Rhino and Vulture Conservation Centre will be Built in Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Bihar Government formed 'Rhino Task Force'

• 19 Sep 2023

Why In News?

According to information received from media sources on September 17, 2023, the Bihar government has started preparations to constitute a 'Rhino Task Force' to suggest measures for the conservation of rhinos in Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR). Based on its recommendations, a rhino conservation plan will be started in VTR.

Key Points:

• According to sources, the Central Government has included rhinoceros and vulture conservation in its plan in Bihar. We have also started sending the first installment of financial assistance to the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department.
• The department has currently planned to conserve rhinoceros and vultures in Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR). Work on this has started in principle. It has been decided to increase the rhino dominated areas in VTR by five percent in the next two years.
• The rhinos will be taken out of crowded areas and shifted to areas marked in the VTR. Ganauli and Madanpur have been identified as potential areas.
• The aim of this scheme is to provide more space for rhinos to breed and increase their numbers. At present there is only one rhino in VTR and 14 rhinos in Patna Zoo.
• VTR has been selected for the conservation of endangered vultures in the state. There are places being identified where vultures are seen. Extensive arrangements will be made to feed the vultures at those places. Besides, vultures will be monitored by building towers. Anti poaching camps will be made. At present, vultures are seen in small numbers in Supaul district apart from VTR in the state.
• Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department, APCCF (Wildlife) Prabhat Kumar Gupta said that after the tiger, the central government has included rhino and vulture conservation in the state in its plan. Now financial help will be available every year.
• Vultures have come under the category of endangered species. Efforts are being made all over the world to save them. Including these, expenditure was made from the state plan last year on 'Rhino Conservation Scheme'. To save it, an area was selected and efforts to create awareness among the people started.
• ‘Rhino Week’ will be celebrated in Patna Zoo from 20th to 22nd September. Zoo administration said that a proposal has been sent to Indian Oil Corporation and SBI for the adoption of black panther and rhino brought from Assam. If they agree, their adoption ceremony will take place on September 22.
• An expert meet will be organized on September 20, in which rhino experts from various zoos like Assam Zoo, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi will participate. Rhino quiz, display of rhino care, thematic pot painting competition will be organized on 21st September.
• It is known that 'World Rhino Day' is celebrated every year on 22 September. Patna Zoo has made an important contribution in the conservation of rhino. There is also a Rhino Breeding Center here. In such a situation, people coming here will get a chance to know about it.