Dudhwa Tiger Reserve rebuilds Its rhino legacy
In a significant conservation milestone, four greater one-horned rhinos were released into the wild at Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh on March 23-24, 2026. This brings the total number of free-ranging rhinos in the reserve to eight, marking a major step forward in rebuilding a viable wild population.
The released rhinos, one male and three females aged 15-25, were monitored for years in a 27 sq km rehabilitation area. The translocation effort, led by Dr. H Rajamohan and supported by WWF-India, aims to restore the Terai’s grassland ecosystem and promote biodiversity.
“This is a giant leap for rhino conservation,” said Dr. H Rajamohan, Field Director of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. “After decades of hard work, we’re seeing the fruits of our labor”. The rhinos are being tracked via VHF and satellite signals, with a dedicated control room monitoring their movements. Conservationists hope the released rhinos will thrive, interact with existing wildlife, and establish a sustainable population.
