Threats to the greater one-horned rhino and its habitat, Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam, India

Abstract

Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam, northeastern India, has the highest density of the Indian one-horned or greater one-horned rhinoceros, Rhinoceros unicornis, anywhere in its range. This area, dominated by moist savanna grasslands, was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1987. With around 80 rhinos, Pabitora is an important habitat for this endangered species. However, the area is facing serious threats such as encroachment, road construction, overgrazing, poaching, high floods and increasingly heavy tourism. This paper discusses these threats and issues and suggests solutions.