Assam: Rhinos are back in Laokhowa and Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary 40 years

ASSAM: Wildlife conservation has attained a colossal feat as two rhinoceroses have triumphantly returned to the Laokhowa and Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam, after being absent for 40 years. The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma shared this delightful news stating that their efforts to combat encroachment had led to the homecoming of these iconic animals.

In the Nagaon district, lies the Laokhowa-Burhachapori complex that used to house a prosperous group of 45-50 rhinos till 1983. Due to unbridled poaching and anthropogenic influences, their abrupt disappearance resulted in severe deterioration of grassland habitat. Albeit some stray rhinos from neighboring nature reserves wandered into this space sporadically; they could not establish themselves permanently here.

November 2023 was a turning point as rhinos were sighted in the first edition of Burhachapori and Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary. Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve's Director Sonali Ghosh claimed that these particular rhinos had most likely entered from Orang National Park's second addition, along with Arimari areas which recently underwent eviction to restore their natural habitat. A successful three-day long eviction drive on February 13th-15th, 2023 reclaimed forest cover over an expanse of land measuring around51.7 square kilometers - clearly setting out an environment conducive for the much-awaited return of these animals!

The government's dedication to enhancing the Protected Area has been emphasized by Ghosh, with an increase in hiring and job opportunities. In order to reinforce their front line defense strategy, positions such as Dy Ranger, Forester 1 and Forest Guard have been assigned totalling to about 75 roles. This location houses a record-breaking number of ten tigers along with returning rhinos that thrive due to the multitude of herbivores nourishing its habitat making it crucial for sustaining various species .

Emphasizing the continuous actions being taken, Ghosh declared that "The administration is firmly committed to rejuvenating this significant sanctuary and guaranteeing a linkage within the Rhino habitat at Orang-Laokhowa-Burhachapori-Kaziranga landscapes." These measures demonstrate a wider pledge towards preserving wildlife, offering hope for an enriched future of diverse species thriving in this area.

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