(IN): Orang plea for helicopters

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http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090330/jsp/northeast/story_10742695.jsp

Orang plea for helicopters

A STAFF REPORTER

 

*Guwahati, March 29:* The Orang National Park authorities have called for

air surveillance to track down poachers, the biggest threat to rhinos in the

area.

 

In the past four years, 15 rhinos have been killed and the park guards are

finding it increasingly difficult to track down the poachers once they are

inside the forests. Two rhinos have been killed this year.

 

“Helicopters will be helpful in tracking down the poachers,” a source in the

park said.

 

He added that they had mentioned the matter to the forest department when

asked about the various requirements for better protection in the national

park.

 

In the recently concluded census on March 24, the number of rhinos was found

to be 64.

 

“Once the armed criminals are inside the park, it is difficult to track them

down. The thick and tall grasses inside the park provide them natural cover

and they are difficult to detect,” the source said.

 

“On the other hand, the poachers get a good view of the rhinos and strike at

the right opportunity,” he said.

 

The national park, on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra, has an area of

78.8 square km.

 

The park is surrounded by 19 revenue villages and the villagers allegedly

help the poachers and provide them shelter.

 

“They (poachers) have built a relationship with the villagers over the years

which helps them to strike with impunity,” the source said.

 

“With a helicopter I can at least spot them and then direct the field staff

to act,” he added.

 

The park authorities are finding it increasingly difficult to match the

firepower of the poachers and the personnel need to be trained in jungle

warfare.

 

“We have .315 rifles whereas they come with automatic rifles,” said S.

Momin, the DFO of Mangaldoi wildlife division.

 

Manas National Park had requested the Centre for helicopters for air

surveillance but it did not come through.

 

Of the 64 rhinos at Orang, there are 16 adult males, 22 females, 11 calves,

seven are unsexed, three female sub-adults and five calves below one year.

 

The park also lacks enough manpower. The total manpower required to guard

the 31 anti-poaching camps is 186 but the park has just 67.

 

Orang is also a place where rhinos will be translocated under the India

Rhino Vision. The programme states that Orang may be able to achieve its

target population of 100 through improved protection.

 

The park has a capacity to house 100 rhinos.

 

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