Global News - May 2008

< Back to Global News

Indian government looks to tackle rhino poaching

Thu 08 May 2008 14:00 UK — Asia,Elephants, Rhinos, Hippos

A sharp rise in rhino poaching in the north of India has forced officials to drastically increase the number of guards deployed to protect the rare animal.

Late in April, local reports suggested that two rhinos were killed in the Kaziranga National Park in the state of Assam. The incident means that around ten of the animals have been killed by poachers in the region since the beginning of the year.

Now, Reuters has reported that authorities are hoping extras park rangers will curb the illegal activity.

In an interview with the news agency, Assam forest minister Rockybul Hussain said: "We are increasing the number of guards in Kaziranga because of a recent increase in poaching, and a probe has also been ordered."

However, local wildlife experts said that the extra wardens would not reduce poaching unless the government improved working conditions for them.

They explained that the park guards often had to use old equipment to try to catch organised gangs of poachers kitted out with the latest gadgets and weapons.

Less than 3,000 Indian rhinos are thought to survive in the wild. Of these, around 1,800 live in the Kaziranga National Park.

Help IAR rescue and rehabilitate endangered wildlife.

News brought to you by International Animal Rescue, leaders in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.

< Back to Global News   |   Read IAR News

Read IAR News >