GUWAHATI: The Kaziranga Tiger Reserve (KTR) in Assam has recorded an impressive diversity of storks and birds of prey, with a recent survey documenting six of India's eight stork species and nearly 45 per cent of the country's raptor species.
ALSO READ: Assam Cabinet Approves 2% DA Hike, Declares Dibrugarh as Second State Capital Region
The findings were released on World Environment Day on June 5 following a comprehensive stork and raptor survey conducted by the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve authority in collaboration with research scholars from universities in Assam. The survey was carried out across all administrative ranges under the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division between February and March 2026.
According to the report, a total of 30 raptor species comprising 217 individual birds and six stork species with 266 individual birds were recorded during the survey. Notable sightings included globally threatened species such as the Slender-billed Vulture, Red-headed Vulture, Pallas's Fish Eagle, Greater Spotted Eagle, Greater Adjutant, Lesser Adjutant and Black-necked Stork.
The survey highlighted Kaziranga's significance as a habitat for raptors and storks, owing to its extensive wetlands, grasslands and forested habitats. Of the 112 raptor species found in India, nearly 50 species have been recorded in Kaziranga and its surrounding landscape.
Among the administrative divisions surveyed, Kaziranga National Park recorded the highest diversity, with 21 species of raptors and five species of storks. Biswanath Wildlife Division followed with 20 raptor species and six stork species, while Nagaon Wildlife Division recorded 14 raptor species and five stork species.
The Asian Openbill emerged as the most abundant stork species with 92 sightings, while the Greater Adjutant was the rarest, with only three individuals recorded. Among raptors, the Himalayan Griffon Vulture was the most commonly sighted species with 69 individuals, whereas the Booted Eagle and White-tailed Eagle were recorded only once each.
The survey also underscored Kaziranga's global importance for the conservation of the endangered Pallas's Fish Eagle. A 2020 study by the Wildlife Institute of India had identified 10 active nests of the species in Kaziranga, making it the protected area with the highest known number of breeding sites for the bird worldwide.
Officials said the findings would help guide future conservation efforts, including nest protection, floodplain habitat management, mitigation of powerline-related threats, and enhanced international collaboration for migratory species conservation.
Most of the species recorded during the survey are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.