111-592: Kaziranga National Park is a national park in the Golaghat , Sonitpur , Biswanath and Nagaon districts of the state of Assam , India . KNP has 5 ranges. The park, which hosts two-thirds of the world's Indian rhinoceroses , is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . According to a March 2018 census conducted jointly by the Forest Department of the Government of Assam and some recognized wildlife NGOs,
222-560: A children's storybook by Arup Dutta about rhinoceros poaching in the national park, won the Shankar's Award. The Assamese singer Bhupen Hazarika refers to Kaziranga in one of his songs. The BBC conservationist and travel writer, Mark Shand , authored a book and the corresponding BBC documentary Queen of the Elephants , based on the life of the first female mahout in recent times— Parbati Barua of Kaziranga. The book went on to win
333-710: A bombing and destruction of a five million-liter petrol reservoir at Digboi refinery in Tinsukia, with an estimated property loss of Rs 200million. On the same day they also damaged a gas pipeline in the oil district of Tinsukia. In the initial years of the ULFA movement (when it used to enjoy widespread public support in both urban and rural areas of Assam among the indigenous Assamese people), cadres were recruited from rural areas as well as from many towns in Lower Assam, Northern and Upper Assam and middle Assam districts. One of
444-641: A dhaba in Kherbari village. The victims, all Bengali -speaking workers, were identified as Subal Das, Dhanai Namsudra, Anant Biswas, Shyamal Biswas, and Abinash Biswas. The group's actions reflect a xenophobic stance, particularly hostile towards non-Assamese communities. The ULFA was founded on 7 April 1979 in Sivasagar , Assam by a group of young men that included Paresh Baruah , Arabinda Rajkhowa , Anup Chetia , Bhupen Borgohain, Pradip Gogoi, Bhadreshwar Gohain and Budheswar Gogoi. The organisation's purpose
555-851: A national of the Soviet Union. From the 1990s on the ULFA have continued to carry out attacks. Till the late 2000s, it maintained a number of camps in Bangladesh, where members are trained and sheltered away from Indian security forces. In April 2004, Bangladesh police and Coast Guard intercepted massive amounts of illegal arms and ammunition, at Chittagong , being loaded into 10 trucks and intended for ULFA. A total of 50 were charged with arms smuggling and arms offenses, including former high-level Bangladesh political appointees including Bangladesh National Party ministers and National Security Intelligence military officers, as well as prominent businessmen, and Paresh Baruah , military wing chief of ULFA who
666-520: A number of family members of ULFA leaders. With the fall of this government following elections in 2001, the secret killings stopped. Dinesh Barua, the elder brother of Paresh Barua , was taken from his house at night by unidentified Assamese men, Later his body was found lying near a cremation center in Chabua . ULFA's self-styled Publicity Secretary, Mithinga Daimary, also had his five family members killed during this period. Government investigations into
777-509: A petroleum refinery at Numaligarh , pose a hazard to the ecology of the region. Invasive species such as Mimosa and wild rose have posed a threat to the native plants in the region. To control the growth and irradiation of invasive species, research on biological methods for controlling weeds, manual uprooting and weeding before seed settling are carried out at regular intervals. Grassland management techniques, such as controlled burning , are effected annually to avoid forest fires . Observing
888-660: A press meet held at Amarpur in Tinsukia district. They declared the ceasefire to pressure the top brass of ULFA to sit on negotiation table with the Government of India. But the top brass of ULFA expelled the leaders of 28 Battalion led by Mrinal Hazarika and Jiten Dutta (who had managed to escape from the cordon of Indian Army in Dibru Saikhowa National Park). The group later renamed as ULFA (Pro-talk). Lt Bijoy Chinese alias Bijoy Das, Commander of 28th Battalion also surrendered to state authorities in 2013. Between 2009 and 2018, entire leadership of ULFA
999-536: A set of three preconditions for talks and negotiations with the Indian government. Thought government had rejected these preconditions. The preconditions were: Despite dropping the first two key preconditions in 2004 and expressing readiness for talks, the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) faced an Indian government unwilling to negotiate on sovereignty. However, progress emerged when ULFA formed
1110-408: A small batch of militants had also taken refuge along with him. Paresh Baruah had previously visited China in the 1980s. In December 2003, China spurned ULFA's chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa appeal to provide safe passage to the rebels from Bhutan. During the government of AGP leader Prafulla Kumar Mahanta , as a part of his government's counter-insurgency strategy, unidentified gunmen had assassinated
1221-511: A social activist and a relative of a high ranking Indian diplomat, was kidnapped and killed. The highest government officer assassinated by the group was local Asom Gana Parishad minister Nagen Sarma in 2000. An unsuccessful assassination attempt was made on AGP Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta in 1997. A mass grave , discovered at a destroyed ULFA camp in Lakhipathar forest, showed evidence of executions committed by ULFA. In 2003,
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#17327810932641332-631: A tough response, forcing a dreaded group of ULFA - 28 Battalion to unilaterally bow down and seek asylum from the government. This particular one-sided ceasefire broke the backbone of ULFA. On 15 March 2007, ULFA triggered a blast in Guwahati , injuring six persons as it celebrated its 'army day'. The ULFA has claimed responsibility for bombings of economic targets like crude oil pipelines , freight trains and government buildings, including 7 August 2005 attack on oil pipelines in Assam. ULFA carried out
1443-456: A tripartite agreement for "Suspension of Operations" agreement was signed by the Indian government, the Assam government and the ULFA. On November 1, 2018, suspected militants of the United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) killed five people and injured one in Tinsukia district, Assam. The attackers, reportedly traveling on motorcycles, opened fire on a group of youths playing ludo at
