kaziranga-to-halt-tourist-activities-by-end-of-may

Kaziranga National Park, the UNESCO World Heritage site in Assam, will close its doors to tourists starting May 31, 2024, the Divisional Forest Officer of the Assam Wildlife Division announced on Friday. 

 

This decision follows an earlier announcement that both Elephant and Jeep Safaris for the 2023-24 tourist season would be suspended from May 1 and May 16, respectively, due to adverse weather conditions and deteriorating road conditions within the park.

 

Despite these initial closures, the Jeep Safari in Kaziranga was later extended until May 31, 2024, allowing tourists additional time to experience the park's natural beauty and diverse wildlife. However, the Elephant Safari remains closed for the current tourist season.

 

Located in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam, Kaziranga National Park is renowned for housing two-thirds of the world's Indian rhinoceros population. The park's significance as a UNESCO World Heritage site underscores its global importance for wildlife conservation.

 

A census conducted in March 2018 by the Assam Forest Department and various wildlife NGOs revealed that Kaziranga's rhino population stood at 2,613.

 

This includes 1,641 adult rhinos (comprising 642 males, 793 females, and 206 unsexed), 387 sub-adults (116 males, 149 females, and 122 unsexed), and 385 calves.

 

In a related development, the Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve (ONPTR) also announced its closure to visitors from May 15 until further notice.

 

closure includes the suspension of both jeep and elephant safaris. Orang National Park, situated on the northern banks of the Brahmaputra River, is known for its dense forests and diverse habitats.

 

The park is home to 125 one-horned rhinos and 26 Royal Bengal Tigers, among other species.

 

Orang National Park serves as a crucial sanctuary for the Royal Bengal Tiger and other species like the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros and the Asian elephant. The park's closure aims to ensure the safety and well-being of both wildlife and visitors amid challenging weather conditions.