Patna: Preparations to expand rhinoceros conservation from zoos to natural habitats in Bihar have intensified, with the state govt working on a programme to reintroduce the species in Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR). A detailed rhino rehabilitation and conservation plan is expected to be prepared within the next one to two months, following which Bihar will explore bringing rhinoceros from Assam and West Bengal to VTR.Environment, forest and climate change minister Ramchandra Prasad announced the plan while addressing a state-level programme organised at Patna Zoo on Tuesday to mark World Rhino Day.He said the department had already assessed the potential for rhinoceros conservation in VTR and was working towards launching a dedicated rehabilitation and conservation programme there. A separate plan had also been prepared to bring rhinoceros to Rajgir Zoo Safari and develop conservation facilities for them.The minister also highlighted Patna Zoo’s contribution to rhino conservation, saying 34 rhinos had lived at the zoo over the past 38 years and 25 calves had been born there. He said the zoo’s position at the top in India in terms of the number of rhinos reflected the sustained efforts of its animal keepers and veterinarians.The minister felicitated the animal husbandry workers, veterinary officers and experts associated with the zoo’s rhino health management.In his address, principal chief conservator of forests (HoFF) Arvinder Singh highlighted the ecological role of rhinoceros. The department is now working on plans to identify suitable rhinoceros from Patna Zoo for relocation to VTR. Officials said the proposed move would mark a new direction for rhinoceros conservation in Bihar rather than being limited to an animal relocation exercise.Additional principal chief conservator of forests-cum-chief wildlife warden Abhay Kumar, in his welcome address, outlined Bihar’s rhinoceros conservation efforts and the history of breeding at Patna Zoo. He said strengthening rhinoceros conservation in VTR and Rajgir Zoo Safari was the next important step for the state’s biodiversity and wildlife conservation.The programme was attended by senior forest department officials, including chief conservator of forests S Chandrashekhar; special secretary Alok Kumar; chief conservator of forests Amit Kumar; regional chief conservator of forests Neshamani K; and Patna Zoo director Hemant Patil. Officials and staff of the zoo and Bihar Veterinary College were also present on this occasion.
