Indian Peafowl Recorded for the First Time in Orang National Park
Why in News?
The Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) has been officially recorded for the first time in Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve, Assam. The photographic confirmation was made on 28 September 2026, adding a new species to the documented biodiversity of the protected area.
The bird was photographed inside the park by wildlife photographer Nejib Ahmed and cinematographer Chandan Saikia. The documentation confirmed earlier observations by frontline forest personnel near the Rowmari and Hazaribagh Anti-Poaching Camps.
Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus)
The Indian Peafowl belongs to the pheasant family Phasianidae. The male, commonly known as the peacock, is recognised by its spectacular elongated upper tail coverts, commonly called its train.
The Indian Peafowl is the National Bird of India. It is a resident species of the Indian subcontinent and occurs in a wide range of open and semi-open habitats.
According to the State of India’s Birds assessment, the Indian Peafowl is classified globally as Least Concern and is listed under Schedule I of India’s Wildlife Protection Act.
Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve
Orang is located on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River in Assam and is popularly known as the “Mini Kaziranga” because of similarities in its grassland, wetland and riverine landscape with Kaziranga.
The protected area contains:
- Alluvial grasslands
- Wetlands and swampy areas
- Forest patches
- Rivers and streams
- Rich avian diversity
Orang is particularly known for species such as the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, tiger, elephant and several water and migratory birds.
Significance of the New Record
The first confirmed record of the Indian Peafowl expands the documented avifaunal diversity of Orang National Park. It also demonstrates the importance of continuous wildlife monitoring and photographic documentation.
The record highlights the contribution of forest personnel, wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts in identifying and documenting species in protected ecosystems. Assam forest authorities are expected to continue monitoring the presence of the species in the area.
The nearest previously documented regional record mentioned in reports was from Nunoi Wildlife Sanctuary in Udalguri district.
Indian Peafowl at Orang: Exam-Oriented Facts for Competitive Exams
- Scientific Name: Pavo cristatus
- Family: Phasianidae
- Common Name: Indian Peafowl
- Status: National Bird of India
- Global IUCN Status: Least Concern
- Wildlife Protection Act: Schedule I
- New Record: First official record in Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve
- State: Assam
- Orang’s Popular Name: Mini Kaziranga
- Major Habitats of Orang: Grasslands, wetlands, forests and riverine habitats
- Earlier Regional Record: Nunoi Wildlife Sanctuary, Udalguri district