1554-511: A wing of Indian Railways , a good number of candidates from Bihar and other states were beaten up and stopped from taking the exam by some elements who were seeking 100 percent reservations for unemployed indigenous Assamese people in the said test. In resentment, conflicts arose with train passengers from North Eastern Indians states passing through some of the stations like Katihar , Jamalpur , Kishanganj in Bihar . During that period ULFA
1665-415: Is a difference in altitude between the eastern and western areas of the park, with the western side being at a lower altitude. The western reaches of the park are dominated by grasslands . Tall elephant grass is found on higher ground, while short grasses cover the lower grounds surrounding the beels or flood-created ponds. Annual flooding, grazing by herbivores, and controlled burning maintain and fertilize
1776-426: Is a latest attraction to the tourists. It houses more than 500 species of orchids, 132 varieties of sour fruits and leafy vegetables, 12 species of cane, 46 species of bamboo and a large varieties of local fishes. Tourism benefits the people living in the fringe of the park and helps in empowering the local people. As of 2007, about 35 hotels or lodges of various kinds located just outside the park, four of which run by
1887-482: Is also a butterfly hotspot. . UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 Largest population of Indian Rhinoceros, wild water buffalo and Eastern Swamp Deer|| Indian rhinoceros , Royal Bengal Tiger , Wild water buffalo , Asian elephant , Eastern Swamp Deer Also a biosphere reserve and Elephant reserve Successful conservation programs for the blackbuck , wolf and lesser florican , bustard popular trekking and ecotourism destination National Parks not under
1998-678: Is an armed militant organisation operating in the Northeast Indian state of Assam . It seeks to establish an independent sovereign nation state of Assam for the indigenous Assamese people through an armed struggle in the Assam conflict . The Government of India banned the organisation in 1990 citing it as a terrorist organisation, while the United States Department of State lists it under "other groups of concern". According to ULFA (Assamese militant) sources, it
2109-521: Is at the Bagori range of Kaziranga to help visitors learn more about the park. The park remains closed for visitors from May to October due to monsoon rains. Four tourist lodges at Kohora and three tourist lodges outside the park are maintained by the Department of Environment and Forests, Government of Assam . Private resorts are available outside the park borders. Increase in tourist inflow has led to
2220-575: Is home to a variety of migratory birds, water birds, predators, scavengers, and game birds. Birds such as the lesser white-fronted goose , ferruginous duck , Baer's pochard duck and lesser adjutant , greater adjutant , black-necked stork , and Asian openbill stork migrate from Central Asia to the park during winter. Riverine birds include the Blyth's kingfisher , white-bellied heron , Dalmatian pelican , spot-billed pelican , Nordmann's greenshank , and black-bellied tern . Birds of prey include
2331-483: Is involved in other organised criminal activities such as drug trafficking . Beginning in 1990, the Government of India has attempted to wean away members of the ULFA. This occurred due to the death of the ULFA's deputy Commander in chief Heerak Jyoti Mahanta on 31 December 1991. He had opposed surrenders, but they began after his death. The group has been meeting more local opposition as residents are tired of
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#17327810932642442-410: Is mild and dry, with a mean high of 25 °C (77 °F ) and low of 5 °C (41 °F ). During this season, beels and nullahs (water channels) dry up. The summer season between March and May is hot, with temperatures reaching a high of 37 °C (99 °F ). During this season, animals usually are found near water bodies. The rainy monsoon season lasts from June to September, and
2553-431: Is preferred for birding. Local people get employment from the park in the form of labour and allied activities. Labour requirements for the park include labour for anti-poaching activities and construction of bridges, culverts, etc. Approximately 100 to 200 people are hired per range for removal of Mimosa , a weed which is harmful for the herbivores. As of 2007 the park authorities have also hired security guards to protect
2664-649: Is received under the Project Elephant from the Central Government. Most of this funding is used in paying wages and salaries of the staff and in anti-poaching measures, only a little sum is left behind for the development of the park. In spite of the funding from the government the park faces shortage of funds. In 1997–1998, a grant of US$ 100,000 was received under the Technical Co-operation for Security Reinforcement scheme from
2775-491: Is responsible for most of Kaziranga's annual rainfall of 2,220 mm (87 in). During the peak months of July and August, three-fourths of the western region of the park is submerged, due to the rising water level of the Brahmaputra. Each time a flood comes, 70％~80％ percent of the national park is inundated for 5–10 days at a time. The flooding causes most animals to migrate to elevated and forested regions outside
2886-431: Is responsible for the administration and management of Kaziranga. The administrative head of the park is the director, who is a Chief Conservator of Forests-level officer. A divisional Forest Officer is the administrative chief executive of the park. He is assisted by two officers with the rank of Assistant Conservator of Forests. The park area is divided into five ranges, overseen by Range Forest Officers. The five ranges are
2997-597: Is the Core Zone of the Tiger Reserve or a Strict Nature Reserve , where casual visitors are not permitted. The Western range has Baguri as the entry point and covers the Monabeel, Bimoli, Kanchanjuri areas. This range is preferred for seeing big game like rhinos and water buffaloes. The Eastern range with Agortoli as the entry point covers Sohola and Rangamatia. This is 30 kilometres (19 mi) from Kohora and
3108-911: The Assam Forest Regulation of 1891 and the Biodiversity Conservation Act of 2002 have been enacted for protection of wildlife in the park. Poaching activities, particularly of the rhinoceroses for its horn, has been a major concern for the authorities. Between 1980 and 2005, 567 rhinoceroses were hunted by poachers. Following a decreasing trend for the past few years, 18 Indian rhinoceroses were killed by poachers in 2007. Reports have suggested that there are links between these poaching activities and funding of terrorist organizations. But these could not be substantiated in later years. Preventive measures such as construction of anti-poaching camps and maintenance of existing ones, patrolling, intelligence gathering, and control over
