(IN): Enclosure rein on run-away rhino

September 25, 2008

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*Enclosure rein on run-away rhino*

A bad experience with a wayward rhino, which was translocated from Pobitora

sanctuary to Manas National Park early this year, has forced the park

authorities to construct enclosures to keep animals from straying.

The rhino in question had travelled over a 100km from Manas a fortnight ago

and had to be brought back in a truck after being tranquillised.

The park director, A. Sargayari, said enclosures stretching between four and

five square km would be constructed to keep the rhinos within the park.

The move became necessary since more rhinos are scheduled to be shifted to

Manas National Park by the end of this year from Pobitora and Kaziranga

National Park and the authorities cannot afford to let them stray.

The idea is to keep the " new " rhinos within the enclosures till they get

used to the park and feel " at home " .

" The 'enclosure' period may be as long as a year. We will keep a close

watch, " Sargayari said.

The need to do some serious " thinking " to contain the animals arose after

park authorities went through a nightmare in trying to bring back the

prodigal rhino.

A 100 forest staff had spent days on elephant back to track the animal,

which was finally sighted near Bhutan.

" Had it entered Bhutan territory, things would have become more

complicated, " Sargayari said.

_________

*More regional news on same page:*

*Breathing space*

Manipur zoo is ready to add 20 hectares to its minuscule 9.5-hectare girth.

Opened in 1976 and located at Eroisemba, about 4km from Imphal city in

Imphal West, the zoo now hardly has enough space for all its inmates.

" Since the existing zoo is too small for the animals, the government has

decided to acquire land for expansion. We will acquire land from the forest

reserve of Langol hills, " an official in the forest department said.

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United against elephant polo

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