Kaziranga Tiger Reserve UPSC

Kaziranga Tiger Reserve is a renowned wildlife sanctuary located in the state of Assam, India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its exceptional biodiversity and conservation efforts.

The Kaziranga Tiger Reserve is primarily known for its population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, which is one of its flagship species. Kaziranga is home to more than two-thirds of the world's population of this endangered rhino species. Additionally, the park is also known for its significant tiger population, making it an important tiger conservation area.

Kaziranga Tiger Reserve consists of grasslands, wetlands, and dense forests. It is located in the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River, which contributes to its unique ecosystem. The tall elephant grass, marshlands, and water bodies create an ideal habitat for the diverse wildlife found in the reserve.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
River
Flora
Fauna

Mammals
Birds
Reptile

UPSC Questions

Kaziranga Tiger Reserve Location

Kaziranga Tiger Reserve is located in the Golaghat, Karbi Anglong and Nagaon districts of Assam in India.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Kaziranga Tiger Reserve is the Jorhat Airport, also known as the Rowriah Airport, located in Jorhat city of Assam. It is approximately 97 kilometers (60 miles) away from the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve. Another nearby airport is the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, which is approximately 215 kilometers (134 miles) away.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Kaziranga Tiger Reserve is the Furkating Junction Railway Station, which is located in the town of Furkating in Assam. It is approximately 75 kilometers (47 miles) away from Kaziranga Tiger Reserve.

Kaziranga Tiger Reserve History

The history of Kaziranga Tiger Reserve dates back to the early 20th century when it was initially established as a forest reserve. Here's a brief overview of the history of Kaziranga Tiger Reserve:

1. Early Years: In 1904, Lady Curzon, the wife of the then Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon, visited the Kaziranga area and was deeply moved by the dwindling population of rhinoceroses. Her concern led to the declaration of Kaziranga as a Reserved Forest in 1905 to provide protection to the rhinos.

2. Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1950, Kaziranga was designated as a wildlife sanctuary, primarily to protect the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, which was on the brink of extinction.

3. National Park Status: Recognizing the ecological significance of Kaziranga, it was declared a national park in 1974. The park's boundaries were expanded to encompass an area of about 858 square kilometers (331 square miles).

4. UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 1985, Kaziranga National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The designation recognized its outstanding universal value in terms of biodiversity conservation and its role in preserving unique ecosystems.

5. Tiger Reserve: To further strengthen tiger conservation efforts, Kaziranga was declared a tiger reserve in 2008-09, known as Kaziranga Tiger Reserve. This expansion aimed to protect the habitat and populations of Bengal tigers in the region.

6. Conservation Success: Over the years, Kaziranga Tiger Reserve has achieved remarkable success in conserving the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. The population of rhinos has increased from a mere handful in the early 20th century to more than 2,000 individuals today, representing two-thirds of the global population.

Kaziranga Tiger Reserve Area

Kaziranga Tiger Reserve spans an impressive area that consists of a core area and a buffer area. The total area of Kaziranga Tiger Reserve is as follows:

Core area : 482.0385 sq km
Buffer area : 573.8555 sq km
Total : 1055.894 sq km

Core Area: The core area of Kaziranga Tiger Reserve covers approximately 482.0385 square kilometers (186.04 square miles). This section of the reserve is the most strictly protected and is dedicated to preserving the critical habitats of key wildlife species, including the Indian one-horned rhinoceros and Bengal tiger. The core area is carefully managed to ensure the conservation and safety of these endangered animals.

Buffer Area: Surrounding the core area, Kaziranga Tiger Reserve includes a buffer area that extends over an area of about 573.8555 square kilometers (221.49 square miles). The buffer zone acts as a transition zone between the core area and the surrounding human-inhabited landscapes. It serves as a protective zone to minimize human-wildlife conflicts and allows for sustainable land use practices while maintaining ecological connectivity.

