The Indian state of Assam is a land of breathtaking landscapes, lush green forests and freshwater wetlands. The state is also renowned for rich mammalian diversity with a wide range of fascinating species. The 7 National Parks, 17 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 4 Tiger Reserves, 5 Elephant Reserves, 2 Biosphere Reserves, 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 1 Ramsar Site of Assam are the vast mammalian habitats of the state.
25 MAMMALS OF ASSAM
Greater One-horned Rhinoceros
Greater One-horned Rhinoceros or Indian Rhinoceros or Indian Rhino is the flagship mammal species of the Kaziranga National Park, which hosts the two third of world’s population of the species. This is one of the most important mammals of Assam and the State animal of the state. Apart from Kaziranga, Manas National Park and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary are two major habitats of One-horned Rhinoceros. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary of Morigaon district in Assam has the densest population of this mammal species. It is listed as a Vulnerable species in the Red list published by the International Union for Conservation of Nation (IUCN).
Indian Elephant
This mammal species is an extant recognized subspecies of Asian Elephant found in the mainland Asia. Out of the total global population, nearly three fourth are in India. This gentle giant has a significant importance of ancient Hindu mythology. Indian Elephant is enlisted as an Endangered species in the IUCN Red List. In 1992, the Government of India launched the Project Elephant to protect the elephant population in the country. Apart from all the 7 National Parks, this mammal species is found in all the major forests of Assam. Indian Elephant is known as the Conservator of Forest among the mammals of Assam.
Royal Bengal Tiger
The majestic Royal Bengal Tiger is the National Animal of India. Manas National Park, Kaziranga National Park and Nameri National Park are three Tiger Reserves in Assam wherein this apex predator reigns in the dense forests. The tiger population in Kaziranga has been significantly increased in recent times. Royal Bengal Tiger is one of the most popular mammals of Assam among the wildlife tourists.
Pig-tailed Macaque
Pig-tailed Macaque is a Vulnerable macaque species found in the evergreen and semi evergreen forests of Assam.
Wild Water Buffalo
Wild Water Buffalo or Asian Buffalo is a native mammal species of Indian subcontinent. Kaziranga National Park and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary of Assam are two major habitats of this Endangered mammal species.
Hoolock Gibbon
Hoolock Gibbon is the only ape species found in India. This primate is native to North eastern India, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Southwest China. In Assam, Hoolock Gibbon is found in the protected areas like Kaziranga National Park, Hoollongapara Gibbon Sanctuary, Garbhanga Reserve Forest etc. This beautiful primate is also abundantly found in some human habituated areas of Tinsukia district of Assam. As per the IUCN Red list Hoolock Gibbon is an Endangered species as of now. Hoolock Gibbon is one of the most important mammals of Assam.
Capped Langur
Assam is the largest habitat of this Vulnerable primate species. This species is found in the canopies of the dense forests of Assam. But the population of Capped langur has been drastically declined due to habitat loss and fragmentation. This species is abundantly seen on a Jeep safari in the Manas National Park.
Golden Langur
Golden Langur or Gee’s Golden Langur is exclusively found in Assam and the foothills of the Black Mountain of Bhutan. The Kakoijana Reserve Forest in the Bongaigaon district is the only known habitat in Assam of this primate species. The IUCN enlisted this species as an Endangered species in the Red list. Golden Langur is one of the most significant mammals of Assam.
Rhesus Macaque
Rhesus Macaque is an omnipresent mammal species found in Assam. This Old World Monkey is widely distributed in the entire state of Assam. Rhesus Macaque is probably the most commonly found mammals of Assam.
Yellow-throated Marten
This shy and omnivore animal is found in the evergreen and semi evergreen forests of Assam. Yellow-throated marten is enlisted as a Least Concern species in the IUCN Red list because of its wide distribution and stable population in its range.
