Friday, September 28, 2012

Rare Rhinos Killed by Flooding and Poachers

September 28, 2012; 4:57PM,EDT
 
 
 
 
 
Another round of flooding has left more than 80 percent of the Kaziranga National Park in Assam, India, flooded. The flooding has led to the deaths of many animals and forced others to take shelter on the remaining high ground.
Poachers have taken advantage of the severe flooding by targeting at least four rare one-horned rhinos that were left isolated by the flood waters. All four rhinos had their horns removed, killing three and leaving one with a grim chance of survival.
The poaching of these animals for their horns has been an increasing problems in the past several years forcing the Indian government to order a probe into the matter by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau. Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan stated, "It is very shocking that poachers attacked the helpless animals that were seeking shelter."
According to a census in 2012, the Kaziranga National Park is home to 2,290 one-horned rhinos, out of an estimated 3,300 worldwide.
Flooding earlier this summer devastated the park leaving more than 600 animals dead, including 14 of the rare rhinos.
The flooding and poaching threat led to the use of a drone aircraft over the national park in July to monitor the safety of the wildlife.
According to an article by The Indian Express, at least 11 rhinos have died or lost their horns in the park while 41 total have been killed in Assam in 2012.
Elsewhere in Assam, the recent surge in flooding has left 19 people dead with more still missing. Another 2 million people have been displaced by the flooding as more than half of the districts have experienced severe flooding.
Assam faces flooding problems yearly; however, this year has been particularly devastating with three widespread flooding outbreaks since the end of June.
The wettest time of year in Assam is generally from June through September, before rapidly drying out in October and November, which should aid those suffering from the recent flooding problems.

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