3219-455: The Bokakhat subdivision of Golaghat district . The park is approximately 40 km (25 mi) in length from east to west, and 13 km (8 mi) in breadth from north to south. Kaziranga covers an area of 378 km (146 sq mi), with approximately 51.14 km (20 sq mi) lost to erosion in recent years. A total addition of 429 km (166 sq mi) along
3330-555: The Brahmaputra , and the park includes numerous small bodies of water. Kaziranga has been the theme of several books, songs, and documentaries. The park celebrated its centennial in 2005 after its establishment in 1905 as a reserve forest . The history of Kaziranga as a protected area can be traced back to 1904, when Mary Curzon, Baroness Curzon of Kedleston , the wife of the Viceroy of India , Lord Curzon of Kedleston , visited
3441-602: The Karbis , Kajir is a common name for a girl child, and it was believed that a woman named Kajir once ruled over the area. Fragments of monoliths associated with Karbi rule found scattered in the area seem to bear testimony to this assertion. Kaziranga is located between latitudes 26°30' N and 26°45' N, and longitudes 93°08' E to 93°36' E within three districts in the Indian state of Assam —the Kaliabor subdivision of Nagaon district , Bokajan subdivision of Karbi Anglong and
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3552-723: The Mora Diphlu , which forms the southern boundary. Other notable rivers within the park are the Diphlu and Mora Dhansiri . Kaziranga has flat expanses of fertile, alluvial soil , formed by erosion and silt deposition by the River Brahmaputra. The landscape consists of exposed sandbars , riverine flood-formed lakes known as, beels , (which make up 5% of the surface area), and elevated regions known as, chapories , which provide retreats and shelter for animals during floods. Many artificial chapories have been built with
3663-663: The Mullaperiyar Dam was erected in 1895. The park is made up of tropical evergreen and moist deciduous forests , grasslands and stands of eucalyptus Home to the largest population of lion-tailed macaques Famous for " Save Silent Valley " movement National Parks not under the administration of the Government of India Gaurs reintroduced from Kanha National Park Panpatha wildlife sanctuary Balaghat district Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion In 2022, Asian forest tortoises (Manouria emys) were reintroduced into Ntangki National Park in collaboration with
3774-561: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) jointly support rural tourism in village of Durgapur, which falls in the periphery of the Kohora range of Kaziranga along with other initiatives at 31 sites across India. Authorised guides of the forest department accompany all travelers inside the park. Mahout -guided elephant rides and Jeep or other 4WD vehicles rides are booked in advance. Starting from
3885-532: The World Heritage Fund . Additional funding is also received from national and international Non-governmental organizations . There are three dirt tracks inside the park corresponding to the three forest ranges of the park for patrolling and to view wildlife by the tourists. The Central or Kaziranga range with Kohora as the entry point covers the Daglang and Foliomari area. Some part of this range
3996-542: The chital , Indian muntjac , Indian boar and Indian hog deer . Kaziranga has the largest population of the Wild water buffalo anywhere accounting for about 57% of the world population. The Indian rhinoceros, royal Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, wild water buffalo and swamp deer are collectively known as 'Big Five' of Kaziranga. Kaziranga is one of the few wild breeding areas outside Africa for multiple species of large cats, such as Bengal tigers and Indian leopard . Kaziranga
4107-601: The endemic Assam roofed turtle and one species of tortoise, the brown tortoise . 42 species of fish are found in the area, including the Tetraodon . Four main types of vegetation exist in this park. These are alluvial inundated grasslands , alluvial savanna woodlands , tropical moist mixed deciduous forests , and tropical semi-evergreen forests . Based on Landsat data for 1986, percent coverage by vegetation is: tall grasses 41%, short grasses 11%, open jungle 29%, swamps 4%, rivers and water bodies 8%, and sand 6%. There
4218-606: The red giant flying squirrel characterized by montane grasslands and shrublands interspersed with sholas Also a tiger sanctuary under Project Tiger Report titled ‘Status of Tigers Co-predators and Prey in India’, released by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for 2018-19 revealed that national park has 14 tigers per 100 square kilometers which is highest in India. Dhikala grasslands To
4329-412: The swamp francolin , Bengal florican , and pale-capped pigeon . Other families of birds inhabiting Kaziranga include the great pied hornbill and wreathed hornbill , Old World babblers such as Jerdon's and marsh babblers , weaver birds such as the common baya weaver , threatened Finn's weavers , and bristled grassbird . Other threatened species include the black-breasted parrotbill Two of
4440-433: The tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests biome, and the frequently-flooded Terai-Duar savanna and grasslands of the tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas, and shrublands biome. Kaziranga is also surrounded by lush green tea plantations, most of them contributing heavily to Assam's economy. The park experiences three seasons: summer, monsoon, and winter. The winter season, between November and February,
4551-698: The " People's Consultative Group" (PCG) in September 2005, aiming to pave the way for negotiations. The government welcomed this initiative. Following sustained army operations in Dibru-Saikhowa National Park , ULFA suffered significant losses in leadership, personnel, and infrastructure, prompting their return to the negotiating table in 2005. According to The Times of India , initial talks occurred at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's residence in December 2005. Three rounds of peace talks with
