6 rhinos to be released in DTR to boost genetic diversity

Pilibhit: In a major step to strengthen genetic diversity, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) on Sat launched phase III of its rhino reintroduction programme, under which six rhinos will be released into the open forest over four days. The initiative aims to break the cycle of inbreeding within fenced rehabilitation enclosures.

Ahead of the operation, a full-scale mock drill was conducted on Saturday involving forest teams, WWF-India experts, veterinarians and 12 trained elephants to ensure coordination.

This phase marks a shift from earlier efforts, with authorities selecting rhinos that are not genetically related. DNA analysis of dung samples at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) confirmed that the selected individuals do not share the same gene pool.

The operation is being carried out under the supervision of Padma Shri awardee Dr KK Sharma, head of surgery and radiology at the College of Veterinary Science, Guwahati.

Field director H Rajamohan told TOI that of the six targeted pachyderms, two males and four females will be released. For this, six males and 10 females were shortlisted through surveillance based on health, age -- up to 22 years for females and 25 for males -- and non-violent behaviour. Females that are not pregnant will be made free range, he added.

"We are in receipt of their DNA test reports shared by Dr Samrat Mondol at WII. Based on this, six pachyderms will be darted for comprehensive medical examination and radio collaring," he said.

"Unlike the hard release method adopted in the previous two phases, under which four rhinos were released directly into the open forest, we will apply the soft release technique this time. The targeted rhinos will first be kept in a separate fenced enclosure measuring 3 to 5 sq km for 10 days before their release," Rajamohan said.

He added that the enclosure has grasslands, woodlands and waterbodies, which will help the animals adapt while experts study their behaviour.

Radio collars will be removed after the rhinos adapt to the wild. The collars of one male and two of the three females released earlier were removed in Dec last year. However, under a decision of the Rhino Core Group, the fourth female continues to be monitored as she has given birth to a calf and requires protection from wild carnivores, he said.

The operation will also be supervised by Dr Amit Sharma, national lead of rhino conservation at WWF, Guwahati. WWF scientist Dr G Areendran from Delhi and veterinary expert Dr Yogesh Pratap Singh from Gorakhpur Zoo will also be part of the exercise.

DTR currently has a population of 49 greater one-horned rhinos, up from 1984 when Project Rhino began with five animals relocated from Nepal and Assam.

Earlier, three rhinos -- one male and two females aged between 10 and 15 years -- were made free range with Iridium satellite collars in Nov 2024 against a target of releasing one male and three females. After the male returned to the enclosure, authorities released another male and one female in March 2025.