GUWAHATI, April 3 – After an inordinate delay, another stage of the rhino translocation programme involving two protected areas of Assam, could start this month itself. Well-placed sources in the Forest Department hinted that a major hurdle has been removed, and if the weather holds, a number of rhinos would be shifted from Pobitora Sanctuary to Manas National Park  under a strict protocol.

Under the Indian Rhino Vision 2020, the translocation of rhinos from Pobitora and Kaziranga National Park was deemed essential as the population in both the places was on the rise resulting in pressure on the habitats.

A senior official told The Assam Tribune that the main reason for the delay was the difficulty in getting necessary clearances for the drug used to tranquilise the animals. “The drug Etorphine is manufactured only in South Africa and while the order was initially placed, it was found that the country indent was not there. Therefore the order could not be processed, and with the drugs unavailable the project had to be put on hold,” he said.

Subsequently, the error was corrected and the South African authorities have allowed the sale of the highly regulated drug.

It was stated that the drug should reach Guwahati within fifteen days, and thereafter would be handed over to those already trained and prepared to use them on rhinos. The animals would be carefully selected on the basis of age and sex, with the aim of having young males and females. Young animals will be chosen as they adapt well to new habitats, and show less stress during transport.

According to sources, a total of 18 rhinos will be shifted from Pobitora this year provided the weather is conducive for their capture and transfer by road. At present there are 84 rhinos in the sanctuary spread over just 38.8 sq km.

 

 

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