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The rhino carcass in Jaldapara east range on Wednesday
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Alipurduar, Sept. 19: The carcass of an adult male rhino was found in Jaldapara National Park last night. Foresters suspect the animal died while fighting with another rhino in the east range of the park where most rhinos are found.
This is the third rhino to have died in the past one month while fighting with another animal. Foresters of Jaldapara think limited supply of food is the reason for such incidents.
Yesterday the carcass was spotted around 9.30pm.
“We are worried as three male rhinos have died in the park in the past one month. Over the last two decades, the number of rhinos has increased but unfortunately the improvement and extension of their habitat has not taken place. We suspect rhinos are fighting among themselves for food and some are getting killed,” Rajendra Jakhar, the divisional forest officer, wildlife III, said.
Jaldapara sanctuary, spread over an area of 216sqkm, has always been famous for the one-horned rhinos.
According to foresters, in 1984 there were 14 rhinos in the sanctuary. But the numbers have increased over the years. Last year, census reports revealed that there were 160 rhinos.
But the grassland area has not increased proportionately with the rhino population.
“We have started extending the grasslands in the sanctuary now,” Jakhar said.
Normally grass is planted during May and June. The bushes are allowed to grow for around three years during which animals feed on them. After three years, the grass is burnt, the area cleared and new saplings are planted.
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