Kaziranga, 14th July 2024: Large parts of the Kaziranga National Park in Assam have been inundated by the annual floods over the past few weeks, impacting both wildlife and local communities.

While essential for the ecosystem’s health, the floods have resulted in a significant number of wildlife species being adversely impacted, with many being swept away by the rising water levels. Moreover, as these animals seek refuge on higher grounds, they frequently encounter conflicts with human settlements, resulting in injuries and fatalities.

In response to this crisis, the Assam Forest Department in collaboration with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) has been working tirelessly to rescue displaced or injured animals and prevent human-wildlife conflicts.

Local NGOs and volunteers from nearby villages have also joined forces with the rescue teams to aid in flood relief efforts. The teams are working tirelessly to rescue stranded animals, provide medical assistance where necessary, and facilitate their return to natural habitats once floodwaters recede.

A female elephant calf separated from her herd during the flash flood was sent to Manas National Park for rehabilitation | Photo by Daoharu Baro, WTI

The Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC), managed by the Assam Forest Department in collaboration with IFAW-WTI, has played a pivotal role in this effort. So far, over 100 animals have been admitted at CWRC due to injuries or displacement including orphaned elephant and rhino calves, otter pups, owls, sambar deer, hog deer and several snakes.

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam, Shri. Himanta Biswa Sarma has lauded the ongoing flood rescue efforts by the frontline forest staff of Kaziranga and the CWRC team.

Dr. Sonali Ghosh, IFS, Field Director of Kaziranga National Park affirmed that the park is well-prepared for the flood season with comprehensive measures in place to ensure the safety of wildlife and staff. The frontline teams are well-trained and equipped to handle any situation, supported by ongoing capacity-building efforts. Additionally, rescue teams and veterinary care units have been placed on standby for swift emergency response and traffic movement is also being controlled along the national highway to prevent road accidents and allow safe passage for wildlife.

A rhino calf stranded near Diphlu river was rescued by the CWRC and Kaziranga National Park team | Photo by Amitabha Choudhury, WTI

Dr. Bhaskar Choudhury, CWRC Centre Manager and the lead veterinarian, WTI stated that three Mobile Veterinary Service Units have been stationed at the Eastern range under the Bishwanath Wildlife Division in the north bank, the western range Baguri and one at CWRC to address the needs of distressed wildlife in the Kaziranga landscape. Critical cases are being handled in temporary base stations which are equipped with medicines, surgicals, oxygen therapy, patient monitors etc. to provide the best possible care for flood-rescued animals to give them a second chance of returning to the wild.