Rhinoceros Unicornis Research Articles

Human-Wildlife Interactions with an Emphasis on the Feral Water Buffalo and the Conservation Consequences for Indian Rhinoceros in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Interactions between humans and wildlife are common throughout the world. There are often conflicts between humans and wildlife, particularly in areas were human settlements and agricultural lands border protected wildlife habitats. There is often crop damage and livestock predation caused by these conflicts, as well as human injuries or deaths, which can present significant challenges for conservation efforts and local communities. In this study, we examined the phenomenon of buffaloes wandering into the fringe areas of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in order to understand the interaction between Feral Water Buffaloes and humans. These occurrences were studied to determine the causes and measures taken by local farmers to prevent them. This study involved field surveys, open-ended questionnaires, and community engagement over the course of eight months between July 2023 and February 2024. Based on our research, we identified zones of human-buffalo interaction within a 7-kilometer radius of the sanctuary where the most significant impacts occurred. Solitary buffaloes, rhinoceroses, and buffalo groups frequently stray out of the sanctuary, escalating tensions among villagers. Particularly solitary buffaloes posed a greater threat to humans than herds. In the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, cropping patterns, agricultural practices, and wildlife behavior have changed significantly, highlighting the need for targeted mitigation measures in order to maintain a peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife and to maintain rhinoceros’ populations. Keywords: Human-Wildlife interaction, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Feral Water Buffalo, Rhino, Conservation.

Nutritional profiles of some preferred food grasses of the greater one-horned rhinoceros before and after grassland burning in Manas National Park, India

The nutritional variations of food plants play a significant role in the health and population dynamics of wildlife. The body conditions of vulnerable greater one-horned (GOH) rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) in Manas National Park, Assam, India deteriorate noticeably during the late monsoon to winter, and improve after routine grassland burning, when rhinos feed on the newly emerged leaves and young shoots of grasses. To investigate this, we analysed the nutritional parameters of the leaves of five grass species preferred by rhinos, including three tall (Saccharum spontaneum, S.narenga and Imperata cylindrica) and two short grasses (Cynodon dactylon and Axonopus compressus), before and after grassland burning. Leaf samples were collected in triplicate from five different sites in MNP before (September) and after (March) grassland burning. Biochemical analyses showed the highest crude protein content in S. narenga before and after grassland burning. S. spontaneum and S. narenga had the highest and second highest fat contents, respectively, after grassland burning. Crude fibre content in S. narenga increased significantly (p < 0.05) after grassland burning, but not in the other two tall grasses. The total ash content and the acid-insoluble ash content increased significantly (p < 0.05) in post-burning samples of all five grasses. The short grasses A. compressus and C. dactylon showed the highest calcium and phosphorus contents, respectively, after grassland burning, highlighting their significance in the diets of GOH rhinos along with tall grasses with higher proximate nutrient contents, and their contribution to the improved health status of rhinos after grassland burning. This study will be helpful for improved management of rhino health and their habitats, essential to maintaining the progress made in MNP since the 2008 to 2012 GOH rhino reintroductions under the Rhino Vision 2020 initiative.

Asian rhinoceros species in early China: unravelling Si (兕) and Xi (犀) in historical Chinese records

Asian rhinoceros species in early China: unravelling Si (兕) and Xi (犀) in historical Chinese records

Serum 25(OH)D Analysis in Captive Pachyderms (Loxodonta africana, Elephas maximus, Diceros bicornis, Rhinoceros unicornis, Tapirus indicus) in Europe.

