Overview
- The Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve released the assessment on June 12–13 using camera‑trap images captured during prior All India Tiger Estimation surveys.
- Researchers estimated at least 55 greater hog badgers across an assessed area of about 1,100 square kilometres while Assam’s environment minister cited more than 60 records from the same camera‑trap bycatch.
- The study reused existing camera images as efficient 'bycatch' data but lacked key detection‑covariate information needed for robust density and occupancy models, so authors call the result preliminary.
- Scientists and park officials emphasised the species’ ecological role as a fossorial mesocarnivore that aids soil aeration and nutrient redistribution and said Kaziranga helps protect a vital regional refuge.
- The finding raises conservation and policy priorities for Northeast India because the greater hog badger is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN and India and Thailand hold some of the healthiest remaining populations.