Rhino population steadily increasing in Jaldapara sanctuary
Siliguri, June 30 (UNI) Rhino population is steadily increasing in North Bengal's Jaldapara sanctuary, famous for one-horned rhinos.
West Bengal Forest minister Ananta Roy said the forest administration has a new task in hand as more grass fields need to be built to cope up with their increasing numbers. These fields would be covered by Malsa, Chetty, Purundi and Vaul, all species of grass.
Mr Roy said his department is looking for more grass fields to cater to the growing population of one-horned rihno.
'' We spoke to West Bengal land and revenue minister Abdur Rezzak Mollah, who promised to provide land. The forest officers have been told to provide land there,'' he said.
An officer of Jaldapara wildlife division told UNI that in 1990 the department took over 100 square kms. Now the sanctuary has 217 square kms and 115 one-horned rihno.
The officer said in 1968 the sanctuary had 80 rhinos, which decreased to only 14 in 1985. However, the sanctuary has turned back since then. Their population now stands at an impressive 115.
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