This study aimed to detect seasonal and species differences in serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations during summer and winter months in captive pachyderms in Europe. Both elephant species had low 25(OH)D while African elephants did not show a seasonal variation. Asian elephants had significantly higher 25(OH)D compared to their African counterparts but also did not show a seasonal difference. Both rhinoceros species investigated had higher 25(OH)D compared to both elephant species; the Indian rhinoceros had high circulating levels year-round, while the black rhinoceroses showed significantly lower 25(OH)D in winter. Malayan tapirs have very low 25(OH)D, comparable to horses. The higher 25(OH)D of elephants and rhinoceroses could indicate that elephants and rhinoceroses are capable of producing vitamin D. This might indicate that the Indian rhinoceroses are capable of producing enough endogenous vitamin D year-round at latitudes around 52° N, while both elephant species and the black rhinoceros are not. This study also showed that it is likely that both elephant species and rhinoceros species are capable of absorbing cholecalciferol from the digestive tract, according to the existing literature, while tapirs may not.

The Conservation Challenge: Environmental and Legal Aspects of One-Horned Rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) Protection in India

The natural environment, with its lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems, serves as a vital refuge for a wide array of majestic animals and vibrant plant life, playing a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of our planet's ecological systems. One particularly remarkable species, the Greater One-Horned Rhino, faces the serious and pressing threat of being classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to rampant poaching and the relentless loss of its natural habitat. In the Indian subcontinent, home to a significant population of these incredible creatures, the rhino's existence is under severe jeopardy, leading to distressing conflicts between human communities and the rhinos as the animals venture beyond protected areas in search of sustenance. Despite the presence of both national and international regulations, the peril to their existence persists, casting a shadow over their future. It is imperative that we take swift and effective measures to safeguard this magnificent species. This paper is dedicated to thoroughly examining the status of the Greater One-Horned Rhinos and to proposing practical and viable solutions aimed at ensuring their protection and survival for generations to come.

Detection and characterization of vector-borne parasites and Wolbachia endosymbionts in greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) in Nepal

Vector-borne parasite infections affect both domestic and wild animals. They are often asymptomatic but can result in fatal outcomes under natural and human-induced stressors. Given the limited availability of molecular data on vector-borne parasites in Rhinoceros unicornis (greater one-horned rhinoceros), this study employed molecular tools to detect and characterize the vector-borne parasites in rescued rhinoceros in Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Whole blood samples were collected from thirty-six R. unicornis during rescue and treatment operations. Piroplasmida infections were first screened using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting 18S ribosomal RNA gene. Wolbachia was detected by amplifying 16S rRNA gene, while filarial nematodes were detected through amplification of 28S rRNA, COI, myoHC and hsp70 genes. Our results confirmed the presence of Theileria bicornis with a prevalence of 75% (27/36) having two previously unreported haplotypes (H8 and H9). Wolbachia endosymbionts were detected in 25% (9/36) of tested samples and belonged to either supergroup C or F. Filarial nematodes of the genera Mansonella and Onchocerca were also detected. There were no significant association between T. bicornis infections and the age, sex, or location from which the animals were rescued. The high prevalence of Theileria with novel haplotypes along with filarial parasites has important ecological and conservational implications and highlights the need to implement parasite surveillance programs for wildlife in Nepal. Further studies monitoring vector-borne pathogens and interspecies transmission among wild animals, livestock and human are required.

Total intravenous anaesthesia maintenance with an infusion of butorphanol, ketamine and guaifenesin in two greater one‐horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis)

AbstractThis report describes the use of an ultrapotent, opioid‐free anaesthesia with an infusion of butorphanol, ketamine and guaifenesin in two captive adult male greater one‐horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis). Animals were premedicated intramuscularly with azaperone (0.05 mg/kg), butorphanol tartrate (0.05 and 0.02 mg/kg, respectively) and an α2‐agonist (detomidine 0.02 mg/kg and medetomidine 0.01 mg/kg, respectively). Once sternolaterally recumbent, rhinoceros were induced with intravenous ketamine (0.02 and 0.05 mg/kg, respectively) and midazolam (7.0 and 8.0 μg/kg, respectively). Intravenous infusions of guaifenesin (15.1 and 25 mg/kg/h, respectively) and of ketamine (22.5 and 29.1 μg/kg/h, respectively) and butorphanol (15.7 and 20.3 μg/kg/h, respectively), allowed stable anaesthesia maintenance for dental procedures to take place. Supplemental boluses of ketamine and α2‐agonist were required during noxious stimulation in both cases. Animals were reversed with intramuscular atipamezole (0.07–0.08 mg/kg) and naltrexone (0.06–0.08 mg/kg), with or without flumazenil (0.10 μg/kg), allowing smooth and quick recovery.

