1949, Estimated 2
8
estimated 50.
50
24 seen, max. 100
18
2
estimated, 25
1
estimated, 20
estimated, 25
1949, estimated 1.
1949, estimated 20.
1. We feel it essential that a proper census be made without delay, preferably enumerating males, females and young separately. 2. This should be followed up by periodical counts, at least once every year. 3. We recommend the penning off, by ditch or pallisade, of a two- to three-acre plot of typical rhino country within the sanctuary (containing suitable wallows etc.) In which a pair or two of the animals could be kept under close observation in conditions as nearly natural as possible, for a detailed study to be made of their life history and ecology.
The total number of individual animals noted by us during our week of inspection was about 24. We are prepared to concede that we may have missed 75 % of the total number that may possibly exist here, without any sort of proof, of course, whether this is so or not. We cannot help feeling, however, that the figure '500 to 600' given to us as the estimated population in this sanctuary is greatly in escess of actuality and apt to lead to unwarranted complacency as regard the position of the species.
minimum 53, maximum 200
Estimated, 18
1. Grazing of village cattle which is now permitted within the northern and southern boundaries. We are emphatic that it is absolutely imperative to stop this grazing completely and without delay. 2. Anthrax and similar diseases are readily contracted by wild animals from infected vllage cattle with wholesale tragic results. Domestic cattle were undoubtedly responsible for the anthrax epidemic of 1947 which destroyed an ascertained total of fourteen rhinoceros in Kaziranga Sanctuary and probably accounted for many more whose carcases remained undetected.
Manas Sancuary, North Kamrup District.
Laokow Forest, Nowgong District, Assam
Kaziranga Game Sanctuary, ca. 160 sq miles, 410 sq km, situated south of the Brahmaputra River in Sibsagar District, Assam.
1. A complete ecological survey of the status of the rhinoceros in Assam should be undertaken.
Sonairupai Sanctuary, Darrang District.
Anthrax and similar diseases are readily contracted by wild animals from infected vllage cattle with wholesale tragic results. Domestic cattle were undoubtedly responsible for the anthrax epidemic of 1947 which destroyed an ascertained total of fourteen rhinoceros in Kaziranga Sanctuary and probably accounted for many more whose carcases remained undetected.
