Over 300 animals killed in Assam floods in Kaziranga

Guwahati, Aug 2: As many as 310 animals, including 221 hog deer and 21 one-horned rhinos, in Kaziranga National Park (KNP) lost their lives due to the devastating Assam floods.

According to the KNP Divisional Forest Officer Suvasish Das, 310 animals were killed by floods since July 25 this year. Out of this, 221 were hog deer and 21 were one-horned rhinos, he said. Among the killed rhinos, ten were calves aged between two to six months, Das said.

"Flood level this year is much higher compared to 2012, but animal mortality was highest in 2012," he said. Das said 106 animals were rescued during the floods with help from local residents.

"Out of nine rhinos rescued, eight are currently undergoing treatment at CWRC, Borjuri and one was released instantly," he said. Das said flood water was receding fast and out of 130 inundated camps, only 70 were currently under water.

He also said around 135 km of roads have been affected and many bridges have been damaged. "Actual assessment will be carried out later this month. There are very few cases of stray rhinos this year and we are vigilant about all rhinos that are straying across NH-37," Das added.

PTI