Bihar to constitute 'Rhino Task Force' for reintroduction of rhino conservation scheme in Valmiki Tiger Reserve

The Bihar government is now all set to constitute a ‘Rhino Task Force’ for suggesting measures for the reintroduction of the terrestrial mammals in the Valmiki Tiger Reserve

After a substantial increase in the number of tigers in Bihar, the State government is now all set to constitute a 'Rhino Task Force' for suggesting measures for the reintroduction of the terrestrial mammals in the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) in West Champaran district, an official said.

At present there is only one rhino in VTR and 14 rhinos in Patna Zoo, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden P K Gupta said.

"After the reintroduction of the Rhino Conservation scheme, the number of rhinos will substantially increase in the VTR", Gupta told PTI.

“VTR has been selected as one of the potential sites under the National Rhino Conservation strategy where rhinos may be brought from other reserves in the country.”

"A committee was set up to assess the habitat and security conditions in VTR and to suggest measures for reintroduction of rhinos in the reserve, about two years back," the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of forests said.

The committee recently submitted its report to the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (DEFCC). Now the State government is preparing to constitute a 'Rhino Task Force' for suggesting measures for the reintroduction of rhinos in the VTR, he said.

"The process of the reintroduction of the rhino scheme in VTR will start on the basis of the recommendations of the task force", said Gupta.