Two one-horned rhinos translocated from Pobitora to Manas

BARPETA ROAD: Two one-horned rhinos were translocated to Manas National Park from Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary today, under the Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (IRV 2020) programme.

Both the rhinos were released at the Bansbari range of the park.

The rhinos were transported under careful supervision of experienced veterinarians and rhino experts following all existing protocols.

The translocation was carried out over two days by a team of 200 people from different organisations.

The rhinos are now being closely monitored by a dedicated team comprising personnel from the Assam Forest Department and World Wide Fund for Nature India (WWF India). The monitoring will continue for a year to understand the adaptation of the rhinos in their new habitat.

The Manas National Park currently has a rhino population of 44 and 19 rhinos have been released in the park since 2008.

Manas National Park has seen significant growth in its rhino population in the recent years. Plans for bringing rhinos back to the park were developed in 2005, and translocations began in 2008 with individuals moved to Manas from other protected areas in Assam as part of the IRV2020 initiative.

IRV2020 is a collaboration among the Assam Forest Department, International Rhino Foundation, WWF India, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other partners to grow rhino populations and expand their range, while protecting existing populations and their habitats.

During the first translocation in 2008, two adult males were successfully moved from the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.

Over the next four years, 16 more rhinos were translocated from Kaziranga and Pobitora.

The translocated rhinos were radio collared to monitor their health, movement, and behavior, and obtain important data for better management and conservation of rhinos in the future.

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Today, there are around 3,700 greater one-horned rhinos in Asia, up from only 200 at the beginning of the 20th century.

While the species continues to face threats from poaching and habitat loss and degradation, indicators of population growth like those from Manas are certainly cause for hope.

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