<div>by G. ANANTHAKRISHNAN
The birth of a Greater One-horned Rhinoceros calf about ten days ago in Dudhwa National Park, Uttar Pradesh, is being seen as proof of continuing success of the programme to reintroduce the species in the habitat that began in 1984.
Starting with a population of seven under the plan, the 27 square kilometre area now hosts 31 rhinos including the new addition. As with several other parts of northern India, this area recorded the presence of Rhinoceros unicornis even in the 19th century, but habitat loss and excessive hunting decimated its numbers. The reintroduction programme, which was actively supported by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, began in a region of the park with an ideal mix of grassland, woodland and wetland.
Union Minister for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh told The Hindu,
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The birth of a Greater One-horned Rhinoceros calf about ten days ago in Dudhwa National Park, Uttar Pradesh, is being seen as proof of continuing success of the programme to reintroduce the species in the habitat that began in 1984.
Starting with a population of seven under the plan, the 27 square kilometre area now hosts 31 rhinos including the new addition. As with several other parts of northern India, this area recorded the presence of Rhinoceros unicornis even in the 19th century, but habitat loss and excessive hunting decimated its numbers. The reintroduction programme, which was actively supported by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, began in a region of the park with an ideal mix of grassland, woodland and wetland.
Union Minister for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh told The Hindu,
More...