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Assam Rhino Dies Naturally at 40; Forest Guard Killed in Separate Attack

A male rhinoceros was found dead in Assam's Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, with officials confirming the 40-year-old animal died of natural causes and its horn was recovered. In a separate and tragic incident at Kaziranga National Park, a forest homeguard was killed and another injured after being attacked by a rhino while on duty. The Kaziranga victim was identified as Sahabuddin, who died en route to the hospital. Authorities are investigating both incidents, which highlight the dangers and challenges of wildlife conservation work.

Key Points: Rhino Death in Pobitora, Guard Killed in Kaziranga | Assam

  • Rhino carcass found in Pobitora
  • Horn secured for safekeeping
  • Death ruled natural at age 40
  • Separate fatal rhino attack in Kaziranga
2 min read

Assam: Male Rhino found dead in Pobitora; Horn secured

A 40-year-old male rhino died of natural causes in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. In a separate Kaziranga incident, a forest guard was killed by a rhino.

"the male rhino, aged about 40, died of natural causes - Veterinary Officer"

Morigaon, February 19

The carcass of a male rhinoceros was recovered from inside the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam's Morigaon district, forest officials said.

Pranjal Baruah, Forest Range Officer at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, on Wednesday told ANI that the rhino died of natural causes and that the horn was recovered for safekeeping.

"On Wednesday, a carcass of a male rhino with the horn intact was recovered by field staff at Jugdol Camp area inside the wildlife sanctuary while on regular duty," Pranjal Baruah said.

Following the discovery, a forest team led by the Range Officer rushed to the spot and recovered the carcass from the bank of Chitalmari beel.

"Later, the necessary post-mortem was done, and the horn was recovered for safe custody. According to the veterinary officer at the Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden, the male rhino, aged about 40, died of natural causes. The carcass was disposed of after taking necessary samples for further analysis," Pranjal Baruah said.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, a forest homeguard was killed, and another was injured after they were attacked by a rhino in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve on Sunday, officials said.

The deceased forest guard was identified as Sahabuddin. According to the Kaziranga National Park authority, the incident took place near the Bordoloni Forest Camp in the Kohora Range.

Arun Vignesh, CS, DFO, and Deputy Director of Kaziranga National Park, said the rhino attacked the staff members at around noon while they were on duty.

"One of our staff members, Sahabuddin, a homeguard posted in Bordoloni Camp of Kohora Range, was attacked by a rhino at about 12 noon while on duty and passed away while being brought to Kohora hospital," Arun Vignesh said.

"In the same incident, another staff member, Ramen Borah, was injured and is currently being shifted to Jorhat Medical College & Hospital for treatment," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The separate incident about the forest guard is heartbreaking. Sahabuddin gave his life protecting our wildlife. We must better support and equip these frontline warriors. My condolences to his family.
V
Vikram M
A 40-year-old rhino! That's a good, long life in the wild. The protocol followed seems thorough—post-mortem, samples, safe custody of the horn. This is how professional wildlife management should work.
P
Priya S
While the procedures sound good, I hope the "safe custody" of the horn is truly secure and accounted for. There have been past issues with storage. Transparency in this process is key to maintaining public trust.
R
Rohit P
Two stories in one article—one of a peaceful end, another of tragic conflict. It shows the complex reality of conservation. Wishing a speedy recovery to Ramen Borah. These men have a very tough job.
M
Michael C
The dedication of Assam's forest staff is commendable. They work in incredibly dangerous conditions. The state and central governments need to ensure they have the best possible risk mitigation tools and insurance coverage.

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