IRV 2020 programme: WWF-India has been working on rhino conservation for over four decades. As part of this work, in partnership with the Assam Forest Department and other organizations, WWF-India initiated the Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (IRV 2020) in 2005. The vision of the programme is to increase the total rhino population in Assam to about 3,000 by the year 2020 and just as significantly ensure that these rhinos are distributed over at least seven protected areas to provide long-term viability of an Assam metapopulation of the species. This will be achieved by adopting the following three-pronged strategy: 1.Enhance protection in the existing rhino-bearing areas. 2.Undertake range expansion through translocations to re-introduce rhinos in potential rhino habitats (Manas NP, Dibru Saikhowa WLS and Laokhowa–Bura Chapori WLS) from existing rhino bearing areas (Pobitora WLS and Kaziranga NP). 3.Secure and manage the habitats for rhinos. To date, a total of 18 rhinos have been translocated from Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary and Kaziranga National Park to Manas National Park. Recently, one of the translocated rhinos gave birth to a calf in Manas NP. All the rhinos released in Manas are monitored on a daily basis and the rhinos are observed to be doing well, using all the three ranges of the park. PA support: Support is being provided in all the rhino-bearing areas of the state for enhancing security infrastructure and capacity-building of frontline forest staff. Community engagement: To seek their support towards rhino conservation and making them aware about IRV2020 in the state, more than 25,000 villagers (including school children) have been reached out to in Manas and other rhino-bearing areas until now.In partnership with local NGO’s and the State Agriculture Department, the livelihood options of the communities living on the fringes of the park are being developed by undertaking agriculture support programs. A pilot programme to reduce fuelwood consumption has been undertaken by promoting the use of solar energy and energy-efficient chulhas in the villages around Manas NP. Plans are in place to prepare Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) and Burachapori WLS to receive rhino populations. In addition, protection and security status in Manas NP will continue to be enhanced as well as increased activities to garner community support for rhino conservation.
Posted on: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 05:33:37 +0000
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