Seed dispersal effectiveness by greater one-horned rhinos and domestic bovids of a megafaunal fruit

The extinction of megafauna, such as rhinos, from tropical Asian forests may have detrimental effects on the regeneration of plant species that rely heavily on their dispersal services. Understanding the potential of other animals to substitute the ecological function of megafauna is important for predicting ecosystem change following declines or extirpation of megafauna. Anthropogenic activities have led to the presence of domestic bovids in many tropical habitats, and these animals could be capable of substituting seed dispersal roles of megafauna. Here, we conducted feeding trials, germination tests, and collected movement data on greater one-horned rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) and domestic bovids (Bos primigenius; Bubalus bubalis) in the national parks of Chitwan and Shuklaphanta, Nepal. Our aim was to investigate whether domestic bovids can serve as effective substitutes for rhinos in dispersing the megafaunal-fruited Mallotus nudiflorus, which are specialized for rhino dispersal. Specifically, we assessed the long-distance seed dispersal capabilities of rhinos and bovids by combining gut passage times and movement patterns. Additionally, we compared the seed germination success rates among rhinos, bovids and other dispersal modes (e.g., deer and water dispersal). We found that rhinos dispersed 80 percent of seeds over distances greater than 1 km, with potential dispersal distances of up to approximately 5.4 km within their maximum gut passage time. In contrast, cattle dispersed 20 percent of seeds over 1 km, with a maximum distance of around 2.2 km, while buffaloes dispersed 15 percent of seeds over 1 km, with a maximum distance of around 1.4 km. Seeds consumed by rhinos exhibited similar or better germination rates compared to seeds retrieved from cattle and buffalo dung, as well as other dispersal modes. These findings indicate that rhinos provide a functionally unique dispersal service for this megafaunal fruit, especially in long-distance dispersal. While domestic bovids can partially substitute the seed dispersal functions of rhinos, they cannot fully compensate for the loss of seed dispersal that occurs with the disappearance of rhinos.

Unveiling the mysteries of Asian herbivores resource partitioning in tropical wet-grassland ecosystem

Ecological niche partitioning is fundamental for the coexistence of sympatric species. However, the relationship between herbivore body size and forage availability on resource segregation and selection remains debatable. This study quantifies the niche differentiation and selectivity of forage species consumed by six Asian large herbivores (SLH), including mega-herbivores like Greater one-horned rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis), Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) and Asiatic wild buffalo (Bubalus arnee), and meso-herbivores like swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii), hog deer (Axis porcinus) and sambar (Rusa unicolor) in tropical wet-grasslands of the Brahmaputra floodplains. We hypothesized that body size influences dietary niche breadth and interspecific dietary similarities or dissimilarities, while forage availability influences forage selectivity among Asian herbivores. We used micro-histological technique, harvest method and Jacobs Index to quantify SLH foraging patterns, forage availability and preference, respectively. Results of the study revealed high niche breadth for elephant (0.56>Bs≤0.74) among mega-herbivores and for sambar (0.49>Bs≤0.64) among meso-herbivores. SLH showed a significant positive correlation between body size and niche breadth in wet season. High dietary overlap was recorded between buffalo and hog deer (0.79–0.86) and swamp deer and hog deer (0.75–0.86) among SLH, rhino and buffalo (0.80–0.83) among mega-herbivores, and swamp deer and hog deer (0.75–0.86) among meso-herbivores. High dietary dissimilarity was recorded between elephant and swamp deer (36–37 %), elephant and buffalo (27–33 %), and swamp deer and sambar (27–29 %). Compared to dry season (1354.54 ±641.30 g m˗2), significantly higher biomass was recorded in wet season (3026.93 ±1632.65 g m˗2; p<0.05). From dry to wet season, rhino, buffalo and hog deer shift their preferred forage from dicot to monocot. Dicot was the most preferred forage of elephant among mega-herbivores, and monocot of swamp deer and sambar among meso-herbivores. Mega- and meso-herbivores avoid invasives Merremia umbellata and Mimosa spp., while meso-herbivores avoid Mikania micrantha. Body size explains niche partitioning only for rhino, elephant and swamp deer. Forage availability contributed to niche breadth and forage preference. In conclusion, forage segregation, despite being challenging to interpret at taxonomic level, influences niche partitioning among mega- and meso-herbivores.

