GUWAHATI: Hunters shot dead an adult female rhino and took away its horn at Arimora area in Kaziranga Range the famed Kaziranga National Park (KNP). The carcass was recovered on Saturday after search operation was launched following sounds of gun shots that were heard on Friday.
A statement issued by the Park authority said, “One rhino was found dead today (on 08/08/2020) at about 11 am at north of Meteka beel under Gabrai Anti-poaching camp under Kaziranga Range. The rhino is an adult female and found killed due to gunshot.
“Six rounds of empty cartridge of .303 rifle were recovered on the spot. The horn of the rhino has been taken away by the poacher. The staff of Gabrai, Borbeel tower and Kathanibari camp heard 6 round of gunshots at about 3.00 pm yesterday (07/08/2020).
“An ambush was laid down along the Brahamaputra river bank during night. On early morning following the footprints of poachers the carcass was recovered. One suspected poacher is detained in Biswanath Wildlife division and investigation is on.”
It is suspected that the poachers might have entered the Park from northern side by crossing the Brahmaputra. It happened to be second incident of rhino poaching in Kaziranga National Park so far this year.
The first rhino poaching incident on the current year in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) occurred in May.
