The Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, the world’s safest address for the one-horned rhino, has revealed a rich community of insects and spiders.
A new rapid survey report documented 283 species of insects and spiders in a woodland habitat of the tiger reserve. It was conducted by entomologists with the Corbett Foundation, along with Kaziranga’s frontline forest personnel.
The report and related information booklets were released on September 26 by Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, the MP representing the Kaziranga Lok Sabha constituency, Khumtai MLA Mrinal Saikia, and Assam’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Vinay Gupta.
The study recorded 254 species of insects and 29 species of spiders, which forest officials said was a vital step toward understanding Kaziranga’s “overlooked” biodiversity. They said the findings highlight the urgent need to take insect conservation seriously, especially as climate change threatens to accelerate species loss.
Butterflies and moths accounted for 85 species or 30% of Kaziranga’s insects, while 40 species (14%) of ants, bees, and wasps, and 35 species (12%) of beetles were recorded.
“Conducted through visual estimation with photographs using scientific sampling methods, this landmark survey reveals the park’s often-overlooked micro-faunal richness,” Assam’s Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister, Chandra Mohan Patowary, said.
He said the State government was committed to conserving all forms of biodiversity, including the smallest but crucial life forms.
“Worldwide, nearly 40% of insect species are in decline due to habitat loss, deforestation, and climate change. While Kaziranga is celebrated for its megafauna, this study shows that its resilience depends just as much on the small pollinators, soil aerators, and natural pest-controllers that keep the ecosystem functioning,” Sonali Ghosh, the Director of the tiger reserve, said.
Officials underlined the vital ecological role the insects and spiders play, facilitating seed dispersal, helping maintain soil health and regenerate plants, forming the very foundation of the food web that sustains Kaziranga’s iconic wildlife.
“The findings highlight the park’s status as a true hotspot of invertebrate diversity,” Ms Ghosh said.
Kaziranga is better known for its Big Five species — the Indian rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, wild water buffalo, and eastern swamp deer.
The 1,307.49-sq. km tiger reserve has the most one-horned rhinos on earth, the last estimation recording 2,613 individuals. It also has the third-highest density of tigers (18.65 individuals per 100 sq. km), according to a 2024 report.
