In the most severe floods in recent years at Assam's famous Kaziranga National Park, a total of 159 wild animals have lost their lives so far due to drowning or while receiving treatment. Additionally, 133 animals have been saved as of Tuesday.
The number of animal deaths has risen from 137 as of Monday due to the devastating second wave of floods affecting the entire state.
Nine rhinos, 142 hog deer, two sambar, a rhesus macaque, and an otter were among the deceased.
During treatment, 22 animals passed away, including 17 hog deer, three swamp deer, and one each of Rhesus Macaques and an otter pup.
Forest officials have rescued 120 hog deer, three swamp deer, two of each - rhino, sambar, elephant, and scops owl, and one each of Indian hare, Rhesus Macaque, otter, and a jungle cat.
At present, 7 animals are receiving medical care, and 111 others have been released after treatment, as per the official's statement.
The park has been facing its worst deluge in recent years. The last major devastation occurred in 2017 when over 350 wildlife perished in the flood waters or were struck by vehicles while migrating through animal corridors to the highlands.
In the meantime, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Tuesday that the forest department of Sonitpur West Division and the public in Tezpur carried out a successful rescue mission. An elephant that had become separated from its herd was rescued and reunited with its herd within three days.
According to officials, out of the total 233 camps in the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, 62 remained flooded until Tuesday evening, compared to 70 the previous day.
Forest department employees, including security personnel, reside in camps within the national park to conduct patrols to protect flora and fauna.
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