Patna: Preparations to extend rhinoceros conservation to natural habitats in Bihar have gained momentum, with the state working on a rehabilitation and conservation programme at Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR).
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Dr Ramchandra Prasad said a detailed reintroduction plan for VTR would be prepared within the next one to two months. Subsequently, efforts would be made to bring rhinos from Assam and West Bengal to the reserve.
Plans have also been formulated to bring rhinos to Rajgir Zoo Safari for conservation purposes.
The minister shared the information while addressing an event marking World Rhino Day at Patna Zoo.
VTR Already Has Two Rhinos
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force) Arvinder Singh said two rhinos from Nepal’s Chitwan National Park have been living at VTR for the past three to four years.
Both rhinos are males.
An assessment of VTR’s potential for rhino conservation was conducted around two years ago, taking into account its geographical location, natural habitat and security arrangements. The study found significant potential for rhino conservation in the reserve.
Based on the assessment, a rhino rehabilitation programme is now being developed.
The department is focusing on strengthening rhino conservation in natural habitats rather than limiting conservation efforts to zoos. It aims to take concrete steps for rhino conservation at both VTR and Rajgir Zoo Safari before the next World Rhino Day.
34 Rhinos Have Been Housed At Patna Zoo
Patna Zoo has played a significant role in rhino conservation and breeding in the country.
A pair of rhinos was first brought to the zoo from Assam in 1979. In 1982, a rhino rescued from Bettiah was also brought to Patna Zoo, taking the total number to three.
A breeding programme was subsequently launched, leading to a steady increase in the rhino population.
So far, 34 rhinos have been housed at Patna Zoo, of which 25 were born there.
The zoo’s conservation and breeding achievements have received recognition nationally and internationally. Under animal exchange programmes, rhinos from Patna Zoo have been supplied to zoos in Ranchi, Delhi, Kanpur, Hyderabad, Mysore and Chennai. A rhino has also been provided to the San Diego Zoo in the US.
Breeding Centre Operating Since 2019
Abhay Kumar, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, said the Rhino Conservation and Breeding Center was established at Patna Zoo in 2019.
The centre has been operating systematically since then.
The experience gained at Patna Zoo in rhino conservation and breeding is expected to support efforts to develop conservation programmes in natural habitats and other forest areas of Bihar.
Minister Feeds Rhino At Patna Zoo
During the World Rhino Day event, Minister Dr Ramchandra Prasad visited the rhino enclosure at Patna Zoo and hand-fed fodder to a rhino.
He also inquired about arrangements for rhino conservation, health and care.
Daily-wage workers and veterinary officers involved in rhino conservation were honoured during the event. The minister highlighted the role of personnel directly engaged in conservation work.
Indian One-Horned Rhino Population Around 4,000
The event noted that five rhinoceros species are found across the world.
The Indian one-horned rhinoceros is considered a major attraction for tourists. The global rhino population is estimated at between 28,000 and 30,000, while the population of Indian one-horned rhinos is around 4,000.
Poaching for rhino horns has historically been a major threat to rhino populations. Conservation and protection measures have, however, contributed to an increase in rhino numbers.
Tourism And Biodiversity Potential
The expansion of rhino conservation in Bihar is expected to support biodiversity conservation as well as wildlife tourism.
Just as Kaziranga in Assam and forest regions of West Bengal attract tourists interested in seeing rhinos, VTR and Rajgir Zoo Safari could develop as destinations for rhino viewing.
The initiative is also expected to provide a new dimension to wildlife tourism in Bihar while supporting local tourism activities and employment opportunities.
Officials, veterinarians, forest personnel, teachers and students attended the event. Those present included Chief Conservator of Forests (IT) S Chandrashekhar, Special Secretary Alok Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests (Administration & HRD) Amit Kumar, Regional Chief Conservator of Forests (Patna) Dr Nesamani, Zoo Director Hemant Patil and Dean of Bihar Veterinary College Dr Pallav Shekhar.
