Gorumara National Park and Greater One-Horned Rhino

Increase in Rhino Population

• The population of one-horned rhinos in Gorumara National Park (Jalpaiguri, West Bengal) has increased due to the recent birth of two rhino calves.

• This positive development reflects the success of ongoing conservation efforts in the park.

About Gorumara National Park

Location and Area

• Located in Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal.

• Declared a National Park in 1992.

• Covers an area of approximately 79.45 square kilometers.

Geography and Environment

• Situated on the banks of the Murti and Raidak rivers.

• Lies in the Terai region of Dooars, at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas.

• Characterized by a rich variety of habitats due to its location in the subtropical Himalayan foothills.

Significance

• Known for its rich biodiversity, especially endangered species like the one-horned rhinoceros.

• Supports a variety of flora and fauna unique to the Terai and Himalayan foothill ecosystem.

Flora of Gorumara National Park

Forest Types

• Dominated by Sal forests.

• Other common trees include:

  • Common Teak

  • Rain Tree (Shirish or Albizia lebbeck)

  • Silk Cotton (Shimul or Bombax malabaricum)

Other Vegetation

• Extensive bamboo groves.

• Rich Terai grassland vegetation supporting many herbivores.

• Presence of tropical riverine reeds along the rivers.

• Habitat for numerous tropical orchids, adding to the floral diversity.

Fauna of Gorumara National Park

Mammals

• Indian Rhinoceros (One-horned Rhino)

• Asian Elephant

• Indian Bison (Gaur)

• Leopard

• Various deer species:

  • Sambar Deer

  • Barking Deer

  • Spotted Deer

• Wild Boar

Birds

• Peafowl (National bird of India)

• Red Junglefowl (Wild ancestor of the domestic chicken)

• Indian Hornbill

• Many other diverse bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Greater One-Horned Rhino (Indian Rhinoceros)

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Rhinoceros unicornis

Distribution

• Found mainly in India and Nepal.

• Inhabits the foothills of the Himalayas and adjacent floodplains.

• Historically, its range included the floodplains of the Brahmaputra, Ganges, and Indus rivers.

• The largest population is found in Kaziranga National Park, Assam (approx. 2,401 rhinos).

Habitat

• Prefers semi-aquatic environments.

• Often found in swamps, dense forests, riversides, and near nutrient-rich mineral licks.

Physical Features

• Largest of the three Asian rhino species.

• Male Size:

  • Weight: About 2,200 kg (~4,840 pounds)

  • Height: Between 170 cm to 186 cm (67 to 73 inches)

  • Length: 368 cm to 380 cm (145 to 150 inches)

• Appearance:

  • Single black horn, ranging from 8 to 25 inches in length.

  • Grey-brown hide with thick skin folds resembling armor plates.

Behavior

• Generally solitary, except for females with calves.

• Males maintain loosely defended territories.

• Primarily grazers, feeding mostly on grasses.

• Also consume leaves, branches, fruits, and aquatic plants.

Conservation Status

IUCN Status

• Classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to threats like habitat loss and poaching.

Conservation Importance

• Conservation efforts in parks like Gorumara and Kaziranga are crucial for the survival and growth of the species.

• Population growth in Gorumara reflects the success of protected area management and anti-poaching measures.