Protected Areas for Rhinoceros
There are 8 protected areas in the country for protection of Rhinoceros. Five areas National Parks and Three are Wildlife Sanctuaries. Out of this 5 protected areas are in Assam two in West Bengal and 1 in UP. The estimated population of Rhinoceros in Assam is more than 2000, 135 in West Bengal and 27 in UP. In the State of Assam, Kaziranga National Park has recorded 1855 Rhino, Manas National Park has 4, Orang National Park has 68, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary has 81, and Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary has recorded 1 Rhino. Except Manas National Park were the estimation was made during 2008, rest of the National Parks and Santuries had estimated the population during 2006.
In West Bengal, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary has recorded 108 and Gorumara National Park has recorded 27 Rhinoceros in the year 2006.
Dudhwa National Park in Uttar Pradesh has recorded 27 Rhinoceros during 2008.
The Government has taken many steps for upkeep and protection of Rhinos as well as the State Government has also taken measures to protect wild animals and prevent poaching of Rhinoceros.
1. The Central Government has enacted the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 to deal with the issues of wildlife crime. Stringent penalties are imposed on the offenders for the contravention of the provisions of the Act.
2. A network of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries has been set up across the country to protect wildlife.
3. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, with a network of five Regional and three Sub Regional Offices, has been set up to control wildlife crime.
4. Financial support is being provided under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes –Development of National Parks and Sanctuaries, Project Tiger and Project Elephant, to State/UT Governments for the conservation and development of wildlife and its habitats including those of rhinoceros.
5. India is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) that regulates international trade in wildlife and its derivatives.
6. India has bilateral arrangements with China and Nepal on combating wildlife crime.
The measures taken by State Governments are Intensive patrolling in sensitive areas and filling up of vacant posts, Coordination with other law enforcement agencies, Provision for arms and ammunition, and communication facilities, Conducting nature awareness campaigns for the public and Soliciting cooperation from the local communities.
KP/Hb
(Release ID :36938)