https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Dudhwa’s Historic Move to Free-Range Rhinos

Four rhinos—one male and three females—were fitted with radio collars and released into the open park area of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. Read the full article to get more information. 
Indian Masterminds Stories

The reintroduction of the one-horned rhinoceros into Dudhwa Tiger Reserve has reached an important milestone in conservation efforts. While the species once thrived in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, it became locally extinct due to habitat loss and poaching long before independence. In 1984, a successful reintroduction effort brought rhinos from Assam to Dudhwa, and since then, their population has steadily grown. Today, over 50 rhinos inhabit two protected areas within the reserve. However, the latest move to “free-range” these rhinos—releasing them from fenced enclosures into the open areas of the park—marks a significant new chapter in the region’s conservation strategy.

THE ORIGINAL REINTRODUCTION EFFORT 

Field Director of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, IFS officer Lalit Kumar Verma, explained the broader vision behind this initiative. “The original reintroduction of the rhinos was done in 1984, when the natural population was wiped out from this area. The region has characteristics similar to those of Assam and Nepal, making it an ideal habitat for rhinos. Since then, the population has grown, but they have been confined to fenced enclosures,” Mr. Verma shared with Indian Masterminds

The fenced enclosures, fitted with sonar fencing for added security, provided a safe and controlled environment for the rhinos to flourish. However, the long-term goal has always been to allow the rhinos to roam freely in the open, where they can interact with the rhino population from neighbouring Nepal. Mr. Verma noted that the plan to make the rhinos free-ranging serves a dual purpose: “We are releasing the rhinos to strengthen the gene pool and allow them to interact with rhinos from Nepal. This interaction is crucial for preventing genetic weakening, which was happening due to the limited gene diversity in the captive-bred population.”

THE FREE-RANGING INITIATIVE 

In this process, four rhinos—one male and three females—were fitted with radio collars and released into the open park area. This new approach to rhino conservation is being carefully monitored through a combination of GPS tracking and manual patrolling. “Half a dozen teams have been formed to monitor the rhinos. They will track the animals through GPS and also conduct manual patrolling. This exercise will last for two months, but it may be extended for up to a year until the rhinos adapt fully to their new surroundings.”

One of the key advantages of this new initiative is its potential to ease the growing population pressure within the existing 27-square-kilometre fenced area, which has been the rhinos’ home since their reintroduction. By allowing the rhinos to roam freely across the larger park, the risk of overcrowding is minimised, and the ecosystem remains balanced.

STRENGTHENING THE GENE POOL 

The presence of rhinos from neighbouring Nepal further adds to the importance of the free-ranging process. “Rhinos from Nepal frequently visit Dudhwa’s forests. These rhinos not only share the same habitat but also mate with the rhinos here, helping to introduce fresh genetic material. This interaction between the Dudhwa and Nepal populations is essential for ensuring that the gene pool remains diverse and robust for future generations,” the official said.

MONITORING AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT 

While the free-ranging experiment is a major step forward, it comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most pressing is ensuring the successful coexistence of humans and wildlife. The reserve is surrounded by villages and communities that have lived alongside elephants, tigers, and other wildlife for years. As rhinos are released into open areas, it is vital to educate these communities on the importance of peaceful coexistence.

Mr. Verma emphasised the need for community involvement in the project’s success. “The communities living on the fringes of the reserve must be educated to coexist with the rhinos, just as they have lived alongside elephants and tigers for decades. We need their support in ensuring that the rhinos do not face any harm or disturbance as they adapt to their new environment.”

LONG-TERM CONSERVATION GOALS

The success of the free-ranging initiative will depend on effective monitoring, community education, and continued collaboration with conservationists and local authorities. By allowing these rhinos to roam freely, the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is taking an important step not just for the rhinos but for the broader ecological health of the region. As Mr. Verma aptly put it, “It is crucial that these rhinos have the freedom to interact with their counterparts in Nepal. This interaction will help strengthen the gene pool, ensuring that Dudhwa’s rhino population remains genetically healthy for years to come.”


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
IAS Officers Indian Administrative Services
Empanelment, NOCs, and Delays: Why Fewer UP Officers Are Reaching the Centre
BSF logo resized
IPS Mahesh Kumar Agarwal Appointed ADG of BSF Eastern Command, Succeeds Ravi Gandhi - Know More About Him
IPS-logo-resized_new
3 Senior IPS Officers Reassigned in Odisha After Central Deputation, Susanta Kumar Nath Made DG, Prisons and Correctional Services
IAS Sanjeev Hans
Suspended IAS Officer Sanjeev Hans Booked in New Vigilance Case Alongside Rishu Ranjan Sinha
NBCC-CIIMoU
NBCC and CII Join Hands to Establish Multi-Skill Training Institute and Model Career Centre in Delhi
Bank of India_BOI-resized
Bank of India and Sa-Dhan Sign MoU to Boost Financing for Small and Women-Led Enterprises
ITI Limited
ITI Limited Receives ₹50 Crore Tranche from C-DOT Following Revised AMRCD Order for Land Transfer Deal 
ONGC_resized
PESB Initiates Process to Appoint New CMD at ONGC Ahead of Arun Kumar Singh's Retirement
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IMG-20250429-WA0019
How Mission IAS is Transforming Dreams of Underprivileged UPSC Aspirants
Aakash Garg
Computer Engineer Aakash Garg Takes AIR-5 in UPSC CSE 2024 Through Sheer Discipline And Hard Work | Exclusive
Sandeep M Tamgadge
How IPS Sandeep M Tamgadge’s Journey Can Guide Your UPSC Preparation
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
Abhishek Vashishtha
Eight Years of Struggle to AIR 14, Meet Delhi’s Abhishek Vashishtha 
Hanging mid-air on a rock-climbing module, Abhishek Vashishtha learned he had secured AIR 14 in UPSC....
Anju Singh UPSC
From COVID Dream to AIR 60: The Unlikely Journey of Anju Singh, Who Cracked UPSC in Her 4th Attempt | Exclusive
Anju Singh, an IIT Kharagpur Economics graduate, pursued UPSC with unwavering dedication. After four...
WhatsApp Image 2025-04-30 at 14.21
At 40, with Two Kids, Hearing Impairment, and a Dream, Nisa Unnirajan Made It: AIR-1000, CSE 2024
At 40, juggling motherhood, a full-time job, and a hearing disability, Nisa Unnirajan cleared UPSC in...
Social Media
Shakti Dubey AIR 1
UPSC Rank 1 Shakti Dubey's Success Sparks Debate on Civil Services Examination System, Ex-IPS Officer Raises Questions
Shakti Dubey’s UPSC Rank 1 success has sparked debate after ex-IPS officer Yashovardhan Azad questioned...
IAS Pulkit Garg
Central Jail Road Transforms into a Vibrant People-Centric Street in Varanasi
This road has been given a soul, the soul of a musical path, adorned with pink enamel folk art and every...
Rajan Singh Ex-IPS
Ex-IPS Officer Rajan Singh Shares Powerful Insight on Influence through Action
Mr. Rajan Singh is an ex-IPS officer of the 1997-batch (Kerala cadre) and founder of HabitStrong Org...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
IAS Officers Indian Administrative Services
Empanelment, NOCs, and Delays: Why Fewer UP Officers Are Reaching the Centre
BSF logo resized
IPS Mahesh Kumar Agarwal Appointed ADG of BSF Eastern Command, Succeeds Ravi Gandhi - Know More About Him
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IMG-20250429-WA0019
Aakash Garg
Sandeep M Tamgadge
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT