Dudhwa Tiger Reserve Division, in partnership with WWF-India, has achieved another milestone in rhino conservation with the successful release of two additional rhinos into the wild. This brings the total number of free-ranging rhinos in Dudhwa to four.
This significant step is part of an ongoing effort to establish a self-sustaining rhino population in the region. The use of advanced scientific techniques such as radio collaring ensures the continued monitoring and protection of these magnificent creatures as they adapt to their new environment.
The operation involved the planned relocation of two rhinos from among approximately 46 rhinos that had been living inside a fenced rehabilitation zone of 27 square kilometers in the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve for over four decades.
Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, the UP Forest Department, and 1996-batch UP cadre IFS officer Ramesh Pandey shared the news on the social media platform Twitter.
Today two more rhinos release out of their large enclosures in Dudhwa. Another milestone achieved in a long journey of translocation of rhinos in Terai. It took 4 decades to get reintroduced population of rhinos stabilise and finally released in the wild. Kudos to all involved. pic.twitter.com/aPw6FeV6Oq
— Ramesh Pandey (@rameshpandeyifs) March 27, 2025
The UP Forest Department stated that, under the leadership of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve Field Director Dr. Raja Mohan, Deputy Director Dr. Rengaraju T, and WWF Terai Head Dr. Mudit Gupta, a male and a female rhinoceros, aged between 15 and 20 years, were identified with the help of elephants and their trained mahouts.
दुधवा टाईगर रिजर्व के फील्ड डायरेक्टर डॉ. राजा मोहन, डिप्टी डायरेक्टर दुधवा डॉ. रेंगाराजू टी और डब्लू. डब्लू. एफ. के तराई हेड डॉ. मुदित गुप्ता के नेतृत्व में के हाथियों और उनके प्रशिक्षित महावतों की मदद से 15 से 20 वर्ष की आयु के एक नर और एक मादा गैंडे की पहचान की (5/6) pic.twitter.com/rAc9xI6Pfq
— Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department (@UpforestUp) March 27, 2025
It is known that two rhinos were released in November of last year. WWF-India, the technical partner for rhino conservation in Uttar Pradesh, has supported the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department in the historic rhino relocation campaign at Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.
The achievement highlights the collaborative efforts of the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, WWF-India, Palia Government Hospital, and all other stakeholders involved in this conservation success.
Dudhwa, once renowned for its tigers, is now emerging as a stronghold for rhinos, marking a new chapter in the region’s wildlife conservation story. This historic accomplishment is a proud moment for all involved in preserving the biodiversity of the area.
