GUWAHATI, Jan 16 � Advanced technology has brought to life some of the hidden secrets of a natural habitat that took thousands of years to evolve.
According to sources in WWF India, recent camera trapping has recorded how a range of wildlife uses corridors in Kaziranga National Park and adjoining areas. Surprisingly, the system has enabled the viewing of some rare fauna, previously not documented so well.
On December 27 last year a team retrieved a picture of a melanistic common leopard (Panthera pardus), also called black panther, the first time ever this mammal has been recorded in the vicinity of the Kaziranga National Park.
The New Year brought in more encouraging news. The camera had recorded a Bengal tiger using this corridor.
The crucial animal corridors have been unable to receive the required attention in conservation efforts even though they facilitate movement of small as well as big fauna, which include rhinos, tigers, and elephants.
Soumen Dey of WWF India, told The Assam Tribune: �Land use is changing in some areas adjacent to Kaziranga National Park, as a result of which very few wildlife corridors remain useable. Stakeholders, including tea gardens and local land owning communities, will have to play a more responsible role if the movement of wildlife is to continue.�
Till 2011 an array of wildlife was recorded using the corridor, with elephants being the most photographed.
