Six water buffaloes die from ‘lightning strike' in Kaziranga
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Guwahati: Carcasses of six wild water buffaloes were found at Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, with preliminary investigation revealing lightning strike as the likely cause of death.
The buffaloes — four females and two males — were discovered on Wednesday evening at Mona Beel, under the Kaziranga Range at Kohora in Golaghat district, during routine patrolling near the Mona Tongi area by forest staff.
Sonali Ghosh, the park director, said the buffaloes were found lying close to one another, suggesting a sudden and collective fatal event. Following the discovery, the forest department formed a committee of wildlife experts and veterinarians to investigate the cause of death and conduct autopsies.
"Based on the positioning of the carcasses, the health of the animals, and preliminary post-mortem findings, the cause of death is likely to be lightning-induced," Ghosh added. She said samples and data were collected for detailed analysis to confirm the exact reason behind the deaths.
The forest department is closely monitoring the situation and has instructed field staff to remain vigilant, particularly during the ongoing monsoon season, when natural threats like lightning strikes tend to increase.
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The wild water buffalo is listed as an "endangered" species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, making each loss a matter of significant concern. Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, a Unesco World Heritage site, is one of the last remaining habitats for these majestic creatures, underscoring the importance of ongoing protection and monitoring efforts to safeguard their population against natural and human-induced threats.
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