A translocated rhino in Manas National Park of Assam gave birth to a calf on Friday, a ray of hope for the endangered animal in the state.
Speaking to Northeast Now, Sailendra Pandey, PRO to Assam Forest and Environment Minister Parimal Suklabaidya, said, “The park authority of Manas reported birth of a new Rhino calf in Bhuyanpara Range. Rhino no.6 which was translocated from Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary on January 18, 2011 gave birth to her third calf in the early hours of today in Manas.”
The first calf of Rhino-6 was born in Manas in May, 2013. Two years later, the second calf was born in December, 2015. With this new member, the population of translocated rhino has increased to 37.
It is also worth mentioning that during 2017 & 2018 six rhino calves were born in Manas. Manas had a population of about 100 rhinos in the past but during the ethnic disturbances, all rhinos were killed within year 2000.
Thereafter under “Indian Rhino Vision (IRV) 2000” Manas was selected for reintroduction of rhino again and in a phased manner 18 rhinos from Kaziranga & Pabitora & nine rhinos from CWRC were translocated to Manas. Unfortunately ten rhinos were killed by poachers. But with the improvement in overall protection scenario the number of rhino is now increasing.
Not only rhino, the numbers of tiger and other animals are also increasing every year & all these indicate that Manas is fast regaining its lost glory.