Fall of the Myth II

‘Kaziranga’, the word evokes a sense of gustation, building anticipation for a mysterious flavour that would most certainly invigorate the palate. It is the name for a geographical area comprising of moist deciduous forests, grasslands and water bodies located in the Northeast Indian state of Assam. Kaziranga was recognised for its biodiversity as far back as 1905 when it was notified as a Proposed Reserve Forest. Today, it is an accredited National Park and has been identified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among its more prolific terrestrial inhabitants is the Greater One Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), or simply the Indian Rhino. Two thirds of the world’s population of the Indian Rhino roam this Park. It also boasts the highest density of Bengal Tigers (Panthera tigris) of any protected reserve on Earth. Here, tall trees provide a suitable habitat for many endangered primates including India’s only ape, the rare and vociferous Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock). The waters of the adjoining Brahmaputra are home to the endangered Ganges Dolphin (Platanista gangetica). The rich diversity of flora and fauna in the region exemplifies our planet’s great capacity for life. Kaziranga is, indeed, a feast for the eyes.