Increase in rhino population at Kaziranga, Pobitora

TEZPUR, February 3: With the gradual increase in the population of Indian one-horned rhinoceros at the Kaziranga National Park (KNP) and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, efforts are on by the Assam Forest department to shift them (rhinoceros unicornis) to Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary in Sonitpur district. Talking to The Assam Tribune, RK Das, DFO, Tezpur Division, said with 44-sq km area Burachapori can accommodate a sizeable number of rhinos at the sanctuary. Besides the inaccessibility and contiguity will help the wildlife to flourish, Das said, adding that poaching here is at a low ebb in comparison to other sanctuaries and national park. He further said that a few stray rhinos were found to have taken shelter in the area and added that without firm protection measures the future of the rhinos in this area cannot be ensured. Meanwhile, according to the International Union of Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources of UNO, the Asian one-horned rhinoceros is more endangered than the African rhino and the number of all three species of Asian rhinos combined will probably be fewer than the rarer of the African species. The IUCN survey and conservation action plan report further stated that a sum of US dollar 80,000 has been earmarked for translocation of rhinos in Assam for the establishment of new populations and another US dollar 30,000 has been allocated for rhino rescue and rehabilitation centre. Later talking about the action plan for the protection of rhinos in Assam, official sources said though the rhino population against all odds has increased in the State, the biggest threat to this species continues be the poachers and the alarming rate of poaching has put the very survival of the species in danger. High profit margins, growing demand for rhino horns in eastern India and its barter for arms by the extremists of the region have put the Indian one-horned rhino on the brink of extinction and in 1980, the country lost at least 483 rhinos at the hands of the poachers. Besides, floods kill a large number of animals every year with 1998 being the blackest year for the Kaziranga National Park when more than 1200 animals including 48 rhinos died. In 1988 in KNP at least 129 rhinos died the official sources said, adding that on an average 80 to 100 rhinos die in KNP due to poaching and natural death. Giving details about the various national parks and sanctuaries of Assam, official sources said from 1988 to 1998 in KNP at least 299 rhinos were killed by poachers. Other figures are: Orang Wildlife Sanctuary - 66, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary - 34 and Manas National Park - 47. He further said despite constant efforts of the Government, the rhino population of Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary faced an unfortunate setback during 1983 at the time of Assam Agitation when at least 40 rhinos were killed by poachers. Besides, the ethno-political uprise around Manas National Park since 1988 has completely eliminated the rhino population from the World Heritage Site. Sources further said the alarming rate of poaching at the Orang Wildlife Sanctuary in Sonitpur district bordering Darrang has put the species under threat. Due to poaching, the rhino population of the sanctuary is decreasing alarmingly and at present it stands only at 46. He said poaching here is easier than the other sanctuaries as there is no buffer zone or core zone between the Orang Sanctuary and the nearby villages. Besides, there is no proper demarcation of the forest due to which there has been a heavy encroachment on the forest land since 1983 by the encroachers. Chandra Goswami, president, Wild Symphony, an NGO of Dhekiajuli, while talking to this correspondent said that poaching here is one of the main threats and added that nothing is spared, be it a deer, rhino or migratory birds, which are later sold in nearby villages openly. He further said that the sanctuary has of late become a safe haven for the extremist organisations and added that the forest guards responsible for manning the sanctuary have to work round the clock at the risk of their lives.