Greater One-horned Rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis (Mammalia: Perissodactyla: Rhinocerotidae) population census in the Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park, Assam, India

Main Article Content

Deba Kumar Dutta
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7291-9812
Parikshit Kakati
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8175-161X

Abstract

The complete-count of rhino or rhino census is an integral part of conservation and management of wild rhino-bearing areas of Assam.  The direct count of rhinos in their wild habitat continues as the accepted method of determining rhino population.  As a part of the periodic process, the Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park (RGONP) organized a one-day direct rhino count on 2 April 2018.  The results showed 1% increment of the population after a gap of six years.  Such slow increment is considered to be a matter of concern.  More research is necessary for better understanding of the population dynamics and identification of factors for better management of rhino population at RGONP. 

Article Details

Section
Communications
Author Biographies

Deba Kumar Dutta, WWF‐India, Block-A-16, Flat No-103 Basistha, Guwahati, Assam 781029, India

Dr Deba Kumar Dutta has been providing technical support on rhino monitoring and research activities to translocated rhinos at Assam since the year 2008. He is an IUCN/SSC AsRSG member and also an IUCN/SSC AsRSG (Asian Rhino Specialist Group) accredited instructor in monitoring the Greater One-Horned Rhino.   

Parikshit Kakati, WWF‐India, Block-A-16, Flat No-103 Basistha, Guwahati, Assam 781029, India.

Dr Parikshit Kakati has been providing veterinary support and other research activities in Assam since the year 2017.

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