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4662-492: The 11-member PCG, led by Assamese writer Indira Goswami , resulted in a temporary truce in August 2006. However, the truce collapsed by September 23rd due to ULFA's resumption of violent activities against civilians, primarily targeting tea estates and oil pipelines. They also violated the ceasefire by attacking army columns. On 24 June 2008, some leaders and cadres of the A and C companies of ULFA declared unilateral ceasefire at
4773-564: The 14 primate species found in India occur in the park. Prominent among them are the Assamese macaque , capped and golden langur , as well as the only ape found in India, the hoolock gibbon . The binturong and the Asian small-clawed otter were recorded in the park in the year 2024. Kaziranga's rivers are also home to the endangered Ganges dolphin . Kaziranga has been identified by Birdlife International as an Important Bird Area . It
4884-411: The 1980s. Although the etymology of the name Kaziranga is not certain, there exist a number of possible explanations derived from local legends and records. According to one legend, a girl named Rawnga, from a nearby village, and a youth named Kazi, from Karbi Anglong , fell in love. This match was not acceptable to their families, and the couple disappeared into the forest, never to be seen again, and
4995-507: The 1980s. There are 106 existing national parks in India covering an area of 44,402.95 km which is 1.35% of the geographical area of the country. In addition to the above, 75 other National Parks covering an area of 16,608 km (6,412 sq mi) are proposed in the Protected Area Network Report. The network of parks will go up 176 after full implementation of the above report. Source: The park
5106-476: The 1996 Thomas Cook Travel Book Award and the Prix Litteraire d'Amis , providing publicity simultaneously to the profession of mahouts as well as to Kaziranga. In 2017, Kaziranga came under severe criticism after a BBC News documentary revealed a hardliner strategy to conservation, reporting the killing of 20 people a year in the name of rhino conservation. As a consequence of this reporting, BBC News
5217-418: The 709th. While remaining battalions exist only on paper at best they have the strengths of a company or so. Their allocated spheres of operation are as follows: Enigma Force or Enigma Group was an exclusive and near autonomous striking group of the ULFA. It is known to a few top leaders of the outfit and the cadres were isolated from the others. It was designed for hit and run type of operations. It
5328-633: The Burapahar (HQ: Ghorakati), Western (HQ: Baguri), Central (HQ: Kohora), Eastern (HQ: Agaratoli) and Northern (HQ: Biswanath). Each range is further sub-divided into beats, headed by a forester, and sub-beats, headed by a forest guard. The park receives financial aid from the State Government as well as the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change of Government of India under various Plan and Non-Plan Budgets. Additional funding
5439-529: The Indian government in 2011. In December 2023, a peace accord was signed by the Indian Central government , the Assam government and the pro-talks faction of ULFA, led by Arabinda Rajkhowa . This resulted in the disbandment of ULFA, the vacating of all designated camps, and the surrender of 8,200 cadres. The accord carried a Rs 1.5 lakh crore financial package, which includes setting up of an IIM and an IISER , new railway and national highways in
5550-715: The Kanchanjhuri, Panbari, and Tamulipathar blocks, contain trees such as Aphanamixis polystachya , Talauma hodgsonii , Dillenia indica , Garcinia tinctoria , Ficus rumphii , Cinnamomum bejolghota , and species of Syzygium . Tropical semi-evergreen forests are present near Baguri, Bimali, and Haldibari. Common trees and shrubs are Albizia procera , Duabanga grandiflora , Lagerstroemia speciosa , Crateva unilocularis , Sterculia urens , Grewia serrulata , Mallotus philippensis , Bridelia retusa , Aphania rubra , Leea indica , and Leea umbraculifera . There are many different aquatic floras in
5661-695: The Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN). In 1986 it launched a fundraising "campaign" across India by way of extortion. It then began to set up camps in Tinsukia and Dibrugarh but was soon declared a terrorist organization by the government on 7 November, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act . In less than a decade of its formation, the ULFA emerged as one of the most powerful and violent insurgent outfit in Southeast Asia , largely because of
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#17327810932645772-636: The Paresh Baruah faction of the Ulfa, which have been continuously raising its voice against the ongoing peace process being initiated by the Arabinda Rajkhowa faction, is engaged in a massive recruitment drive in the rural areas of Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Sivasagar, Lakhimpur and Nalbari districts of Assam. The Ulfa also has strong following among the Naga people in Assam. After 1985 and before it
5883-624: The Park Administrative Centre at Kohora , these rides can follow the three motorable trails under the jurisdiction of three ranges—Kohora, Bagori, and Agaratoli. These trails are open for light vehicles from November to April. Visitors willing to view wild life by motorcars are guided through these roads by the staff of this department. Visitors are allowed to take their own vehicles when accompanied by guides. Buses owned by Assam State Transport Corporation and private agencies between Guwahati , Tezpur , and Upper Assam stop at
5994-654: The Turtle Survival Alliance and Wildlife Conservation Society India Gahirmatha Beach and Marine Sanctuary are to the east, separating the swamp region and mangroves from the Bay of Bengal It is UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves Ramsar Wetland It is an important biodiversity area in the Northern Aravalli leopard and wildlife corridor Rodents include the Indian giant squirrel and
6105-476: The ULFA was accused of killing labourers from Bihar in response to an alleged molestation of a Mizo girl in a train passing through Bihar . This incident sparked off anti-Bihari sentiment in Assam and ULFA saw it as an opportunity to regain its lost ground. The ULFA killed civilians of Bihari origin and other outsiders of mainland India. In 2003, during a Railways Recruitment Board Examination for Group (D) posts conducted by Northeast Frontier Railway zone
