Dudhwa Rhino Census

Why in News?

The Indian Rhinoceros’ population in Uttar Pradesh’s Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) has risen to 53, following the successful completion of the fourth rhino census conducted in June 2026.

• The 4^th census recorded a net increase of 5 rhinos since the previous count.
• Geographical Stronghold - Uttar Pradesh remains one of only 3 states in India alongside Assam and West Bengal to support a wild population of the greater one-horned rhinoceros.
• Enclosure Management - DTR manages its rhinos across two specialised, high-security rhino rehabilitation enclosures (RR1 and RR2).
• Currently, 6 rhinos reside in RR1 and 36 in RR2.
• Free-Ranging Success - To improve genetic diversity and combat inbreeding depression, 11 rhinos have been successfully released from the enclosures to roam completely free in the wild.
• Predation and Mortality - The net increase of 5 was achieved despite 3 recent mortalities.
• Reintroduction History - The rhino reintroduction programme in Dudhwa began in 1984–85 with the translocation of seven founder rhinos from Assam and Nepal.

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve

• Located on the Indo-Nepal border in the Lakhimpur-Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh, it comprises a unique Terai grassland and swamp ecosystem.
• It is home to endangered species like the Bengal tiger, swamp deer (barasingha), and Asian elephant.

Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros

• Scientific Name- Rhinoceros unicornis
• IUCN Red List Status – Vulnerable.
• CITES - Appendix I.
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 - Schedule I.

Reference

Times of India | Rhinos in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR)