Rhino Attack in Kaziranga National Park Claims Home Guard's Life, Injures Forest Staff
A tragic incident unfolded in Kaziranga National Park on Sunday, resulting in the death of a home guard and injuries to another forest staff member after an attack by a rhino. This event occurred merely a day after a wild buffalo injured forest personnel in Manas National Park, underscoring the persistent dangers faced by wildlife officials in Assam's protected areas.
Details of the Kaziranga Incident
According to Kaziranga divisional forest officer (DFO) Arun Vignesh, the attack took place around 12pm in the Bordoloni Camp of the Kohora Range. The deceased, identified as Sahabuddin, a 52-year-old home guard from Juria in Nagaon district, was on duty when the rhino attacked. He succumbed to his injuries while being transported to Kohora hospital. The injured staff member, Ramen Borah, was promptly shifted to Jorhat Medical College and Hospital for treatment and is reported to be out of danger.
Vignesh explained that the two personnel were patrolling a little distance from their camp in a tall grassland area, where visibility is limited, making it challenging to detect wild animals. "There was a sudden encounter with the rhino, which attacked them immediately," he stated, highlighting the unpredictable nature of such incidents in dense habitats.
Patrol Protocols and Park Characteristics
Forest officials noted that during daytime patrols, staff typically move in groups of two to three to enhance safety. Kaziranga is renowned for its high density of one-horned rhinos, with 2022 estimates placing the population at 2,613. The Kohora Range, where this attack occurred, features the largest grassland expanse in the park, often necessitating cautious navigation due to obscured animal presence.
This incident follows a similar wildlife encounter in Manas National Park, where forest personnel were injured by a wild buffalo, raising concerns about the risks associated with conservation efforts in Assam's national parks.
Broader Implications for Wildlife Management
The attacks emphasize the ongoing challenges in balancing wildlife protection with human safety. As forest staff continue their vital patrols to safeguard endangered species like the one-horned rhino, such tragedies serve as a stark reminder of the hazards inherent in their duties. Authorities are likely to review safety protocols to mitigate future risks while maintaining effective conservation practices in these critical ecosystems.
