NewKerala.com

Key Points

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam is leading by example in rhino conservation with zero poaching for 11 consecutive years. The sanctuary, home to 107 rhinos, sees effective collaboration between dedicated staff, local communities, and government, which has been pivotal in protecting these magnificent creatures. Ranger Pranjal Baruah credits the local public's involvement for the sanctuary's unprecedented success. Future outlook is positive with a rise in new calves, indicating a healthy increase in the rhino population.

Key Points: Pobitora Sanctuary Sets 11-Year Zero Poaching Rhino Record

  • Pobitora boasts highest rhino density, 107 rhinos in 16 km²
  • Zero poaching since 2014 attributed to local community's collaboration
  • 2023 marks zero natural or unnatural rhino mortality, expecting population growth
  • Govt support enhances infrastructure, bolstering conservation efforts over years
3 min read

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary sets benchmark in Rhino conservation with zero poaching for 11 years

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam achieves 11 years of zero rhino poaching.

"We are very fortunate to say that since 2014, we have had no record of poaching in Pobitora. - Pranjal Baruah/Ranger"

Morigaon, May 29

The Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam's Morigaon district has emerged as a model of successful rhino conservation, boasting the highest density of one-horned rhinoceroses in India and recording zero poaching incidents for the past 11 years.

The sanctuary is home to 107 one-horned rhinos--30 males, 50 females, and 27 calves--within its compact 16-square-kilometre area, making it the highest rhino density among national parks in the country, as per the 2022 rhino population census.

Ranger of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Pranjal Baruah, told ANI that since 2014, there had been no incidents of rhino poaching reported in the facility.

"We are very fortunate to say that since 2014, we have had no record of poaching in Pobitora. This has happened only because of the continuous efforts of the wildlife sanctuary authorities, police and public," Baruah stated.

He highlighted the role of community engagement in this achievement, noting that the local population

"Rhino conservation efforts have become successful in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary because of the involvement of the local public. The local public has given a lot of information regarding the movement of rhinos and wild animals around the wildlife sanctuary. Similarly, they also give information about the movement of wildlife offenders, including all kinds of poachers.

He added that the sanctuary has seen zero natural or unnatural rhino mortality this year, with several new calves born, raising hopes for a population increase in the coming years.

"This year, we have zero mortality by natural or other causes. We have seen many new baby rhinos, calves, inside the wildlife sanctuary, and we are expecting that the rhino population will increase in the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary," he stated.

The ranger also credited government support for infrastructure development and collaboration with the police department for bolstering conservation efforts in the sanctuary.

"From the government side, we are getting lots of support regarding infrastructure development and others. The police department is also helping us to protect wild animals, including rhinos. This success story happened because of the efforts of the local community along with our staff. In the last 8 years, we have been doing lots of activities, including awareness, community programmes, etc. The local people are very much aware of the importance of rhinos and wild animals, and they are providing lots of support and protection to wildlife," Baruah added.

With a small but thriving habitat, Pobitora continues to set a benchmark for wildlife preservation in India.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun P.
This is such proud news for all Indians! Assam is truly leading the way in wildlife conservation. The involvement of local communities shows how people and nature can coexist peacefully. More states should learn from Pobitora's model. 🦏🇮🇳
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Priya M.
Visited Pobitora last year and was amazed by how well maintained it was. The guides told us stories about how villagers protect the rhinos like their own family members. This is real sustainable conservation - not just government orders but people's participation.
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Rahul K.
While this is excellent news, we must remember that poachers are getting smarter. The government should increase funding for anti-poaching technology like drones and night vision cameras before we become complacent. Prevention is better than cure.
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Sunita T.
My heart swells with pride reading this! The one-horned rhino is our national treasure. The Assam government and local communities deserve all appreciation. Maybe they can train forest staff from other states too? #SaveTheRhino
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Vikram J.
Great achievement but 16 sq km is too small for 107 rhinos long-term. The article mentions new calves - where will they live? Need to expand the sanctuary or create corridors to Kaziranga. Otherwise human-animal conflict will increase.
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Neha R.
This shows what we Indians can achieve when we work together! From forest officials to local villagers - everyone has contributed. The rhino is not just Assam's pride but India's pride. Hope this success story inspires other conservation projects across the country ✨

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