(IN): Rise in rhino number poses problem

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Link: http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/details.asp?id=sep1408/at09

 

Rise in rhino number poses problem

Staff reporter

GUWAHATI, Sept 13 – The thriving rhino population of Pobitora that has

already posed a problem of plenty for the tiny wildlife sanctuary is finding

the going even tougher in the aftermath of the floods. Straying of rhinos in

search of food and space is not uncommon in Pobitora, which shelters 81

rhinos within an area of just 38.8 sq km. But, following the floods that had

inundated almost the entire sanctuary, the phenomenon has increased

noticeably. Though the floodwaters have receded now, it put a layer of silt

on the grassland, compelling the rhinos to look for greener pastures outside

the sanctuary.

 

Acknowledging the problem, Range Officer Mukul Tamuly said that vigil was

being intensified to keep track of the straying rhinos. " While some rhinos

stray out of the sanctuary at night, they generally return by dawn. Since

straying is inevitable under the prevailing circumstances, we have stepped

up vigil so that the animals remain under constant monitoring, " he said.

 

Pobitora is surrounded by human settlements on all sides. The straying

rhinos are normally located in nearby areas like Rojamayong, Kamarpara,

Garubandha and Kusiani.

 

" Fortunately, the villagers have been a supportive lot, and are cooperating

with the Forest Department in handling the rhinos, " Tamuly said.

 

The support from the villagers notwithstanding, the 'overpopulated' Pobitora

poses a serious threat to the long-term conservation prospects of the rhino.

In recent times, the birth rate of the rhinos in Pobitora has shown a

declining trend. Apart from their vulnerability to poachers, the straying

rhinos run the risk of contracting diseases from domestic animals. Moreover,

the deteriorating situation could easily explode into a man-animal conflict.

Any scope for expansion of the sanctuary is also obliterated by the

thickly-populated human habitations surrounding it.

 

MC Malakar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), said that the

Forest Department was taking serious note of the situation in Pobitora and a

drive was on to translocate some rhinos of Pobitora to other protected areas

like Manas and Laokhowa.

 

" The only possible way to ensure a safe future for the rhinos is to

translocate some of the animals to other rhino-bearing habitats, " he said. A

couple of rhinos from Pobitora have already been relocated in Manas National

Park, and the translocation programme will see a number of rhinos relocated

in a phased manner.

 

The recent floods took a toll of two rhino calves in Pobitora.

 

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