Operation Rhino - Jaldapara Sanctuary

Abstract

Jaldapara Sanctuary which comprises an area of 115 km² has been identified as one of the last refuges Of the Great Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis). The habitat is topical riverain subject to periodic flooding and an abundance of grasslands on the flood plains. However, during the recent past there has been some shift in the river course as a result of which tbe north-west part of the sanctuary is progressively being covered with tree growth to the detriment of the grasslands. The sanctuary is in the shape of a trousers with a large number of villages situated in between the two legs aod along the external boundaries. The rhinos in the sanctuary are under the greatest pressure from the poachers and over the past few years their number has alarmingly dwindled. The last rhino census carried out in 1980 estimated a population of 22. More often than not a rhino may not die on spot on being shot as the shots may be taken in haste, and may die a lingering and painful death from festering wounds. Cases where the shot has failed to pierce a vital organ but has nevertheless produced large wounds are quite common, Treatment of such wounds by surgery and medication may, in some cases save the life of the animal. In this paper an account has been given of how a wounded rhino was immobilized by tranquillising dart and then surgically operated upon on the 16th of May, 1982.