Participatory Security as Form of Control: Kaziranga National Park, India

Abstract ‘More security, more conservation’ is the mantra utilised by the Indian forest service to ensure the protection of flora and fauna. Aligned with international agreements aiming at securing wildlife and preserving forests, the Union and the State governments of India have adopted a series of green measures to ensure both the securitisation and participation of local communities in conservation efforts. This research article illustrates how participatory forms of conservation are employed to complement the securitisation of conservation, serving as a means to indirectly control people’s lives and create new environmental subjects. It does so through a case study of Kaziranga National Park, a biodiversity conservation hotspot in the northeastern state of Assam, renowned for the successful conservation of the Greater One-horned Rhino Rhinoceros unicornis. This ‘success’ emerges amidst critiques of its violent and militarised anti-poaching conservation measures and the efforts deployed to protect the rhino ‘at any cost’. The research article analyses the participatory protection mechanisms supported by state and non-state agencies to ensure the conservation of Kaziranga, primarily carried out through the revitalisation of two bodies: the eco-development committee and the voluntary defence organisation. The results demonstrate how soft forms of violence complement hard forms, thereby supporting a broader process of structural violence and national building in Assam. It shows how participatory mechanisms are used as ‘counterinsurgency practices.’ Abstract in Hindi: rb.gy/rhcrzz

GUT MICROBIOME DIVERSITY OF THREE RHINOCEROS SPECIES IN EUROPEAN ZOOS.

The wild rhinoceros populations have declined drastically in the past decades because the rhinoceros are heavily hunted for their horns. Zoological institutions aim to conserve rhinoceros populations in captivity, but one of the challenges of ex situ conservation is to provide food sources that resemble those available in the wild. Considering that the mammalian gut microbiota is a pivotal player in their host's health, the gut microbiota of rhinoceros may also play a role in the bioavailability of nutrients. Therefore, this study aims to characterize the fecal microbiome composition of grazing white rhinoceros (WR; Ceratotherium simum) and greater one-horned rhinoceros (GOHR; Rhinoceros unicornis) as well as the browsing black rhinoceros (BR; Diceros bicornis) kept in European zoos. Over the course of 1 yr, 166 fecal samples in total were collected from 9 BR (n = 39), 10 GOHR (n = 56), and 14 WR (n = 71) from 23 zoological institutions. The bacterial composition in the samples was determined using 16S rRNA gene Illumina sequencing. The fecal microbiomes of rhinoceros clustered by species, with BR clustering more distantly from GOHR and WR. Furthermore, the data report clustering of rhinoceros microbiota according to individual rhinoceros and institutional origin, showing that zoological institutions play a significant role in shaping the gut microbiome of rhinoceros species. In addition, BR exhibit a relatively higher microbial diversity than GOHR and WR. BR seem more susceptible to microbial gut changes and appear to have a more diverse microbiome composition among individuals than GOHR and WR. These data expand on the role of gut microbes and can provide baseline data for continued efforts in rhinoceros conservation and health status.

Vesicular stomatitis virus in two species of rhinoceros at a California zoological park.

