Photo Courtesy: nenow
Guwahati: A recent nationwide tiger census has uncovered a significant population of the elusive Greater Hog Badger within Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. The first scientific assessment of this species in the park estimates a minimum of 55 individuals, confirming the UNESCO World Heritage Site as a critical stronghold for the globally vulnerable mammal in South Asia.
Researchers from the Kaziranga Tiger Cell, the Wildlife Conservation Trust, and The Fishing Cat Project identified the animals while analyzing thousands of images captured during the All India Tiger Estimation exercise. The team recorded over 140 detections across 857 camera-trap sites, showing that the badger is widely distributed throughout the park's floodplain landscape. Key areas for the species include the region along the Diffolu River and the eastern fringe near Sohola.
The Greater Hog Badger, known locally as Mati Gahori, is the world's largest badger species. Despite its size, it is rarely studied because of its nocturnal habits and preference for dense, remote habitats. With populations declining across Southeast Asia due to hunting and habitat loss, the discovery underscores the importance of India's protected areas. The species holds the highest level of legal protection under Schedule I of India's Wildlife Protection Act.
Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah praised the results, noting that the findings prove the park's success in maintaining its natural environment. Baruah stated, "The widespread presence of the elusive mammal reflects the ecological integrity of Kaziranga and highlights the need to conserve all elements of biodiversity, not just flagship species."
The study highlights how camera-trap surveys intended for flagship species like tigers can provide essential data on lesser-known animals. This baseline assessment will now serve as a foundation for future conservation planning and monitoring of the species.
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