Kaziranga National Park has once again highlighted Assam’s extraordinary biodiversity after tourists reportedly witnessed a critically endangered gharial during a safari in the Burhapahar Range of the park, a sighting being described as extremely rare and significant for wildlife conservation.
The rare reptile was spotted during an early morning safari near Dipholu Camp in the Burhapahar Range. The moment was captured on camera by travel guide Shishukanta Nath along with tourist Diganta Kumar Sarma, creating excitement among wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists.
The gharial, known for its long and narrow snout, is listed as a critically endangered species and is rarely seen in the wild. Tourists who witnessed the animal described the experience as unforgettable, especially as such a visual record from Kaziranga by visitors is believed to be the first of its kind.
Photographs and videos of the sighting have since gone viral on social media, drawing widespread attention from wildlife lovers across the country. Many have called the sighting a positive sign for conservation efforts and a reminder of the rich ecological diversity preserved within Assam’s forests and wetlands.
While Kaziranga is globally recognised for its iconic one-horned rhinoceroses, the latest sighting once again underlines the park’s importance as a thriving habitat for several rare and endangered species. Wildlife experts believe such moments also help raise awareness about the need for stronger conservation and protection of fragile river ecosystems where gharials survive.
Reacting to the development, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described it as “a truly remarkable moment for wildlife conservation.”
“Gharial, once believed to have vanished from Assam’s river systems, has now been sighted at Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in a significant development for wildlife conservation,” he said.
“For tourists and forest officials alike, this was more than just a rare sighting. It was a powerful reminder of Assam’s extraordinary biodiversity and the silent success of sustained conservation efforts across our forests, wetlands and rivers,” Sarma added.
Endangered Gharial Found in Kaziranga, Encouraging Assam’s Conservation Efforts
