The dawn of 2026 brought a rare moment of joy for wildlife conservation in India as a one-horned rhinoceros calf was born in Jaldapara National Park, North Bengal, on January 1, the first day of the English New Year. The birth has sparked excitement among conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts nationwide.
The newborn was spotted by forest personnel during routine patrolling on elephant back, a method considered most effective for monitoring the dense grasslands of Jaldapara. Divisional Forest Officer Praveen Kaswan shared images and videos of the calf on social media, which quickly went viral. Kaswan highlighted the park’s meticulous monitoring system, stating, “One day he will walk and earth will shake.”
The greater one-horned rhinoceros, listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List, requires careful protection, particularly during the first few days after birth. Calves are able to stand and walk within hours, enabling them to stay close to their mothers and evade predators.
Also read: Rhino population in WB hits new high, second to Kaziranga
“Situated in the Alipurduar district at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas and along the banks of the Torsa River, Jaldapara National Park is a unique grassland ecosystem,” a forest official said. “It stands today as one of India’s key conservation strongholds for the one-horned rhinoceros, second only to Kaziranga National Park in Assam.”
The park also provides habitat for elephants, leopards, deer, and wild cattle, reinforcing its status as a biodiversity hotspot in eastern India. “Despite differing landscapes from Kaziranga, sustained conservation and the dedication of forest personnel have ensured a steady rise in the rhino population here,” the official added.
India now hosts a significant share of the world’s one-horned rhinoceros population—a success rooted in decades of conservation, anti-poaching measures, and habitat restoration. The birth of the Jaldapara calf serves as a hopeful reminder of the country’s on
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