Total Area: The combined area of the core and buffer areas makes up the total area of Kaziranga Tiger Reserve. In total, Kaziranga Tiger Reserve spans approximately 1055.894 square kilometers (407.53 square miles). This extensive area showcases the commitment to wildlife conservation and habitat preservation in the region.

Kaziranga Tiger Reserve River

Kaziranga Tiger Reserve is traversed by the Diphlu River, also known as the Diffalu River. The Diphlu River is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River and flows through the core area of the reserve. This river serves as an important water source and plays a significant role in shaping the ecosystem of Kaziranga.

In addition to the Diphlu River, another tributary called the Moradifalu flows along the southern boundary of the reserve. These water bodies, along with other streams and wetlands within the reserve, contribute to the diverse habitats found in Kaziranga Tiger Reserve. They provide essential drinking water and bathing spots for the wildlife and support a variety of aquatic plants and animals.

Kaziranga Tiger Reserve Flora

Kaziranga Tiger Reserve is renowned for its diverse and unique flora, which encompasses a range of ecosystems within the reserve. Here are some of the prominent vegetation types found in Kaziranga:

(1) Eastern Wet Alluvial Grasslands:

The eastern wet alluvial grasslands are a distinctive feature of Kaziranga. These grasslands, dominated by tall elephant grass (Saccharum ravennae), cover a significant portion of the reserve's landscape. The grasslands provide crucial habitat for herbivores like the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, wild water buffalo, and various deer species. They also support a diverse range of bird species.

(2) Assam Alluvial Plains Semi-Evergreen Forests:

The Assam alluvial plains semi-evergreen forests are found in the higher regions of Kaziranga. These forests are characterized by a mix of semi-evergreen and deciduous tree species. Some common trees found in these forests include Bombax ceiba, Dillenia indica, Lagerstroemia speciosa, and Ficus species. These forests provide important shelter and food resources for a variety of wildlife species.

(3) Tropical Moist Mixed Deciduous Forests:

The tropical moist mixed deciduous forests are present in certain pockets of Kaziranga. These forests comprise a diverse range of tree species, including Terminalia arjuna, Lagerstroemia parviflora, Albizia procera, and Tectona grandis. They add to the overall biodiversity of the reserve and offer habitat for various bird species and small mammals.

(4) Wetlands:

Kaziranga Tiger Reserve is characterized by numerous wetlands, including marshes, ponds, and beels (oxbow lakes). These wetlands are home to a variety of aquatic plants such as water lilies, lotus, and water hyacinth. They provide habitat for several water-dependent species, including water birds, turtles, and amphibians.

(5) Sandy "Chaurs":

The "chaurs" in Kaziranga refer to areas with sandy soils. These open grassy areas are interspersed with scattered trees and shrubs. They provide grazing grounds for herbivores and serve as nesting sites for various bird species.

Kaziranga Tiger Reserve Fauna (Kaziranga Tiger Reserve Animals)

Kaziranga Tiger Reserve is renowned for its remarkable fauna and is home to a diverse range of wildlife species, including several endangered and iconic animals. Here are some of the notable fauna found in Kaziranga Tiger Reserve:

Mammals:

Bengal Tiger
Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros
Eastern Swamp Deer
Asian Elephant
Wild Water Buffalo
Hoolock Gibbon
Capped Langur
Gangetic River Dolphin

Note-

Kaziranga sanctuary hosts two-thirds of the world’s great One-horned Rhinoceroses.
Kaziranga has the largest population of the Wild Water Buffalo anywhere accounting for about 57% of the world population.

Birds:

Great Indian Hornbill
Bengal Florican
Grey-headed Fishing Eagle
Pallas's Fish Eagle
Swamp Francolin
Lesser Adjutant Stork
Spot-billed Pelican
Black-necked Stork

Note- Kaziranga is recognized as an Important Bird Area by Bird Life International for conservation of avifaunal species.

Reptiles:

Indian Rock Python
King Cobra
Indian Cobra
Common Indian Krait
Bengal Monitor
Common Indian Monitor
Assam Roofed Turtle