To describe an outbreak of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) in southern white rhinoceros (SWR; Ceratotherium simum simum) and greater one-horned rhinoceros (GOHR; Rhinoceros unicornis) at a safari park in San Diego, CA, from May to September 2023. 21 SWR and 5 GOHR in professionally managed care. Rhinoceros of both species presented with a range of clinical signs and severities. Lesion locations were categorized as cutaneous (coronary bands, heels and soles, limbs, ventrum, neck folds, and ears) and mucocutaneous (lips, nostrils, mucous membranes of the oral cavity, and vulva). Clinical signs included lethargy, lameness, difficulty with prehension, hyporexia to anorexia, and hypersalivation. Severely affected rhinoceros had clinical pathology findings consistent with systemic inflammation. Vesicular stomatitis New Jersey virus was confirmed via PCR from swabs of lesions in 10/26 (38%) rhinoceros. Of these 10 confirmed cases, 9 (90%) were SWR and 1 (10%) was a GOHR. A further 6/26 (24%) were considered probable cases, and 10/26 (38%) were considered suspect cases based on clinical signs, but the inability to appropriately sample due to the housing environment precluded confirmation. Histopathology samples from 3 rhinoceros were consistent with VSV, and viral RNA was localized in histologic lesions via RNA in situ hybridization for 1 case. All rhinoceros survived infection despite severe systemic illness in 2 animals. This case series describes the clinical appearance and progression of VSV in 2 rhinoceros species. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of VSV in a rhinoceros.

Biometrical Analysis of the Indian One Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros Unicornis) in Laal Suhanra National Park, Pakistan

The Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), commonly referred to as the Indian Rhinoceros, is an endangered species inhabiting the floodplains and grasslands of the Indian subcontinent. Once abundant, the species now faces a vulnerable status in its homeland, as confirmed by the International Union for The Conservation of Nature IUCN’s assessment. Objective: To record Rhinoceros unicornis' biometric body measurements for the first time. Methods: The following study delves into the significance of body biometry data for the conservation of this remarkable species Indian One Horned Rhinoceros housed at Lal Suhanra National Park, Punjab, Pakistan. In order to give conservationists, the resources they need to develop more effective methods involving habitat management, population monitoring, and captive breeding programs, a thorough analysis of the physical characteristics, growth trends, and sexual dimorphism of 42-year-old Indian Rhinos via the evaluation of the body measurements was conducted. Results: This study presents comprehensive body measurements of the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros which have never been published before. The length of the rhino itself spanned 143 inches, encapsulating the magnitude of this magnificent creature. These insightful observations are crucial for protecting the threatened species, particularly considering the growing threats caused by habitat loss, poaching, and the effects of climate change. Conclusions: Biometric analysis of large mammals assumes a pivotal role when designing enclosures and estimating the enclosure dimensions.

Correlates and impacts of human-mammal conflict in the central part of Chitwan Annapurna Landscape, Nepal

Crop damage, predation on domestic animals and human attacks are often associated with human-wildlife conflict. The abundance and encounter rate of wild mammals are often associated with human wildlife conflict. Crop damage, livestock depredation and human injury and their relation with environmental factors and encounter rate of the mammals was evaluated in the central region of Chitwan Annapurna Landscape. The abundance and the encounter rate of large mammals were determined by dividing the study area into four different study blocks (A, B, C and D) based on river course and topography. A total of 150 transects (average length = 3.18 ± 0.11 km), were administrated for data collection. Similarly, information on human-wildlife conflict was collected using 600 semi-structured questionnaires (150 from each block). The chital was the most abundant mammal (encounter rate (ER) = 1.49 and relative abundance (RA) = 55.45%) in block A whereas muntjac had the highest encounter rate in blocks B, C and D (ER = 0.34, 0.31, 0.79 respectively) but the relative abundance of rhesus was comparatively higher in blocks B, C and D. The signs of tiger were reported from block A only whereas signs of leopard were reported from all blocks. But signs of Himalayan black bear were reported from B, C and D. The encounter rate of the mammals correlated with the monetary loss caused by them. Greater one-horned rhino, wild pig and chital in lowland and monkeys, northern red muntjac, and Himalayan black bear in mid-hills (blocks B, C and D) were the principal crop raiders with a total average annual loss of US$ 11.45 per household. Similarly, the total annual monetary loss by livestock depredation was US$ 76.60 per household. This study evaluated the encounter rate of mammals and their effects on the conflict with people. However, the negative effects arrived from human-wildlife conflicts always threaten large mammals. Hence, this study suggests future intensive studies related to mitigation and prevention methods to mitigate the issues of human-wildlife conflicts.

