(IN): KNP registers 2,677 rhino deaths in three decades

July 17, 2008

KNP registers 2,677 rhino deaths in three decades

* From Our Correspondent

GOLAGHAT, July 16 – Altogether 2,677 rhinos of Kaziranga National Park

(KNP) either died due to natural causes or fell prey to poachers' bullets

during the period from 1976 to 2007.

Natural deaths of the giant herbivores were either due to attack by other

animals or due to floods. During the period under review, poachers killed

595 rhinos. Kaziranga National Park is being threatened due to poaching and

unabated erosion by the Brahmaputra. Forest sources informed that at least

35 sq km area within the world-famous park is annually inundated by flood

waters. According to non governmental sources, 50 sq km of park land were

eroded by the Brahmaputra.

Further, tigers are on record to have killed 776 rhinos. On the other hand

887 rhinos died due to unknown reasons. The number of rhinos in KNP

presently is estimated to be 1,855. There are 86 Royal Bangal tigers and the

total number of wild buffaloes are 943, while the number of deer is 681.

There are 500 different species of birds.

The employees of KNP have been facing innumerable problems which hinder

their proper functioning. The present State Government has deployed 200 home

guards for the protecting of forest products. But it is a matter of regret

that the employees still do not get their salaries regularly for more than 3

months at a time.

Interestingly, tigers killed 33 domestic animals during a period of two

months, while wild elephants damaged 50 dwelling houses. The aggrieved

people have therefore demanded the government to protect their life and

property.

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United against elephant polo

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