Rhinoceros: the number game

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Rhinoceros: the number game

 

Sir,– It is heartening to know that the rhino population is

increasing in different protected areas of Asom. The persons

connected with this very encouraging result certainly deserve

appreciation. The increase in number of rhinos, now involves

concomitant to duties for those persons to provide suitable habitat,

which is a very important factor for the existence of this majestic

animal. Without proper habitat, no plant or animal species can exist.

 

We know that every organism needs its specific habitat, which is

influenced by climate, food, associated species and many other

factors. Indeed, the circumstances and mechanisms for creation or

selection of a specific habitat for a particular organism are very

intricate. Therefore, instead of remaining complacent for the

increased number of rhinos, some serious thoughts should be given to

the following points also for proper conservation of rhinos in Asom.

 

No organism in any ecosystem lives in isolation. Every species of

plants or animals possesses its own significant sociological

attributes. Rhinoceros in Asom is also not an exception to these

natural phenomena. It lives with its particular associated species

of plants and animals in the selected habitats only. Therefore, its

associated species should also be scientifically managed to give the

rhino its ideal home to live in. It should be kept in mind that

there should be a threshold beyond which the number of associated

species of rhinos in its natural habitat should not fall. In any

case, its associated species should not be allowed to change

drastically. It will be advisable if the whole plant community where

rhinos live can be given protection. The study of ecology,

population genetics, behaviour etc. of the rhinoceros should get top

priority for scientific management of its population in the natural

habitat. Any study or research on rhinos must be ecosystem oriented

only.

 

Mere increase in number may not guarantee the safe existence of

rhinos in the State for long duration of time. A single devastating

factor like disease, natural catastrophe, lack of ideal food etc may

prove to be enough for its complete annihilation. Therefore,

serious, innovative and immediate future plan should be drawn and

action should be taken accordingly in most meaningful ways to

conserve this rare animal.

 

Let us not treat the increased number of rhinos in Asom as

a `problem' but as one of the most valuable assets of natural

resources of Asom, which has already made our State famous in the

world map. –

 

Yours etc.,

 

Sarada Kanta Sarma,

Plant Ecology Laboratory,

Department of Botany,

Gauhati University.