Kaziranga National Park Reveals Stunning Insect and Spider Diversity in New Survey

Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam, globally celebrated for its one-horned rhinoceros population, has uncovered an impressive array of insect and spider species within its lush ecosystems.

A recent rapid survey, conducted by The Corbett Foundation in partnership with Kaziranga’s frontline forest staff, recorded 283 species, comprising 254 insects and 29 spiders.

The survey results were formally announced on September 26 by MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, Khumtai MLA Mrinal Saikia, and Assam’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Vinay Gupta. Authorities described the study as a pivotal effort to shed light on Kaziranga’s lesser-known biodiversity, emphasising the pressing need to conserve insects and invertebrates amid challenges like climate change and rapid species decline.

The survey identified butterflies and moths as the most abundant group, with 85 species (30%), followed by ants, bees, and wasps with 40 species (14%), and beetles with 35 species (12%).

Assam’s Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister, Chandra Mohan Patowary, hailed the survey as a groundbreaking achievement. “Through visual assessments, photographic records, and scientific sampling, this study highlights Kaziranga’s rich micro-fauna and lays a critical foundation for future conservation and research,” he said, reaffirming the state’s dedication to protecting all forms of biodiversity, including its smallest inhabitants.

Kaziranga Tiger Reserve Director Sonali Ghosh underscored the global decline of nearly 40% of insect species due to habitat destruction, deforestation, and climate change. “While Kaziranga is renowned for its iconic megafauna, its ecological health relies on vital species like pollinators, soil aerators, and natural pest controllers,” she explained.

The survey highlights the essential roles of insects and spiders in seed dispersal, soil fertility, and supporting the food web that sustains Kaziranga’s wildlife. “These findings confirm Kaziranga as a critical hub for invertebrate diversity,” Ghosh added.

Covering 1,307.49 square kilometres, Kaziranga hosts the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinos (2,613 individuals) and ranks third in India for tiger density (18.65 tigers per 100 sq km). Beyond its celebrated Big Five—Indian rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, wild water buffalo, and eastern swamp deer—the park now emerges as a vital sanctuary for micro-fauna, reinforcing the need to safeguard every level of its vibrant ecosystem.