Return of the Rhino in Indian park

18juni2008
Source: vroegevogels.vara.nl
Only a short time ago, two male rhinos were introduced in Manas National Park in India. Shortly they will receive company of two females. It's the first time in a decade that rhinos can be spotted in Manas.
Manas National Park is situated in the Northern Indian state of Assam. It borders Bhutan and forms the habitat of tigers, dwarf swines, elephants, and, until 1996, Indian rhinos. The nature reserve has been on the World Heritage List of UNESCO since 1985.
During the end of the eighties and the beginning of the nineties, there has been heavy fighting in Assam. The different population groups fought for power, each wanting to create an independent state. This did a lot of damage to the park Manas and poachers could do as they pleased. This led to the end of the rhinos in park Manas in 1996.
Now, peace has returned to the area. A lot has been rebuild in Manas National Park, such as the watch towers and roads. Cabins have been created to lodge eco tourists. The local inhabitants no longer fight each other, but have joined their powers against the poachers.
It is time for the rhinoceros to return to Manas. This large movement is coordinated by WWF India.
The new rhinos come from Pobitora, another park in Assam. This park has the largest density of rhinos in entire India. There are so many rhinos that they strip the entire park bare. Moving some of the animals to Manas, will take the pressure of Pobitora. It therefore serves both ends. And by reintroducing the rhino in Manas, the park will become even more attracting for eco tourism, which will boost the local economy.