Empire, Nature and Agrarian World: A History of Rhino Preservation in the Kaziranga Game Reserve, India (1902–1938)

The greater one-horned rhinoceros or Indian rhinoceros ( Rhinoceros unicornis ) faced extinction in British India at the end of the nineteenth century. In 1908, the Government of Assam established the Kaziranga Game Reserve (KGR, now Kaziranga National Park) to preserve the vanishing rhino. As the twentieth century progressed, creating wilderness – by demonising the presence of the peasants and graziers – became a global panacea for protecting wildlife. Contrary to that belief, this article will show how the rhino population revived amidst human existence dictated by agro-ecological interactions and bureaucratic expediencies. The rhino’s ethology and its place in the imagination of rural people minimised its enemies. Moreover, in fluvial geography that constantly transformed the KGR’s boundaries, peasants and graziers creatively negotiated their usufruct rights and supported rhino preservation. Locating the KGR in the historical analysis of fluvial agro-ecology, this study illuminates how a critical interaction between different actors, i.e. human and non-human and coloniser and colonised, accentuated the cultural and material contestations amidst which the rhino eventually survived.

23 An improved understanding of ovulation timing in two rhinoceros species (Rhinoceros unicornis, Ceratotherium simum simum): ultrasound examination of preovulatory follicles before and after ovulation induction

23 An improved understanding of ovulation timing in two rhinoceros species (Rhinoceros unicornis, Ceratotherium simum simum): ultrasound examination of preovulatory follicles before and after ovulation induction

Parturition and Neonatal Parameters of Three Species of Rhinoceros under Managed Care in the United States

Rhinoceros species range from near threatened to critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching. A sustainable ex situ breeding population is critically important to maintain genetic diversity and help ensure the survival of the species; however, not all populations under human care are self-sustaining. While rhinoceros reproductive physiology and pathology have been well studied, there is still a paucity of information describing the normal parameters of parturition and neonatal landmarks. Using video recordings, medical records, and keeper logs, we reviewed and compared data regarding the parturition of three rhinoceros species (black rhinoceros (BR) (Diceros bicornis), n = 4; greater one-horned rhinoceros (GOHR) (Rhinoceros unicornis), n = 21; and southern white rhinoceros (SWR) (Ceratotherium simum simum), n = 22) managed under human care in the United States. Using equine parameters as a model for comparison, we compiled the following data: the signs of impending parturition, durations of the parturition phases, calving presentation, frequency of dystocia or stillbirth, and time from birth to neonatal landmarks. Data from 47 births, including 26 videos, were examined. The durations of parturition phases I, II, and III had median lengths of 153 min (n = 18), 28 min (n = 21), and 205 min (n = 15), respectively. Anterior presentation of the calf was observed in 59% births, whereas posterior presentation occurred in 41% births. Posterior calving presentation was associated with a longer phase II of parturition (p = 0.04), although more data are needed to determine whether the posterior presentation of the calf carries a higher risk for stillbirth. Most (83%) stillbirths occurred in GOHR, indicating that this species might be at a higher risk for stillbirth compared to SWR (17%) (p = 0.07). The median time from birth to the calf standing was longer in the GOHR (64 min) compared to the SWR (30 min) (p = 0.02). Detailed descriptions of the parturition parameters and neonatal landmarks in rhinoceros will aid facilities with rhinoceros breeding programs to recognize abnormalities in the parturient or post-partum periods and guide indications for veterinary intervention.

