Home / Environment / Dudhwa Rhinos Thrive: Population Hits 53 After Census
Dudhwa Rhinos Thrive: Population Hits 53 After Census
12 Jul
Summary
- Rhino population in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve increased to 53.
- Recent census recorded 17 adult males, 25 adult females, and 11 calves.
- Rhino reintroduction program began in 1984, with population growing seven-fold.
The rhino population within Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) has climbed to 53, as confirmed by the fourth rhino census conducted from June 25 to June 27. This count represents a net increase of five rhinos despite recent fatalities from territorial disputes and predation.
During the census, 17 adult males, 25 adult females, and 11 calves over one year old were identified. The reserve's rhino rehabilitation enclosures have successfully integrated rhinos back into the wild, enhancing genetic diversity.
These rehabilitation efforts began in 1984 with seven rhinos translocated from Assam and Nepal. The program has since seen a more than seven-fold increase in population, with rhinos coexisting with tigers, elephants, and other wildlife in Dudhwa.
Dudhwa now hosts six rhinos in one enclosure and 36 in another, with 11 now freely roaming. This boosts tourist sighting opportunities in the reserve's safari areas. Uttar Pradesh remains a crucial habitat for the greater one-horned rhinoceros in India.
