A review of our earlier rhino programme supported by RSG and others including current rhino conservation scenario in Assam has indicated several important points needed to be discussed to formulate future conservation action. It was observed that buffers of Manas Biosphere Reserve have lacked proper protection. Apart from several stray incidents of translocated rhino from Manas, the situation was further complicated when in a similar incident, large number of forest staffs, conservation volunteers, veterinary doctors had been engaged for 15 days to get the animal back to core zone. Secondly the poor working condition of conservation volunteers involved in patrolling the buffer cover is really frustrating at present time. Thirdly fast spread of invasive species in Manas has resulted shrinking of rhino habitats. On the other hand, Orang National Park having a rhino population of 64 is under increasing threat from poachers and habitat encroachment.

The outcome of the review has suggested us major gap areas which need to be addressed immediately to strengthen rhino conservation in both the protected areas. These gap areas are rhino habitat improvement and extension in Manas biosphere reserve and better community participation in Orang National Park. Therefore this programme propose:

a) habitat suitability study in buffer zone of Manas to recommend rhino area extension strategy

b) antipoaching kits to conservation volunteers of buffer areas of Manas

c) mapping of invasive species in core of Manas for designing future long term study and management

d) rapid survey of present livelihood pattern and potential resources to recommend community conservation strategy around fringe villages of Orang national park

e) rhino awareness campaign in untouched fringe villages of Manas and Orang.

Remote sensing technique and GIS will be used to generate habitat suitability map for buffer areas of Manas and invasive species mapping in core zone. Anti poaching kits will be distributed to volunteers to strengthened security of buffer cover of Manas. With support of standard survey sheets, we shall randomly survey fringe villages interviewing villagers/household to know status of present livelihood pattern and potential resources to recommend community conservation strategy in fringes of Orang. Using leaflet, audio-visual, we will organize rhino conservation awareness meetings with support of local NGOs, teachers, students and forest department in untouched remote villages near Manas Biosphere Reserve and Orang National Park. This is a second phase of our rhino programme (supporting Indian Rhino Vision-2020) and is supported by a second RSG.