6216-1245: The administration of the Government of India Pakistan-administered Kashmir Pakistan-administered Kashmir Pakistan-administered Kashmir Pakistan-administered Kashmir Pakistan-administered Kashmir It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve Invasive Alien Species - Lantana bush, Parthenium Moist deciduous forest valleys and scrubland on higher areas Tiger , sloth bear , peacock , elephant , sambar deer , mouse deer , Leopard , Baboons , Reptiles , Asiatic Elephants , Lion , Birds , Butterflies , Nilgai , Wilddogs , Jackals , Wolves , Hyenas , Giraffe .Etc. Herbivores - chital, sambar deer, barking deer , four-horned antelope , gaur, wild boar , and Indian elephant. Other mammals - gray langur , bonnet macaque , jungle cat , leopard cat , slender loris , small Indian civet and Asian palm civet , Indian brown mongoose and stripe-necked mongoose , European otter , Indian giant flying squirrel , Indian giant squirrel , porcupine , golden jackal , chevrotain , hare and Indian pangolin Anamudi ,
6327-413: The animals prefer to remain near the water sources especially around the numerous perennial beels and water streams inside the park. During the monsoon, the shallow beels and the nullahs start to get filled up, firstly by the monsoon showers and later by the floodwaters. The animals gradually start moving towards higher grounds, which are situated around the tree forests. When the flood water covers most of
6438-533: The area. After failing to see a single-horned rhinoceros, for which the area was renowned, she persuaded her husband to take urgent measures to protect the dwindling species which he did by initiating planning for their protection. On 1 June 1905, the Kaziranga Proposed Reserve Forest was created with an area of 232 km (90 sq mi). Over the next three years, the park area was extended by 152 km (59 sq mi), to
6549-600: The areas the animals migrate to the nearby Karbi Anglong Hills and other adjoining areas. Kaziranga contains significant breeding populations of 35 mammalian species, of which 15 are threatened as per the IUCN Red List . The park has the distinction of being home to the world's largest population of the Indian rhinoceros (2,401), wild water buffalo (1,666) and eastern swamp deer (468). Significant populations of large herbivores include Indian elephants (1,940), gaur (1300) and sambar (58). Small herbivores include
6660-554: The armed politics and business of Assam . The total number of ULFA militants to have laid down arms has gone up to 8,718. 4,993 cadres surrendered between 1991 and 1998. 3,435 surrendered between 1998 and 2005, when a new policy to deal with the ULFA was unveiled. On 24 January 2012, one of northeast India's biggest surrender ceremonies took place in Assam's main city of Guwahati, when a total of 676 militants laid down their weapons. In 2020, 1,675 militants of ULFA(I) and allied militant groups surrendered. In 2003, ULFA had put forward
6771-525: The banks of the Brahmaputra River . In 1908, Kaziranga was designated a "Reserve Forest". In 1916, it was redesignated the "Kaziranga Game Sanctuary" and remained so till 1938, when hunting was prohibited and visitors were permitted to enter the park.. In 1934 Kaziranga was changed to Kaziranha. A few people call it by its original name till today. The Kaziranga Game Sanctuary was renamed the "Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary" in 1950 by P. D. Stracey,
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#17327810932646882-551: The birds or types of birds found in a specific region, period, or environment. When compared with other protected areas in India, Kaziranga has achieved notable success in wildlife conservation . Located on the edge of the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot , the park combines high species diversity and visibility. Kaziranga is a vast expanse of tall elephant grass , marshland , and dense tropical moist broadleaf forests , criss-crossed by four major rivers, including
6993-409: The burnt patches and relish the ash and the partially burnt stems of the reeds. With few winter showers fresh grass blades shoot up in the burnt patches attracting larger number of animals to these areas. With the onset of the summer season the grasses in the burnt patches grow up quickly and the tender shoots turn into coarse blades, which no longer attract the animals. The temperature also goes up and
7104-423: The central government on 11 February 1974. In 1985, Kaziranga was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its unique natural environment. Kaziranga has been the target of several natural and man-made calamities in recent decades. Floods caused by the overflow of the river Brahmaputra, leading to significant losses of animal life. In 2024, six dead rhinos along with hundreds of deer were tallied as drowned by
7215-521: The economic empowerment of the people living at the fringes of the park, by means of tourism related activities, encouraging a recognition of the value of its protection. A survey of tourists notes that 80 percent found rhino sightings most enjoyable and that foreign tourists were more likely to support park protection and employment opportunities financially, while local tourists favored support for veterinary services. Recently set up Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park established at Durgapur village
7326-497: The forest conservationist, in order to rid the name of hunting connotations. In 1954, the government of Assam passed the Assam (Rhinoceros) Bill, which imposed heavy penalties for rhinoceros poaching . Fourteen years later, in 1968, the state government passed the Assam National Park Act of 1968, declaring Kaziranga a designated national park. The 430 km (166 sq mi) park was given official status by
7437-463: The forest was named after them. According to another legend, Srimanta Sankardeva , the sixteenth-century Vaisnava saint-scholar, once blessed a childless couple, Kazi and Rangai, and asked them to dig a big pond in the region so that their name would live on. Testimony to the long history of the name can be found in some records, which state that once, while the Ahom king Pratap Singha was passing by
7548-407: The government. They employ about 300 people. Some families also offer home stay facilities just outside the park so that the tourists may get a taste of the local life and host can drive and guide visitors into the park. There are also 26 shops selling souvenirs and locally handmade woven cloth that are owned and/or managed by local community members. The Ministry of Tourism , Government of India and
7659-418: The grasslands and reeds. Common tall grasses are sugarcanes , spear grass , elephant grass , and the common reed . Numerous forbs are present along with the grasses. Amidst the grasses, providing cover and shade are scattered trees—dominant species including kumbhi , Indian gooseberry , the cotton tree (in savanna woodlands), and elephant apple (in inundated grasslands). Thick evergreen forests, near
