West Bengal Celebrates Soaring Rhino Numbers In Conservation Triumph
Jaldapara National Park, home to the second-largest one-horned rhino population after Kaziranga, witnessed a remarkable surge, with the 2025 census recording 331 (±3) rhinos, while Gorumara National Park's rhino population stands at 61
West Bengal is celebrating a conservation triumph as its one-horned rhino population has reached 392 (±6) in the 2025 census, marking a significant rise from 229 in 2013. The achievement underscores the success of the state’s dedicated conservation efforts, including enhanced protection measures, habitat management, and rigorous anti-poaching initiatives.
Conducted on March 5 and 6, 2025, the rhino census spanned Jaldapara National Park, Gorumara National Park, Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary, and parts of Jalpaiguri Reserve Forests. The meticulous count, based on direct sightings, involved 631 forest staff, 85 trained elephants, and the collaborative efforts of 15 NGOs and civil society groups.
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State forest minister Birbaha Hansda attributed the success to the combined efforts of the forest team, volunteers, and the support of chief minister Mamata Banerjee. Hansda emphasised the government’s commitment to wildlife preservation, highlighting the increase in forest cover, improved animal facilities, and the resulting rise in rhino, elephant, and tiger populations.
Jaldapara National Park, home to the second-largest one-horned rhino population after Kaziranga, witnessed a remarkable surge, with the 2025 census recording 331 (±3) rhinos. Gorumara National Park’s rhino population stands at 61 (±3). Both parks boast a healthy age structure, with a promising ratio of adults, sub-adults, and calves, ensuring future population stability.
The census methodology involved dividing the rhino-occupied area into 4 sq. km blocks, establishing fixed observation stations and lines, and employing a combination of foot and elephant-back surveys. This comprehensive approach ensured accurate sightings and data collection, including gender, age, physical features, and location of each rhino.
The success story of West Bengal’s rhino conservation is a testament to the power of collaborative efforts and dedicated conservation strategies, offering a beacon of hope for the future of this vulnerable species.
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