Greater Manas is a reality

The new additions to the 300 sq. km. national park will include the adjacent forest (also called Manas) and the Ripu-Chirang forest, and will increase the area to around 950 sq. km. The Wildlife Trust of India and the International Fund for Animal Welfare had both recommended this move. Until recently, civil unrest and ethnic violence had led to habitat degradation and rampant poaching in Manas, resulting in the loss of its entire rhino population. In 2003, the Indian government signed a treaty with the Bodo people leading to the formation of the Bodoland Territorial Council, which now manages the park. In another welcome move in February 2008, 61 poachers surrendered to the Deputy Chief of the BTC at the Bansbari range of Manas. Around 130 poachers had surrendered to forest officials two years ago.

April 2008