The Assam Forest Department has ramped up its efforts to conserve the greater one-horned rhinoceros in the Laokhowa and Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuaries (LBWLS), situated along the banks of Brahmaputra River.
These sanctuaries, which provide crucial riverine habitats and buffer zones for the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, have witnessed a steady ecological revival, aided by the return of rhinos from nearby Kaziranga and Orang National Parks.
Historically, the sanctuaries were home to a flourishing rhino population, but this saw a sharp decline during the socio-political unrest of the 1980s, when poaching devastated their numbers.
In recent years, transient rhinos from the neighbouring parks have started returning to the sanctuaries, indicating the gradual restoration of the ecosystems.
Government initiatives
Efforts by the Assam government have focused on enhancing connectivity between the Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary, Orang National Park, and Kaziranga National Park.
The restoration of habitat corridors has facilitated the natural dispersal of rhinos, with some opting to permanently settle in the sanctuaries.
On December 7, the Nagaon Wildlife Division held a one-day rapid orientation programme aimed at strengthening the conservation framework within LBWLS.
The event, led by Jayanta Deka, Divisional Forest Officer of Nagaon Wildlife Division, sought to equip over 100 frontline staff with advanced monitoring and patrolling skills.
The programme, which took place across three different locations within the sanctuaries, was supported by experts from Aaranyak, including Dr. Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, Dr. Deba Kumar Dutta, and Arup Das, alongside other knowledge partners from Nagaon Girls' College.
The training focused on practical techniques for habitat security, scientific monitoring, and ensuring the safety of the rhino population.
Speaking about the initiative, Deka stated, “We aim to boost staff motivation and provide them with the tools they need for effective rhino conservation.”
The event is part of the broader goal to restore LBWLS as a thriving habitat for the greater one-horned rhino, in line with the Indian Rhino Vision.
The translocation of rhinos into the sanctuaries is eagerly awaited by local communities in Nagaon district, who hope and do not mind to see a sustainable rhino population in their midst, expecting a scope of tourist inflow and subsequent business from the initiative.
About the Greater One-Horned Rhino
The greater one-horned rhino, also known as the Indian rhino, is the largest species of rhinoceros.
Once widespread across northern India, their numbers dwindled drastically due to hunting and habitat loss. By the early 20th century, only around 200 remained in the wild.
Conservation efforts, both in India and Nepal, have led to a remarkable recovery of the species. Today, the population stands at about 4,000, with the majority found in the northeastern region of India and the Terai grasslands of Nepal.
Rhino-protected areas in India (According to the latest data)
| Protected Area |
Location |
Rhino Population |
| Kaziranga National Park |
Assam |
Over 2,600 |
| Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary |
Assam |
107 rhinos |
| Orang National Park |
Assam |
125 rhinos |
| Manas National Park |
Assam |
40 rhinos |
| Jaldapara National Park |
West Bengal |
287 rhinos |
| Gorumara National Park |
West Bengal |
52 rhinos |
| Dudhwa National Park |
Uttar Pradesh |
38 rhinos |
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