7770-422: The growth of short grasses cover up their beds. The grasses also grow around the perennial beels. With the end of the monsoon season, herbivorous animals, especially the rhinoceros , rush into these areas for grazing. In the other parts of the park the tall coarse grasses dry up by the month of December and January and are then control burnt by the park staff. After such burning some animals begin to concentrate in
7881-524: The help of the Indian Army to ensure the safety of the animals. Kaziranga is one of the largest tracts of protected land in the sub-Himalayan belt, and due to the presence of highly diverse and visible species, has been described as a " biodiversity hotspot ". The park is located in the Indomalayan realm , and the dominant ecoregions of the region are Brahmaputra Valley semi-evergreen forests of
7992-480: The highest peak of western ghats, is located here Vegetation - Rolling grasslands, with shola forests in upper parts lion-tailed macaques , gaur , Indian muntjac and sambar deer It is a part of Palani hills Keystone species - Nilgiri Marten Located high in the Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Hills of the south Western Ghats The sanctuary surrounds Periyar Lake, a reservoir that formed when
8103-418: The immense popularity it enjoyed during the first decade of its struggle as well as its economic power which in turn helped it in bolstering its military capabilities. In the early 1990s, ULFA launched an aggressive campaign with victims such as security forces, political opponents, and blasting rail links. In July 1991 the front captured and held 14 people for ransom, included in the abductees was an engineer and
8214-593: The killings culminated in the report of the "Saikia Commission", presented to the Assam Assembly on 15 November 2007. The report describes how the killings were organised by Prafulla Mahanta , then the Assam Home Minister. They were executed by the police. The gunmen were former members of ULFA who had surrendered to the government. They approached their targets at home, at night, knocking on the door and speaking in Assamese to allay suspicion. When
8325-500: The lakes and ponds, and along the river shores. The invasive water hyacinth is very common, often choking the water bodies, but it is cleared during destructive floods. Another invasive species, Mimosa invisa , which is toxic to herbivores, was cleared by Kaziranga staff with help from the Wildlife Trust of India in 2005. The Wildlife wing of the forest department of the Government of Assam, headquartered at Bokakhat ,
8436-499: The largest snakes in the world, the reticulated python and Indian rock python , as well as the longest venomous snake in the world, the king cobra , inhabit the park. Other snakes found here include the Indian cobra , monocled cobra , Russell's viper , and the common krait . Monitor lizard species found in the park include the Bengal monitor and the Asian water monitor . Other reptiles include fifteen species of turtle , such as
8547-673: The main gate of Kaziranga on NH 37 at Kohora. The nearest town is Bokakhat, Golaghat situated at 23 km and 65 km away. Major cities near the park are Guwahati, Dimapur and Jorhat . Furkating 75 kilometres (47 mi), which is under the supervision of Northeast Frontier Railway , is the nearest railway station. Jorhat Airport at Rowriah (97 kilometres (60 mi) away), Tezpur Airport at Salonibari (100 kilometres (62 mi) away), Dimapur Airport 172 kilometres (107 mi) and Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati (217 kilometres (135 mi) away) are
8658-807: The matter, calling out BBC for the carelessness of its journalism, but also pointing to the problems of conservation in Kaziranga and questioning whether shoot-at-sight has been a useful conservation strategy at all. Kaziranga Tiger Reserve estimated its annual flow benefits to be 9.8 billion rupees (0.95 lakh / hectare). Important ecosystem services included habitat and refugia for wildlife (5.73 billion), gene-pool protection (3.49 billion), recreation value (21 million), biological control (150 million) and sequestration of carbon (17 million). List of national parks of India National parks in India are International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) category II protected areas . India's first national park
8769-439: The most popular ULFA leader of all time, the late Heerak Jyoti Mahanta hailed from a place which is just a few kilometres from Guwahati. However, with the educated Assamese urban middle class becoming increasingly sceptical of ULFA's method of functioning, the ULFA targeted the remote villages and the predominantly backward areas of predominantly marginalised indigenous communities for recruitment. According to intelligence sources,
8880-461: The nearby airports. Transportation is also available from Guwahati to Kaziranga National Park and other places in Assam and Nagaland . Kaziranga has been the theme of, or has been mentioned in, several books, songs, and documentaries. The park first gained international prominence after Robin Banerjee , a physician-turned-photographer and filmmaker, produced a documentary titled Kaziranga , which
8991-470: The organisation's emphasis on extortion and smuggling of weapons in the name of furthering the 'revolution' led to mindless violence throughout the state. It witnessed a period marked by growing disillusionment and anger amid supporters. In their bloody conflict with the security forces, many innocent civilians were killed and several thousand were permanently maimed. It is estimated that more than 10 thousand local youths perished during that turbulent period. In
9102-415: The park boundaries where they are susceptible to hunting, hit by speeding vehicles, or subject to reprisals by villagers for damaging their crops. To mitigate the losses, the authorities have increased patrols, purchased additional speedboats for patrol, and created artificial highlands for shelter. Several corridors have been set up for the safe passage of animals across National Highway–37 which skirts around
9213-490: The present boundary of the park has been made and designated with separate national park status to provide extended habitat for increasing the population of wildlife or, as a corridor for safe movement of animals to Karbi Anglong Hills. Elevation ranges from 40 m (131 ft) to 80 m (262 ft). The park area is circumscribed by the Brahmaputra River, which forms the northern and eastern boundaries, and
