Guwahati, Aug. 23 -- The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has raised concerns about the long-term ecological health of Kaziranga National Park, citing increasing pressure from development, tourism, changing land use, and climate-related threats in the surrounding landscape.

The warning assumes added significance following Assam government's recent move to reduce the UNESCO World Heritage Site's eco-sensitive zone (ESZ), which was earlier set at 10 km. The revised boundary has been reported to extend between 1 km and 3 km in different areas.

Conservationists have opposed the reduction, arguing that a narrower ESZ could leave areas around Kaziranga more exposed to commercial and industrial activity. Particular concern...