IRF-Aaranyak provides utility vehicles to Orang National Park

GUWAHATI: As part of its sustained efforts to extend support and complement the efforts of government agencies to conserve the region's wildlife resources and habitats, biodiversity conservation and research organisation, Aaranyak (www.aaranyak.org) in partnership with the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) on December 15, 2021, provided a utility vehicle to the Orang National Park in Darrang district of Assam.

A 4WD Bolero Camper vehicle was formally handed over to the Mangaldoi Wildlife Division on Wednesday for the purpose of utilisation in Orang National Park, Assam which is having both the national animal – Tiger and the Assam State Animal – The greater one-horned rhino.

The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Mangaldoi Wildlife Division, Pradipta Barua formally took over the vehicle from Dr Bibhab Talukdar, CEO of Aaranyak who is also the Senior Advisor to International Rhino Foundation for Asian Rhinos. Speaking to the gatherings Dr Talukdar mentioned that Aaranyak and International Rhino Foundation (IRF) shall make all endeavours to complement the effort of the Assam Government to further strengthen the overall conservation efforts in Orang National Park.

He mentioned that in recent years, the Aaranyak and the IRF had earlier provided one-speed boat and also one 4WD Gypsy to Orang NP to further enhance the efficacy of the Orang NP officials to secure the future of rhinos in the NP.

The Orang National Park (78.81 sq. km.) is known as a mini-Kaziranga National Park (KNP) in view of its rich biodiversity and grassland ecology. The park boasts of a treasure trove of Royal Bengal Tigers besides being an abode of over 100 one-horned Indian rhinoceros.

The national park with a rich prey base is a challenge from the conservation point of view as constant strict vigil is required all the time as it is located in the proximity of densely populated human settlements.

In order to strengthen the anti-poaching apparatus in Orang National Park (ONP), Aaranyak has also stationed one unit of its K9 dog squad with an efficient handler in the national park for use by the park management in the hour of need.

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