Two rhinos translocated in state

Guwahati, Apr 12: Two male rhinos were today successfully translocated to Manas National Park (MNP) from Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam, after the first plan to take the rhinos to MNP was deferred since last year due to several impediments.

The two rhinos found a new home at the Bansbari range of the MNP, with Chief Conservator (Wildlife) M C Malakar, who was present when the rhinos were set free, informing that two female rhinos would also be brought soon.

The translocation of these two rhinos was originally slated for early part of 2007, but had to be delayed due to several problems.

It was rescheduled for February, but had to be postponed again due to non-availability of tranquilizing drugs.

Mr Malakar said rhinos would be translocated to all such forest areas that had rhino population previously under the India Rhino Vision, 2020. He said the marked improvement in the security factor of wildlife in the MNP, once a haven of Bodo militants, has prompted the translocation of rhinos to MNP over the last couple of years.

The entire rhino population of MNP was wiped out during the Bodo insurgency period. The rhinos are poached for their horns, which is sold for large sum of money in the international market.

UNI