The recent rhino population estimate shows that there are about 1,200 animals in India, and some 960 of them are in Kaziranga alone.
960
sketch map of current distribution.
Returning to the political issue: the Assam protesters argue that the scheme to remove the Rhino is designed to strip their State gradually of an important tourist attraction. Indeed a section of militant students, in their recent protest note to the Prime Minister, Mrs Indira Gandhi, claimed that the proposed translocation scheme of the Kaziranga Rhino (which they call 'Assam Rhino') to any other reserve outside Assam, is a conspiracy, to deprive the people of Assam of an object of their hereditary pride'. The agitated student groups are receiving support from local parochial and jingoistic politicians, so-called 'conservationists', and wildlife officials. The wildlife authorities in New Delhi have expressed their surprise at the controversy and maintained tile view that the Rhino translocation programme is based on sound conservation principles. They say that Kaziranga Sanctuary, whose total area is about 425 kmy (Sinha, 1981), is overstocked with Rhinos, and that many of the animals must be shifted to a new suitable habitat- for their own benefit and the sake of the species' survival.
The translocation experiment of Rhinos to Dudhwa was expected to commence by this winter (late 1982), and this could perhaps be the starting point of similar projects involving other endangered Indian species.
It is believed that, when powdered, rhino horn has high aphrodisiac potential, and so it is much valued by some--particularly mongoloid-groups of Asiatic peoples (Gee, 1964), while North Yemeni tribesmen take pride in carrying daggers with decorative handles made of rhino horn (World Wildlife Fund, 1980). Furthermore, a common belief amongst some mongoloid tribes is that pieces of rhino horn can be used to detect poisons in drink*, this also increases the poaching pressure placed on the animals. * In answer to our query as to 'how pieces of horn are used in this supposed detection', the Author replied (in litt. 13 September 1982) 'Skilfully-carved cups of Rhinoceros horn [are] used by Indian and far-eastern tribal chieftains to test beverages for the possibility of containing poison... due to increasing cost or non-availability [a small piece of rhino horn may he borne on) a finger ring, wrist-, or neck-chain of silver, copper, or nickel. The purpose is the same to test poisonous beverages or country drinks by observing colour changes of the drink offered.'--Ed.
It is believed that, when powdered, rhino horn has high aphrodisiac potential, and so it is much valued by some--particularly mongoloid-groups of Asiatic peoples (Gee, 1964), while North Yemeni tribesmen take pride in carrying daggers with decorative handles made of rhino horn (World Wildlife Fund, 1980). Furthermore, a common belief amongst some mongoloid tribes is that pieces of rhino horn can be used to detect poisons in drink*, this also increases the poaching pressure placed on the animals. * In answer to our query as to 'how pieces of horn are used in this supposed detection', the Author replied (in litt. 13 September 1982) 'Skilfully-carved cups of Rhinoceros horn [are] used by Indian and far-eastern tribal chieftains to test beverages for the possibility of containing poison... due to increasing cost or non-availability [a small piece of rhino horn may he borne on) a finger ring, wrist-, or neck-chain of silver, copper, or nickel. The purpose is the same to test poisonous beverages or country drinks by observing colour changes of the drink offered.'--Ed.
