Guwahati,Assam: Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve has officially added a new species to its wildlife records with the first documented sighting of the Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus), marking a significant milestone in the park’s biodiversity history.
The presence of the bird was confirmed after wildlife photographer Nejib Ahmed and cinematographer Chandan Saikia photographed the species inside the protected area. The photographic evidence validated earlier observations made by frontline forest personnel who had reported seeing a bird resembling the Indian peafowl near the Rowmari and Hazaribagh anti-poaching camps.
Assam Environment and Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah described the discovery as an important addition to the state’s wildlife records. He said the finding reflects the rich ecological character of Orang National Park and highlights the contribution of forest staff, wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts in documenting and monitoring biodiversity.
The Indian peafowl, India’s national bird, is commonly found in open forests, grasslands and scrub habitats. Its confirmed presence in Orang broadens the known avian diversity of the park, which is already recognised for its rich assemblage of wildlife.
Forest officials believe the new record underscores the ecological health of the protected area and reinforces the importance of continued conservation efforts, wildlife monitoring and scientific documentation. The discovery is also expected to generate interest among researchers, birdwatchers and conservationists studying the region’s unique ecosystems.
With the addition of the Indian peafowl to its wildlife register, Orang National Park continues to reveal new facets of its natural heritage, further strengthening its reputation as one of Assam’s important biodiversity hotspots.
