New Species in Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park in India has recently discovered a new species of frog, Amolops kazirangaensis, adding to its rich biodiversity. This park is renowned for its conservation efforts and is home to various endangered species, making this discovery significant for both scientific research and conservation efforts.

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Kaziranga National Park recently identified two new species: the Binturong and small-clawed otter.
This elevated the count of mammal species in the park to 37.

Binturong:

The Binturong, also known as the bearcat, is a viverrid native to South and Southeast Asia.
Physical Characteristics:
Long and heavy body with short, stout legs
A thick coat of coarse black hair
Prehensile tail used for balance and communication
Large eyes and short, pointed muzzle covered with bristly hairs
Distribution: Found across South and Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines
It inhabits tall forests, both primary and secondary, with good tree cover.
Diet: Omnivorous, feeding on small mammals, birds, fish, insects, fruits, and occasionally preying on rodents.
Threats: Habitat loss and degradation due to logging, conversion of forests to non-forest land uses, and habitat fragmentation.
Conservation status: IUCN Status: Vulnerable | CITES: Appendix III | WPA: Schedule I
Viverridae is a family of small to medium-sized, feliform mammals.

Small-Clawed Otter:

The Asian small-clawed otter, also known as the oriental small-clawed otter or the small-clawed otter, is an otter species native to South and Southeast Asia.

Physical Characteristics:

Slender body with short legs and a long, muscular tail.
Small, rounded ears and short, blunt snout.
Webbed feet with reduced claws, giving them their name.
Thick, water-repellent fur that ranges in colour from brown to grey.
Distribution: Found in freshwater habitats across South and Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
It inhabits rivers, streams, marshes, and mangrove swamps with dense vegetation for cover and hunting.
Diet: Carnivorous, feeding primarily on fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and occasionally small mammals and birds.
Threats: Hunting and poaching for their fur, meat, and use in traditional medicine, human-wildlife conflict, including accidental entanglement in fishing gear and conflicts with aquaculture operations.
Conservation status: IUCN Status: Vulnerable | CITES: Appendix I | WPA: Schedule I

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FAQs about New Species in Kaziranga National Park

1. Are new species still being discovered in Kaziranga National Park?

Yes, new species are continually being discovered in Kaziranga National Park. Due to its rich biodiversity and diverse ecosystems, researchers frequently uncover previously unknown species of plants, animals, and microorganisms.

2. What recent discoveries of new species have been made in Kaziranga National Park?

Recent discoveries include a new species of orchid named Dendrobium rhodopterygium, a rare bird species called the Jerdon’s Babbler (Chrysomma altirostre), and a miniature frog species named Microhyla kodial.

3. How are new species discovered in Kaziranga National Park?

New species are often discovered through extensive field surveys, scientific expeditions, and biodiversity assessments conducted by researchers, conservationists, and local experts. These efforts involve thorough exploration of various habitats within the park, such as grasslands, wetlands, and forests.

4. Why is the discovery of new species important for conservation in Kaziranga National Park?

Discovering new species highlights the park’s ecological significance and underscores the need for its conservation. Each newly identified species adds to the park’s biodiversity value and emphasizes the importance of preserving its habitats to safeguard these unique life forms for future generations.

5. What measures are in place to protect newly discovered species in Kaziranga National Park?

Conservation efforts in Kaziranga National Park focus on habitat preservation, anti-poaching initiatives, community involvement, and scientific research. Once new species are identified, specific conservation strategies may be developed, such as habitat restoration, captive breeding programs, and inclusion in protected area management plans. Collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, and local communities is crucial for the effective conservation of these newly discovered species.

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New Species in Kaziranga National Park – UPSC