9324-485: The present. On 5 December 2009, the chairman and the deputy commander-in-chief of ULFA was taken into Indian custody. In 2011, there was a major crackdown on the ULFA in Bangladesh , which greatly assisted the government of India in bringing ULFA leaders to talks. In January 2010, ULFA softened its stance and dropped demands for independence as a condition for talks with the Government of India. On 3 September 2011,
9435-487: The process, owing to the twin factors of increasing operations by the security forces and dwindling support among its core sympathisers, ULFA's importance in Assam has been declined drastically. Recruiting for the front did not begin until 1983. Soon after it finished recruitment in 1984, it began to seek out training and arms procurement from other groups such as the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and
9546-438: The rare eastern imperial , greater spotted , white-tailed , Pallas's fish eagle , grey-headed fish eagle , and the lesser kestrel . Kaziranga was once home to seven species of vultures , but the vulture population reached near extinction, supposedly by feeding on animal carcasses containing the drug Diclofenac . Only the Indian vulture , slender-billed vulture , and white-rumped vulture have survived. Game birds include
9657-552: The region during the seventeenth century, he was particularly impressed by the taste of fish, and on asking was told it came from Kaziranga. Kaziranga also could mean the "Land of red goats (Deer)", as the word Kazi in the Karbi language means "goat", and Rangai means "red". Some historians believe, however, that the name Kaziranga was derived from the Karbi word Kajir-a-rong , which means "the village of Kajir" ( kajiror gaon ). Among
9768-530: The rhino population in Kaziranga National Park is 2,613. It comprises 1,641 adult rhinos and 385 calves. In 2015, the rhino population stood at 2,401. Kaziranga National Park was declared a Tiger Reserve in 2006. The park is home to large breeding populations of elephants , wild water buffalo , and swamp deer . Kaziranga is recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International for conservation of avifaunal species which refers as
9879-547: The rising water. Encroachment by people along the periphery has also led to a diminished forest cover and a loss of habitat. An ongoing separatist movement in Assam led by the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) has crippled the economy of the region, but Kaziranga has remained unaffected by the movement; indeed, instances of rebels from the United Liberation Front of Assam protecting the animals and, in extreme cases, killing poachers, have been reported since
9990-464: The sacking of the Government of Assam under Prafulla Kumar Mahanta and the beginning of Operation Bajrang . On the ULFA's Army Day on 16 March 2003, an IED explosion under a bus on National Highway No. 7 killed six civilians and wounded approximately 55 others. In 1991 a Russian engineer, and national of the Soviet Union was kidnapped along with others and killed. In 1997, Sanjay Ghose ,
10101-1113: The south-west, the Chilapata Forests form an elephant corridor to the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary The fragile "Terai Eco-System" constitutes a part of this reserve Buxa, serves as an international corridor for Asian elephant migration between India and Bhutan Rajabhatkhawa Vulture Breeding Centre was established by Bombay Natural History Society to emulate the success of Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre, Pinjore Eurasian griffon , Amur falcon Endangered species include leopard cat , Bengal florican , regal python , Chinese pangolin , hispid hare , hog deer lesser adjutant , white-rumped vulture , slender-billed vulture , chestnut-breasted partridge , rufous necked hornbill , ferruginous pochard and great hornbill Ramsar site Tiger reserve United Liberation Front of Asom Bolin Das ( POW ), The United Liberation Front of Asom ( ULFA )
10212-484: The southern border of the park, such as the Mikir hills . 540 animals, including 13 rhinos and mostly hog deer perished in unprecedented floods of 2012. However, occasional dry spells create problems as well, such as food shortages and occasional forest fires. Seasonal variations in the vegetation and habitat of the animal is notable in the park. During winter the shallow beels and nullahs (small water channel) dry up and
10323-419: The southern boundary of the park. To prevent the spread of diseases and to maintain the genetic distinctness of the wild species, systematic steps such as immunization of livestock in surrounding villages and fencing of sensitive areas of the park, which are susceptible to encroachment by local cattle, are undertaken periodically. Water pollution due to run-off from pesticides from tea gardens, and run-off from
10434-466: The then-ruling parties ( Congress and AGP respectively). The ULFA is credited with some bank robberies during its initial stages. Now it is widely reported to extort businessmen, bureaucrats and politicians for collecting funds. In 1997, the Chief Minister of Assam accused Tata Tea of paying the medical bills of the ULFA cultural secretary Pranati Deka at a Mumbai hospital. The ULFA
10545-463: The tourist jeeps inside the park. The park has developed a very good network of intelligence throughout the villages surrounding the park. There are key informants in every village, which reports about the movement of poachers and are monetarily compensated for information they provide to the park authorities. Kaziranga National Park has been granted maximum protection under the Indian law for wildlife conservation. Various laws, which range in dates from
10656-410: The use of firearms around the park have reduced the number of casualties. Since 2013, the park used cameras on drones which are monitored by security guards to protect the rhino from armed poachers. Perennial flooding and heavy rains have resulted in the death of wild animals and damage to the conservation infrastructures. To escape the water-logged areas, many animals migrate to elevated regions outside
10767-478: The victims answered the door, they were shot or kidnapped to be shot elsewhere. During the 1990s and 2000s, the total strength of ULFA was stated to be around 3,000, while various other sources put the figure ranging from 4,000 to 6,000. A military wing of the ULFA, the Sanjukta Mukti Fouj (SMF) was formed on 16 March 1996. SMF had formed three full-fledged so-called battalions: the 7th, 28th, and
