The Rhinoceros unicornis once had a wide distribution throughout the northern India from Peshawar in the west to Myitkina (Burma) in the east. The remains of Rhinoceros unicornis were also discovered from Gujarat.
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Rhino Poaching: Poaching presents the greatest threat to the survival of rhino. In OWLS 43 rhinos were killed by Indian poachers between the year 1980 and 1993, while 47 rhinos died due to natural causes. Details of yearwise mortality of rhinos in OWLS arc shown in Table-3 Table - 3 Yearwise mortality of Rhinos in OWLS. Year Natural Death Rhinos Killed by Poachers Total 1980 02 03 05 1981 03 02 05 1982 09 05 13 1983 09 04 13 1984 07 03 10 1985 01 08 09 1986 01 03 04 1987 03 04 07 1988 02 05 07 1989 03 03 06 1990 01 Nil 01 1991 02 01 03 1992 03 02 05 1993 02 Nil 02
Indian action plan for rhino conservation includes : (1) Habitat protection and restoration, (ii) Creation of corridors for migration, (iii) Proper communication network, (iv) Anti-poaching squads and strike force, (v) Training of w ildlife personnel, (vi) Arms training to protecting staff, (vii) Research and monitoring (viiij Eco-development works, (ix) Education and public awareness programme, (x) Relocation of enclaved villages through persuasion, (xi) Veterinary care. (xii) Translocation of animal for rehabilitation and captive breeding (xiii) Development of intelligence network and ((xivl) Reward for good work and case detection.
To protect the endangered Rhinoceros unicornis in Assam, the State of Assam initiated several measures since the beginning of this century. In the year 1915, the Govt. of Assam enacted the Assam Rhinoceros Prevention Act, prohibiting the hunting of rhinos in unclassed State forests. Subsequently, the Assam Rhinoceros Preservation Act, prohibiting the huntingof rhinos in unclassed State forests was enacted. Further the Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972 (adopted in Assam in 1976), has also provided protection to our wildlife including the Indian rhinos.
The current distribution of Rhinoceros unicornis in Assam is restricted to the following areas: 1. Kaziranga National Park, 2. Manas National park. 3. Orange Wildlife Sanctuary, 4. Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary, 5. Burachapori Reserved Forest. 6. Kochmara Reserved F orest. 7. Sonai-rupai Wildlife Sanctuary. 9. Panidehing Proposed Bird Sanctuary. 9. Deosur. 10. Kukrakata. 11. Kurua.
Indian rhino is the dominant species in OWLS, sharing the habitat with Elephas maximus, Panthera tigris, Sus scrofa, Axis porcinus etc. The details of census of Indian rhinos at OWLS was for the first time collected in the year 1985 and a total of 65 rhinoswere counted. In 1991, a total of 97 rhinos were counted. As per 1991 census, the population density of rhinos per kmy at OWLS is 1.31. The detailed population figures of rhinoceros unicornis in the year 1985 and 1991 arc summarised in Table 2. Table 2. Population of Rhinoceros unicornis in the year 1985 and 1991. Year Adult Sub adult Total Male Female Sex Male Female Calf Sex ?? <1yr ?? 1985 23 23 - 7 2 - 10 65 1991 28 41 5 - 1 8 14 97 End table.
The Orang Wildlife Sanctuary (OWLS) constitute an area of 75.60 kmy, lies midway between 2630'N to 2640'N and 9215 to 9230 E, and in the altitude of 45-70 MSL. In 1985, the State Government of Assam vide notification No. FRS. 133/85/5, dated 20.09.1985, declared that Orang was a Game Reserve. The climate of OWLS can be termed as 'Typical Subtropical Monsoon', the annual rainfall is approximately 2000 mm . The mean annual temperature varies from 7C in winter to about 36C insummer.The heavy precipitation occurs mostly during summer months May to September The relative humidity ranges between 60% to 90% Vegetation : The vegetation of OWLS supports the life of Indian rhinos. and can be classified into Manmade Deciduous Forests, Alluvial Grasslands and Swamps. The details of vegetation cover are shown in Table -1 Table 1. Vegetation covers of OWLS Habitat Area In Sq Km (Approx.) Plantation 9.38 Thatch Area 18.60 Pure Forest Area 14.27 Arundo donax & Frianthus ravenae Area 12.98 Natural Forest 1.98 Brahmaputra Char Area 9.04 Wetland Area 9.53
