W.J. Carrot said it is hard to estimate the number of rhino in Homalin Sub-division. He would hazard a guess at 7-8 animals. Rhino tracks (possibly a solitary animal) have been reported from the right bank of the Chindwin north of Nantalaik. There may be 1-2 in the wild interior of Hkamti State. A Chin told me that in 1943 he and a few others shot 2 rhinos within a week in the Uyu area, west of Chaungson. The Divisonal Forest officer, Upper Chindwin, Myittha Division, suggests the triangle between Uyu and Chindwin rivers and Taw sein unlcassed forests for reservation as a sanctuary for rhino. Received reports that there are rhino surviving in the Nataleik Yele Forests in the Somra Tract, not verified. The Divisional Forest Officer, West katha Division, estimated the number of rhino in Nam-Ka, Nam-Yoke Chaung unclassed forests and the Taungthonlon vulcano area as five in 1950-51 as well as 1952-53.
One animal may possibly visit the Yebu salt lick, another is on Nwalabo Mountain, while occasional animals are reported in other areas.
In July 1948, a track of a rhinoceros was seen on the hills of Pao Tan Bum in Pindung Reserve by gamekeeper La Kyon Nawng and the headman of Mayan village. It is believed that the animal crossed over from the Uyu side and went north along the east bank of Namti and Pidaung Chaung towards Einkling Bum. In Nov 1947, at a place called Kyaukkaik camp near the source of the Tagwin Chaung, Mogoung Range, tracks of a rhino were reported. It is believed that the animal came from the west, crossed the Tagwin and went eastwards. In Sep 1948, in Indawgyi Range, tracks of 2 rhino were seen near the border of West Katha and this division near a place called Maingseingyi. The animals are believed to have come from the Uyu drainage and the tracks of an animal indicated that it turned back into that drainage after about a fortnight.
The range officer, Thabeitkyin, continues to receive reports from time to time that the three rhinos previously reported are still surviving in the dense jungles in the upper reaches of the Shwe-Hnyar- U Chaung. During the Japanese occupation, a villager from Pegu village shot one cow rhino, and a school teacher from Thit-Sein-Gon village shot 2 rhino (sex unknown). There is a local belief that the best time to come across rhino is during the full moon of Waso (July) when they usually congregate together.
A queer report comes in from time to time that rhinoceros visit Rodger's Island. This report is hardly cedible but as it recurs, there may be some truth in it. In 1889, Anderson stated that rhino found their way to Kisseraing islands, and that then they existed on Sir Robert Campbell and Sir Charles Forbes islands. He stated that a police officer saw a two-horned rhino swimming near High island which is a good 20 miles from the mainland although there are islandsa in sight all around.
There is a local belief that the best time to come across rhino is during the full moon of Waso (July) when they usually congregate together.
A queer report comes in from time to time that rhinoceros visit Rodger's Island. This report is hardly credible but as it recurs, there may be some truth in it. In 1889, Anderson stated that rhino found their way to Kisseraing islands, and that then they existed on Sir Robert Campbell and Sir Charles Forbes islands. He stated that a police officer saw a two-horned rhino swimming near High island which is a good 20 miles from the mainland although there are islands in sight all around.