Leopard
This beautiful but merciless predator is found in many protected areas of Assam including Manas National Park and Kaziranga National Park. This is a Vulnerable species as per the IUCN Red list.
Ganges River Dolphin
Ganges River Dolphin or Gangetic River Dolphin is the National Aquatic Animal and the Official Animal of Guwahati, the capital city of Assam. This animal is found in the river Brahmaputra and its tributaries like Dibru and Kulsi. But in recent times the population of this Endangered species has rapidly fallen down due to increasing water pollution. In 2020 the Government of India launched Project Dolphin to protect this beautiful aquatic mammal.
Sloth Bear
Sloth Bear or Indian Bear is a native mammal species of Indian subcontinent. This fearless and aggressive animal is found in the Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park of Assam.
Gaur
The Gaur or Indian Bison is a herbivorous animal roaming in the grasslands of Manas National Park or in the mysterious jungle of Nameri National Park of Assam. This giant animal is a Vulnerable species as per the IUCN Red list.
Malayan Giant Squirrel
Justifying its name, this is a large squirrel species with an elongated tail found in various forests of Assam including Kaziranga, Manas, Nameri and Garbhanga Reserve Forest. This shy and herbivorous animal is enlisted as a Near Threatened species in the IUCN Red list.
Pallas’s Squirrel
This medium sized tree squirrel is found in the forests of Assam. Due to its wide distribution and stable population, Pallas’s Squirrel is considered as a Least Concern species.
Hoary-bellied Squirrel
Hoary-bellied Squirrel or Irrawaddy squirrel is native to Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar and Nepal. This is a commonly seen squirrel species in Assam as well.
Indian Hog Deer
Indian Hog deer is a small-sized deer species native to Indian subcontinent. This shy mammal is abundantly found in Kaziranga National Park of Assam. Due to habitat loss and fragmentation this species is an Endangered species in the IUCN Red list.
Sambar Deer
Sambar Deer is a larger deer species found in various protected areas of Assam including Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park. This is a Vulnerable species as per the IUCN Red list.
Smooth-coated otter
Smooth-coated Otter is a freshwater otter species found in the large wetlands, seasonal swamps and river banks of Assam. Due to habitat loss, pollution of wetlands and poaching, the population of this species has been decreasing and presently it is a Vulnerable species in the IUCN Red list. It is seen in the large wetlands of Kaziranga National Park of Assam.
Muntjac
Muntjac, popularly known as Barking Deer is a widely distributed deer species found in the jungles of Assam. It is abundantly found in almost all the protected areas of Assam. Due to its wide distribution and stable population in its range, this deer species is considered as a Least Concern species by the IUCN.
Wild Boar
Wild Boar or Wild Swine is a wild pig species found in the forests of Assam. This mammal is widely distributed in all the protected areas of the state.
Indian flying Fox
Indian flying Fox also known as Greater Indian Fruit Bat is the largest bat species found in Assam. This mammal species plays a crucial role in pollination and seed dispersal contributing to the health of the forest ecosystem. This nocturnal species is a commonly seen mammal in all the places of Assam. However, they often face conflicts with humans due to their consumption of fruits and crops.
Indian Grey Mongoose
Indian Grey Mongoose is a native species to Indian subcontinent and widely distributed in the entire state of Assam. Because of its wide distribution this species is considered as Least Concern in the IUCN Red list.
Golden Jackal
Almost a decade ago, this was a widely distributed mammal species in the entire state of Assam. But due to various reasons the presence of Golden jackal has been now confined to some places. Known for its elusive and cunning nature, Golden jackal has a significant place in the Assamese society.
Conclusion
Exploring the magnificent mammals of Assam is not just a thrilling experience but also an opportunity to connect with the nature. To protect these mammals, it is crucial for the governments, conservation organizations, local communities and tourists to work together. Sustainable tourism practices, responsible waste management and community-based conservation initiatives can make a significant impact on preserving Assam’s natural treasures for the generations to come.
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