Behaviour and habitat preferences of translocated rhinos (Rhinoceros unicornis) at Manas National Park, Assam, India

Manas National Park (MNP) is located in the foothills of the Himalayas along the border between India and Bhutan. The original greater one-horned rhino population (Rhinoceros unicornis) of the Park was annihilated in the year 2000 by poaching. Less than a decade later, a new rhino population was reintroduced with the support of Indian Rhino Vision 2020, as part of a wider programme that included infrastructure improvements, anti-poaching schemes, and other management interventions. Between 2008 and 2021, 22 rhinos were translocated to MNP from Kaziranga National Park (KNP) and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary (PWS). Post-release monitoring was carried out over a six-year period, from 2008–2013, during which 10 animals (three adult males, four adult females, and three calves) were monitored continuously, using radio telemetry to track collared animals, and direct observation to monitor their behaviour. The study period yielded 4,941 radio-tracked locations and 3,711 observations, which provided sex/age specific seasonal data on activity patterns, home ranges, association patterns, habitat preferences, and ‘stray incidents’ when animals wandered outside the Park boundaries. Some differences from behaviour patterns observed in high flood-risk areas such as KNP and PWS were attributable to MNP’s slightly higher elevation that protects rhinos from annual river floods. Overall, however, the translocated rhinos did not exhibit significant differences in their behaviour and ranging patterns compared to wild rhino populations documented in previous studies. This suggests that the translocated rhinos were able to adapt effectively to their new environment. The first calf was born to a translocated adult female in 2011 and, by 2022, the population of rhinos in MNP was estimated at 50 individuals, including 38 calves born following the reintroduction. This study demonstrates the potential of well-managed translocation schemes to contribute to the recovery of endangered rhinos.

Empire, Nature and Agrarian World: A History of Rhino Preservation in the Kaziranga Game Reserve, India (1902–1938)

The greater one-horned rhinoceros or Indian rhinoceros ( Rhinoceros unicornis ) faced extinction in British India at the end of the nineteenth century. In 1908, the Government of Assam established the Kaziranga Game Reserve (KGR, now Kaziranga National Park) to preserve the vanishing rhino. As the twentieth century progressed, creating wilderness – by demonising the presence of the peasants and graziers – became a global panacea for protecting wildlife. Contrary to that belief, this article will show how the rhino population revived amidst human existence dictated by agro-ecological interactions and bureaucratic expediencies. The rhino’s ethology and its place in the imagination of rural people minimised its enemies. Moreover, in fluvial geography that constantly transformed the KGR’s boundaries, peasants and graziers creatively negotiated their usufruct rights and supported rhino preservation. Locating the KGR in the historical analysis of fluvial agro-ecology, this study illuminates how a critical interaction between different actors, i.e. human and non-human and coloniser and colonised, accentuated the cultural and material contestations amidst which the rhino eventually survived.

Plastic ingestion by greater one-horned rhinos in Nepal: An emerging conservation threat

Plastic pollution is potentially a major threat to the health of terrestrial organisms, including megafauna, but its effects are relatively understudied compared to marine ecosystems. Here we document the presence of plastic macro-particles in the dung of the greater one-horned rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) in the Terai landscape of Nepal. Field data were collected deep within Chitwan National Park and its fringe zone during the monsoon and post-monsoon season of 2020, 2021 and 2022. Over three years, we recorded plastic in ∼10% of 258 rhino dungs piles. This is an underestimate since we did not record micro-particles or search entire dungs. More dungs located deep within the national park (core zone) contained plastic compared to the fringe zone and we recorded no difference in plastic incidence between riverine forest and floodplain grasslands. Rhinos do not appear to target garbage dumps as food sources but are exposed to plastic when foraging. The plastic is carried down river during monsoonal floods and deposited in rhino habitat as the flood waters recede. The relatively higher rate of plastic detection in rhino dungs from the core zone is probably due to details of rhino ranging, and is a potential threat to other wildlife in the river floodplains. We recommend more detailed studies on the patterns and effects of plastic ingestion by rhinos and other wildlife. A comprehensive waste management system within the landscape is required to reduce such threats.