Two previously unidentified species have been discovered in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam, much to the delight of wildlife enthusiasts. The binturong and small-clawed otter have now been added to the list of mammal species found in Northeast India’s largest national park, bringing the total count to 37.
Chirantanu Saikia, a professional tour guide and photographer from Tezpur, managed to capture the elusive binturong (Arctictis binturong) on camera. Additionally, Arun Vignesh, the Divisional Forest Officer of Eastern Assam Wildlife, made a valuable contribution to this important finding by photographing the small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus).
The binturong, commonly referred to as the bearcat, is a mammal native to South and Southeast Asia. This elusive animal, recognized for its nocturnal habits and fondness for living in trees, is seldom seen. It is especially rare within its habitat, with its presence in India confined to the Northeast. The animal uses their body odor to mark territory as well as to attract mates which remarkably smells like butter popcorn. Designated as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature because of declining populations, the binturong confronts substantial risks to its existence.
The small-clawed otter, which is the smallest otter species worldwide, has a broad distribution ranging from India through South and Southeast Asia to southern China. In the Indian subcontinent, these otters mainly reside in protected areas like West Bengal, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh. Additionally, they can be spotted in specific areas of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and some parts of Kerala within the Western Ghats region. Although historical data suggests their existence in the western Himalayas and parts of Odisha, recent studies and sightings have not verified their ongoing presence in these regions.
This small-clawed otter has adapted to a range of aquatic environments, such as rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands, in search of fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic prey. Due to their elusive behaviour and fondness for densely vegetated regions, studying and monitoring them proves to be quite difficult, underscoring the significance of continuous conservation endeavours to safeguard their existence in the various habitats spanning the Indian subcontinent and beyond.
The significance of discovering both of these species underscores the ecological value of the park and the need for continuous efforts in wildlife monitoring and conservation.
