Reported by Roopak Goswami
Guwahati: A yellow-throated marten, a rare and elusive forest predator, has been photographed in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) during routine camera trapping by the Kaziranga Tiger Cell, marking the first confirmed photographic record of the species from the protected area.
The sighting is being seen as an important addition to Kaziranga’s documented wildlife diversity, particularly in its semi-evergreen forest patches where the species was recorded.
Known for its agility and striking golden-yellow throat, the yellow-throated marten (Martes flavigula) is a diurnal, tree-climbing mammal belonging to the weasel family. Wildlife experts say the species plays a significant ecological role by helping regulate prey populations and aiding seed dispersal, contributing to forest regeneration and ecosystem balance.
The species is found across the Himalayan landscape and several northeastern states, including Assam, but confirmed records from Kaziranga have remained scarce. Conservationists said the latest camera-trap evidence strengthens understanding of the park’s lesser-known carnivore diversity beyond its flagship species such as rhinos, tigers and elephants.
Protected under Schedule II of India’s Wildlife Protection Act, the yellow-throated marten is considered an important indicator of healthy forest ecosystems. Officials said the finding also highlights the ecological value of Kaziranga’s forested habitats, which often receive less attention compared to its grasslands and wetlands.