Project update - January 2007

Global move to save rhinos by Roopak Goswami

Article appearing in The Indian Telegraph - 18th January 2007

Guwahati, Jan. 17: The recent rise in rhino killings with the help of new techniques has prompted an international initiative to keep tabs on poachers and maintain a database on incidents of rhino trade in Assam and other parts of the Northeast.

The initiative, launched by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) with the support of Save the Rhino International, will involve continued undercover monitoring of routes used for smuggling rhino horns out of Assam.

The project, "Conservation of rhino in India and strategy framework to reduce rhino poaching in range countries," will be located in Assam and the work will be done by Aaranyak - a leading biodiversity conservation society of the Northeast - and the London-based David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation.

Work will start from this month and initially continue for a year, depending upon funds raised for the project.

Assam is home to an estimated 70 per cent of the world's remaining one-horned rhino population, which numbers approximately 2,400.

Sources said despite a considerable decline in incidents of poaching in Assam, the illegal trade couldn't be stopped altogether, prompting conservation agencies to address the issue. The number of rhinos being killed now is pegged at seven to 10 in a year.

Aaranyak's secretary-general Bibhab Talukdar said they would work in tandem with enforcement agencies to collect information on the poachers arrested.

On November 16, Bokakhat police seized a Swiss-made tranquilliser gun, along with accessories and a US-made carbine from a hideout near Kaziranga National Park. A senior forest official had said the new poaching technique was a big a challenge for them. "There's an urgent need to re-examine the entire anti-poaching strategy in Assam," he said.

The funds raised by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria( EAZA)with the support of Save the Rhino International will be used to pay salaries of staff and for purchase a patrol vehicle, besides hiring other cars and cash rewards. A publication - Rhino Conservation Beyond 2000 - will be brought out at the completion of the project.

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