Project update - November 2005

Orang National Park regains the power to combat rhino poachers:

The Orang National Park of Assam was home to approximately 90 rhinos until 1996 when a major poaching epidemic broke out between 1997-2000 with more than 45 rhinos poached in a span of 4 years. This little-known national park then got the support of DSWF and their Assam based partner Aaranyak, as a result of which over 14 wireless hand sets and 3 base stations were sponsored to strengthen the anti-poaching patrols in 2000. Thanks to further funding by DSWF, the wildlife crime investigation project also run by Aaranyak has proved very successful. The resultant reduction in rhino poaching is well illustrated on the graph below. There was only one rhino poached in 2001; none in 2002, only 1 in 2003 and none in 2004. However the poaching threat has increased in 2005 with three rhinos having already been killed. The poachers involved in these three incidents have been identified, 3 of them have been arrested and the others remain in hiding. Poaching is thought to have increased this year due to the scarcity of Indian rhino products in the Asian markets and also due to the forthcoming political elections in Assam in 2006. It is widely believed that poachers are in the pay of some politicians in order to raise funds for their election campaigns.

More detailed investigations into this matter will be carried out to find out if there is any truth to these sensational rumours.

Every little contribution helps wildlife and remember 100% of your donation will go in full to the project - thank you!

You can also help by becoming a member of DSWF. Click here for more information

top of page