Overview

• On July 30, forest patrols discovered the carcasses of four female and two male endangered wild water buffaloes in shallow waters of Mona Beel in Kaziranga’s Kohora range.
• A special inquiry committee of veterinarians, forest officers and wildlife researchers conducted post-mortems on July 31 and collected forensic samples for definitive testing.
• Preliminary autopsy observations indicate lightning-induced fatalities, though authorities are awaiting laboratory results to confirm the exact cause of death.
• Park officials have engaged meteorological experts to analyze lightning activity patterns and develop strategies to safeguard wildlife from extreme weather events.
• Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and hosts the world’s largest population of wild water buffaloes, prompting adaptations in conservation practices to address rising climate-driven hazards.