First-ever survey finds 283 microfaunal species in Kaziranga

Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Assam’s Golaghat, Nagaon, Biswanath and Sonitpur districts, spans over 1,000 sq km and is globally famed for its one-horned rhinoceros, tigers, elephants, and rich wetlands.

Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, world-renowned for its one-horned rhinos and tigers, has now added a new feather to its biodiversity crown. The park’s first-ever insect and spider survey has revealed an astonishing 283 native species, underscoring the critical role of “small creatures” in sustaining one of India’s richest ecosystems.

According to the report “Explorative Study of Insects and Spiders of the Woodland Habitat of Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve,” released on Saturday, researchers documented 254 insect species and 29 spider species in the Panbari Reserve Forest under the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division.

The survey, led by entomologists from the Corbett Foundation in collaboration with Kaziranga’s forest staff, found 85 species of butterflies and moths, 40 species of ants, bees and wasps, and 35 beetle species. Officials said the study provides a much-needed baseline for future research and conservation.

“Kaziranga’s resilience depends not only on its iconic megafauna but also on small pollinators, soil aerators, and pest controllers that keep the ecosystem functioning,” a park official said. “Protecting these microfauna is as important as conserving rhinos and elephants.”

Globally, insect populations are in decline, with an estimated 40% of species threatened by climate change, deforestation, and habitat loss, according to international studies. For Northeast India, where shifting rainfall and rising temperatures are already altering natural habitats, the findings serve as a warning. Scientists stressed that insects and spiders are vital ecological indicators, ensuring seed dispersal, plant regeneration, soil health, and forming the base of the food web that supports Kaziranga’s larger wildlife.

“This survey is a timely reminder that biodiversity conservation must look beyond megafauna. Without insects and spiders, the very foundations of Kaziranga’s ecological balance could collapse,” the report concluded.