GUWAHATI: A rare wildlife sighting at Kaziranga National Park in Assam has created excitement among tourists and conservation enthusiasts after a critically endangered gharial was spotted during a safari in the Burhapahar Range.
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The elusive reptile was reportedly seen near the Dipholu Camp area during an early morning safari on Friday, May 8, when a group of visitors stopped along the banks of the Dipholu River after noticing an elephant drinking water nearby.
According to local travel guide Shishukanta Nath, the group was observing the elephant when they suddenly spotted a gharial emerging from the river, offering visitors an unexpected and memorable wildlife encounter. Tourist Diganta Kumar Sarma managed to capture photographs and videos of the rare reptile during the sighting.
The gharial, commonly known as the fish-eating crocodile, is listed as critically endangered and is rarely seen in the wild. Wildlife enthusiasts believe this may be one of the first documented tourist sightings of the species inside Kaziranga.
Videos and photographs of the sighting have since circulated widely on social media, drawing attention from wildlife lovers and conservationists across the country. Many described the sighting as a significant moment for wildlife conservation awareness in Assam.
Renowned for its rich biodiversity and iconic one-horned rhinoceroses, Kaziranga National Park continues to showcase the diverse ecosystem of the region, offering visitors glimpses of several rare and endangered species beyond its usual attractions.