In a significant wildlife management operation, three greater one-horned rhinoceroses were successfully freed from their satellite tracking collars in Uttar Pradesh's Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. The two-day procedure concluded on Saturday evening, marking a new phase in the monitoring of these free-ranging pachyderms.
Operation Details and Strategic Decision
The operation targeted four free-ranging rhinos, aged between 10 and 15 years. However, the Rhino Core Group made a crucial, unanimous decision to continue monitoring one female rhino. This choice was made to safeguard her calf, which was born in the first week of October. The reserve's field director, H Rajamohan, explained that the collar was kept on the mother due to a potential threat from predators like tigers or elephants. He assured that this collar would be removed in a forthcoming operation scheduled for completion by March 31 next year.
On Friday, a female rhino named Riddhi and her calf were the first to be released from surveillance. They were followed on Saturday by a male named Nakul and another female named Deepika. The operation was supervised by Dr. Amit Sharma, the National Lead for Rhino Conservation at WWF-India, who traveled from Assam specifically for the task.
Conservation Goals and Habitat Assessment
This de-collaring is part of a broader, phased strategy to establish a healthy free-ranging rhino population within the reserve. The rhinos were originally released from fenced rehabilitation enclosures into open forest areas in two phases: November last year and March this year. The primary objectives are to prevent inbreeding and enhance the genetic diversity of the population. Currently, 46 rhinos remain within two enclosures spanning 27 sq km and 13.4 sq km, separate from the free-ranging individuals.
Dr. Amit Sharma outlined the rigorous selection criteria for choosing rhinos to be free-ranged. First, the overall health of the rhino population is confirmed through lab tests and visual observations. Second, authorities aim for a sex ratio of one male to three females. Third, they prefer individuals in their prime adult age. Finally, for the first ten releases, genetically unrelated rhinos are selected to maximize diversity. He affirmed that Dudhwa provides a suitable and secure habitat with ample protection, food, and water for these majestic animals.
Future Plans for Genetic Enrichment
Looking ahead, the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is working on an additional plan to further enrich the genetic pool of its rhino population. This involves relocating two male rhinos from West Bengal, subject to approvals following discussions between the two state governments. This initiative underscores the long-term, collaborative commitment to ensuring a robust and genetically diverse rhino population in the reserve.
The successful collar removal operation represents a careful balance between scientific monitoring and allowing animals to roam freely, a key milestone in Indian wildlife conservation efforts.
