage is notably abundant, providing insights into the ecological relationships between rhinoceroses, flora, and other fauna. By analyzing fungal spore distribution, the study offers a novel approach to reconstructing past herbivory patterns (paleoherbivory) and ecosystem dynamics (paleoecology), with implications for understanding historical animal distributions in India and surrounding regions.
Park, People and Biodiversity Conservation in Kaziranga National Park, India
Kaziranga National Park (KNP) faces significant challenges in biodiversity conservation due to complex park-people relations. A case study of peripheral villages revealed that while local communities suffer from livestock losses and damage to paddy fields caused by wild animals, they benefit economically from tourism-related activities. The study highlights the need for extended tourism initiatives and community welfare measures to foster sustainable coexistence between conservation efforts and local livelihoods. These findings provide critical insights for policy-making aimed at balancing biodiversity protection with socio-economic development in KNP.
Riding the Rhino: Conservation, Conflicts, and Militarisation of Kaziranga National Park in Assam
Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rhinoceros population, has become a focal point of complex conservation challenges intertwined with socio-political dynamics. The study reveals that while the rhino is often deified in public discourse, there is a striking lack of attention to the human cost of anti-poaching measures, which have resulted in significant loss of life among young men. This research examines the intersections of class, culture, and commerce, highlighting how developmental narratives seek to position both people and rhinos in predefined roles. The analysis draws from media representations, such as digital films and Durga Puja motifs, to critically assess the political discourse surrounding Assamese identity and conservation efforts.
Does ecotourism affect economic welfare? Evidence from Kaziranga National Park, India
Ecotourism significantly enhances economic welfare and fosters positive attitudes toward conservation in communities surrounding Kaziranga National Park. Households engaged in ecotourism report improved living conditions, political empowerment, and increased household expenditures, underscoring its role as a market-based conservation strategy. The study, conducted through random sampling of peripheral villages and regression analysis, reveals that ecotourism strengthens local economies while promoting pro-conservation behaviors. Recommendations include diversifying livelihoods with off-season activities rooted in local culture and skills, alongside government support for eco-development projects, training, and financing to sustain long-term benefits.
A GIS based study on bank erosion by the river Brahmaputra around Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India
Kaziranga National Park, home to the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses and a rich biodiversity, has experienced significant land loss due to bank erosion by the Brahmaputra River. A GIS-based study revealed that from 1912–1916 to 2008, the park lost 88.188 km² of area, with erosion outpacing sediment deposition in all studied periods (1912–1972, 1972–1998, and 1998–2008). The highest erosion rates were observed between 1972 and 1998 (1.59 km²/year), while the maximum bankline shifts reached 4.58 km during 1912–1972. Loose, non-cohesive sediments along the riverbanks, combined with the river's braided course, were identified as primary causes of erosion. The study suggests future deposition may increase in the park's eastern part, while middle regions face continued erosion risk. Antierosion measures have been implemented only sporadically.
An analysis of livelihood linkages of tourism in Kaziranga National Park, a Natural World Heritage Site in India
Tourism in Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India, generates approximately US$5 million annually, with local stakeholders capturing about 65% of these funds. However, significant income leakage occurs due to the importation of supplies and logistical support from outside the tourism zone. The study suggests that planned interventions, such as promoting locally-made products and strengthening community institutions, could enhance financial benefits for locals. Additionally, diversifying tourist experiences through nature trails and package tours in buffer zones may increase visitation to underutilized areas, providing further livelihood opportunities.
Orthopteroids in Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India
A survey of Orthopteroids (insects belonging to the order Orthoptera) in Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India, identified 14 species, including one potentially new to science. The study highlights the park's biodiversity, particularly its grasshopper and cricket diversity, which may serve as indicators for ecosystem health. Researchers conducted field surveys across different habitats within the park, collecting specimens and documenting their distribution. This work contributes to the understanding of Orthopteroids in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to protect these often-overlooked but ecologically significant insects.
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