Dudhwa Tiger Reserve Launches Phase III of Rhino Reintroduction Program
In a significant advancement for wildlife conservation, the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) in Pilibhit has officially commenced Phase III of its ambitious rhino reintroduction program. This critical initiative, launched on Saturday, involves the release of six greater one-horned rhinos into the open forest over a four-day period. The primary objective is to strengthen genetic diversity and break the persistent cycle of inbreeding that has plagued rhinos within fenced rehabilitation enclosures.
Preparations and Genetic Selection
Ahead of the operation, authorities conducted a comprehensive full-scale mock drill on Saturday. This exercise involved forest teams, WWF-India experts, veterinarians, and twelve trained elephants to ensure seamless coordination and safety. A pivotal shift from earlier efforts, this phase focuses on selecting rhinos that are not genetically related. DNA analysis of dung samples at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) confirmed that the chosen individuals do not share the same gene pool, thereby promoting a healthier and more resilient population.
Operational Details and Expert Supervision
Field director H Rajamohan provided detailed insights into the operation. Of the six targeted pachyderms, two males and four females will be released. Initially, six males and ten females were shortlisted through rigorous surveillance based on health, age—up to 22 years for females and 25 for males—and non-violent behavior. Females that are not pregnant will be made free range. Rajamohan emphasized, "We are in receipt of their DNA test reports shared by Dr Samrat Mondol at WII. Based on this, six pachyderms will be darted for comprehensive medical examination and radio collaring."
The operation is under the expert supervision of Padma Shri awardee Dr KK Sharma, head of surgery and radiology at the College of Veterinary Science in Guwahati. Additionally, Dr Amit Sharma, national lead of rhino conservation at WWF in Guwahati, along with WWF scientist Dr G Areendran from Delhi and veterinary expert Dr Yogesh Pratap Singh from Gorakhpur Zoo, are integral parts of the exercise.
Soft Release Technique and Monitoring
Unlike the hard release method adopted in previous phases, where four rhinos were released directly into the open forest, authorities are applying the soft release technique this time. Rajamohan explained, "The targeted rhinos will first be kept in a separate fenced enclosure measuring 3 to 5 square kilometers for 10 days before their release." This enclosure features grasslands, woodlands, and waterbodies, facilitating adaptation while experts study their behavior.
Radio collars will be removed once the rhinos adapt to the wild. In December last year, collars were removed from one male and two of the three females released earlier. However, under a decision by the Rhino Core Group, the fourth female continues to be monitored as she has given birth to a calf and requires protection from wild carnivores.
Historical Context and Population Growth
Dudhwa Tiger Reserve currently boasts a population of 49 greater one-horned rhinos, a remarkable increase from 1984 when Project Rhino began with just five animals relocated from Nepal and Assam. Earlier efforts saw three rhinos—one male and two females aged between 10 and 15 years—made free range with Iridium satellite collars in November 2024, against a target of releasing one male and three females. After the male returned to the enclosure, authorities released another male and one female in March 2025.
This Phase III reintroduction program represents a crucial step in ensuring the long-term viability and genetic health of the rhino population at Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, contributing significantly to global conservation efforts.
