GUWAHATI: Two rhinos have made a triumphant return to the Laokhowa and Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary after an approximately 40-year hiatus, following a successful anti-encroachment operation.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the news, expressing joy over the return of these iconic creatures.
CM Sarma stated, "Happy to share that after 40 years, our iconic Rhinos have returned to Laokhowa and Burachapori. They have returned within one year of our successful anti-encroachment operation in the region. 51.7 sq km of forest cover was retrieved from the evictions in 2023."
Until 1983, the Laokhowa-Burachapori complex in Nagaon district was home to a population of 45-50 rhinos. However, due to poaching and habitat degradation from anthropogenic pressure, their numbers dwindled.
The government has appointed new recruits and filled vacancies, with 75 frontline positions (Dy Ranger, Forester 1, Forest Guard) assigned in the protected area, as per media reports. Besides rhinos, the sanctuary is also home to a record of 10 tigers. Laokhowa and Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary stands out as one of the few protected areas in the country with an excellent habitat of freshwater mangroves.