10878-444: The violence and disruption, and some energy has gone out of the movement. In 1992 a large section of second-rung leaders and members surrendered to government authorities. These former members were allowed to retain their weapons to defend against their former colleagues; they were offered bank loans without any liabilities to help them re-integrate into society. This loose group, now called SULFA, has become an important element in
10989-474: The wildlife , including birding , is the main visitor activity in and around the park. Guided tours by elephant or Jeep are available. Hiking is prohibited in the park to avoid potential human-animal conflicts. Observation towers are situated at Sohola, Mihimukh, Kathpara, Foliamari, and Harmoti for wildlife viewing. The snow-covered Lower Himalayan peaks frame the park's landscape of trees and grass interspersed with numerous ponds . An interpretation centre
11100-730: Was aired on television in Berlin in 1961 and became a runaway success. American science fiction and fantasy author , L. Sprague de Camp wrote about the park in his poem, " Kaziranga, Assam " . It was first published in 1970 in Demons and Dinosaurs , a poetry collection, and was reprinted as Kaziranga in Years in the Making: the Time-Travel Stories of L. Sprague de Camp in 2005. Kaziranga Trail ( Children's Book Trust , 1979),
11211-570: Was already losing its popularity and ground across many pockets in Assam where it had strongholds. However, ULFA took this situation as an opportunity to fan an opposition against ' India ' among people in Assam. They started killing Hindi -speaking people mostly having origin in Bihar in the State. On 15 August 2004, an explosion occurred in Dhemaji District of Assam in which 13 people died, mainly women and school children. This explosion
11322-477: Was banned from filming in protected areas in India for 5 years. While several news reports claimed that BBC had apologized for the documentary, the BBC stood by its report, with its director general, Tony Hall, writing in a letter to Survival International that "the letter 'in no way constitutes an apology for our journalism. ' " As a response to the report, researchers in India have provided more nuanced understanding of
11433-491: Was banned in 1990, ULFA was credited in the media with many public activities. It has continued a public discourse of sorts through the local media (newspapers), occasionally publishing its position on political issues centred around the nationality question. It has participated in public debates with public figures from Assam. During the last two local elections, the ULFA had called for boycotts . Media reports suggest that it used its forces to intimidate activists and supporters of
11544-498: Was carried out by ULFA. The ULFA has obliquely accepted responsibility for the blast. This appears to be the first instance of ULFA admitting to public killings with an incendiary device. In January 2007, the ULFA once again struck in Assam killing approximately 62 Hindi-speaking migrant workers mostly from Bihar. ULFA notoriety as a directionless and unpopular organisation increased, as the bomb blast victims also included several indigenous Assamese people. The Central Government made
11655-525: Was declared a Tiger Reserve in 2006 . Other felids include the jungle cat , fishing cat and leopard cat . It is also the only place in India and the world, where a Golden tiger was spotted in the wild. Small mammals include the rare hispid hare , Indian gray mongoose , small Indian mongooses , large Indian civet , small Indian civets , Bengal fox , golden jackal , sloth bear , Chinese pangolin , Indian pangolins , hog badger , Chinese ferret-badger , and particoloured flying squirrel . Nine of
11766-529: Was either Captured or surrendered to the government thus leading to disbanding of the all ULFA battalions, besides only part of 27th battalion renamed as Kapili Gut remained. Currently, there are no commanders other than Paresh Baruah. All the others have been downgraded to staff and workers. As per the leaders of the insurgent group, the crackdown against Indian insurgent groups by the Awami league government in Bangladesh pushed them towards joining peace talks with
11877-533: Was established in 1936, now known as Jim Corbett National Park , in Uttarakhand . In 1970, India had only five national parks. In 1972, India enacted the Wildlife Protection Act and Project Tiger in 1973 to safeguard the habitats of conservation reliant species and currently there are 106 national parks in India. Further legislation strengthening protection for wildlife was introduced in
11988-609: Was founded on 7 April 1979 at Rang Ghar and began operations in 1990. Sunil Nath , former Central Publicity Secretary and spokesman of ULFA has stated that the organisation established ties with the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland in 1983 and with the Burma based Kachin Independent Army in 1987. Military operations against the ULFA by the Indian Army began in 1990 and continue into
12099-688: Was headed by the Raju Baruah . On 29 July 1990, the Superintendent of Police (SP) of the Dibrugarh district Daulat Singh Negi (IPS) and his PSO and driver were killed by an ambush in Lahoal of Dibrugarh district by the ULFA. Some of the major assassinations by ULFA include that of Surendra Paul in May 1990, the brother of businessman Lord Swraj Paul , that precipitated a situation leading to
12210-1113: Was then living in Dhaka . He fled the country. Trials were still underway in Chittagong in 2012 under tight security. They had also maintained camps in Bhutan , which were destroyed by the Royal Bhutan Army aided by the Special Frontier Force in December 2003. These camps housed combatants and non-combatant families of ULFA members. ULFA maintained close relationships with other separatist organisations like NDFB , KLO and NSCN (Khaplang) . In 2008, News Services reported citing Indian police and intelligence officials reported ULFA's commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah had taken refuge in Yunnan Province of China, along China-Myanmar border , due to continuous defeat of his Organization. The report also stated that
12321-462: Was to engage in an armed struggle to form a separate independent state of Assam. During its heyday in the late 80s and 90s, it enjoyed popularity among many of the indigenous Assamese people of the Brahmaputra valley . The majority of the supporters felt that a powerful organization was necessary to get the voice of a peripheral region heard in the corridors of power in Lutyen's Delhi . But gradually,
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