Since January 2024, only one angry rhinoceros has been seen chasing visitors’ Gypsy in Manas National Park. There have been a total of 10 incidents involving tourists’ vehicles being chased by rhinos in the park. These incidents highlight the heightened concern surrounding Rhino Chase Incidents in Manas National Park.
This incident hasn’t only occurred today; it has been occurring daily in Manas National Park since January. On January 4th, 2024, an angry rhinoceros attacked renowned Assamese singer Jubin Garg during his visit to the park. In the last three months, there have been 10 incidents of angry rhinoceroses chasing visitors’ cars. Thanks to the preparedness of the forest personnel, visitors to the park have been safely rescued from rhinoceros attacks. However, not only visitors but also forest personnel have been targeted by the rhinoceroses. Fear and psychosis are spreading among visitors due to these incidents.
Understanding the Causes Behind Rhinoceros Aggression in Manas National Park
The root causes of the angry rhinoceros chasing visitors’ cars could not be determined. According to the Range Officer of Manas National Park, the rhinoceroses may become aggressive towards visitors due to weather conditions and scarcity of food. The Range Officer suggested that visitors need not be afraid or scared. He explained that wild animals often display territorial behavior, leading to such actions.
Additionally, stress caused by factors such as food scarcity during the dry season and defending territory against intruders of the same species can lead to this behavior. Animals may express this territoriality through outright aggression or threat displays, scent marking in mammals and song in birds. Sometimes, stress induced by the sound of visitors’ cars and hormonal reasons can also trigger such behavior.
The only single angry rhinoceros has been behaving aggressively like this for the past two years. This is occurring in the Lotasa Kanchanbari area of Manas National Park.
The Range Officer requested and suggested that Gypsy Safari pilots and visitors carefully visit the park because wildlife behaves wildly. They should inform about any untoward incident, as there are escorts accompanying the Gypsy Safari, Forest Guard Campers Staff and they must follow the rules and regulations of Manas National Park during their visit.
Another forest staff member mentioned that the aggressive behavior of rhinoceroses is often heightened during their mating period. During this time, they become extremely aggressive and may attack vehicles, individuals and even elephant safaris. These attacks are often a display of dominance aimed at asserting superiority over others to attract female rhinoceroses. He also noted that the animal population in Manas National Park is increasing day by day leading to a rise in rhinoceros attacks.
He suggested that visitors avoid wearing bright colors like red or yellow which can easily be spotted from a distance. Instead, he urged visitors to wear muted colors like black. Additionally, he advised visitors to refrain from gathering in large crowds while observing animals and to approach quietly.
He further requested social media influencers to refrain from spreading misinformation by posting about rhinoceros attacks which could instill fear among visitors. Instead, he encouraged them to raise awareness about safety measures and the root causes of these incidents. He explained that while some visitors may find such encounters exciting, others may be deterred from visiting Manas National Park altogether. He emphasized that rhinoceroses are wild animals and may chase intruders, a phenomenon also observed in Kaziranga National Park.
The Gypsy Safari pilot mentioned that over the past few months, the rhinoceros has been chasing visitors’ safaris. He believes this behavior may be triggered by visitors wearing red or yellow dresses and suggested that visitors opt for deeper colored clothing instead. He also attributed this behavior to it being the mating season for animals in March.
Furthermore, he requested fellow Gypsy pilots to advise visitors to avoid creating crowds and to refrain from throwing water bottles at animals if they are being chased.
About Manas National Park
In 1990, Manas National Park was declared a national park covering an area of 500 sq. km. It is located in the Chirang and Baksa districts within the Bodoland Territorial Region in Assam, India. It shares an international boundary with Bhutan to the north and a transboundary area with Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan which is 1059 sq. km in size.
Timeline of Manas National Park
Manas National Park, with over 110 years of conservation history, has received various special titles and recognition.
- 1905 -recognised as North Kamrup Reserve Forest.
- 1907- recognised as Manas Reserve Forest.
- 928- covering 360 sq.km. declared Manas as Wildlife Sanctuary
- 1951- and 1955- Manas Wildlife Sanctuary area expanded to 391 km2.
- 1973- declared Manas as Tiger Reserve covering 2837 sq.km.
- December, 1985- declared as a World Heritage by UNESCO.
- 1989- established as Biosphere Reserve vide Govt. of India notification No.16/2/84-CSC dated 14th March/1989.
- 1990- declared Manas as National Park covering 500 sq.km.
- 1992- UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage Site in danger due to poaching and other issues, including terrorist activities.
- 2003- Declared as the Chirang-Ripu Elephant Reserve covering an area of 2600 sq.km. through notification No. FRW-44/2002/47 dated March 6, 2003.
- 2004: Important Bird Area.
- 21 June 201- removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger.
- 2017-the area of Manas National Park extended from 500 sq.km to 850 sq.km.
Manas National Park Famous for
Manas National Park is renowned for its rare and endangered endemic wildlife including tigers, golden langurs, Indian rhinoceroses, Assam roofed turtles, hispid hares, pygmy hogs and elephants. It holds the prestigious titles of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Project Tiger reserve, Elephant Reserve and Biosphere Reserve. The park also boasts a significant population of wild water buffalo.
Flora, fauna and Avifauna in Manas National Park
Flora:
The park has a various plant life, encompassing 543 species, including 374 dicotyledons (89 of which are trees), 139 monocotyledons and 30 pteridophytes and gymnosperms. Among the common trees are Aphanamixis polystachya, Anthocephalus chinensis and various Syzygium species, while the grasslands feature Imperata cylindrica, Phragmites karka and Saccharum naranga.
Fauna:
Manas National Park boasts a rich array of wildlife, including 55 mammal species, 50 reptile species, 380 bird species, and 3 amphibian species. The park is home to Indian elephants, rhinoceroses, golden langurs, tigers, leopards, as well as rare species like the pygmy hog and the Assam roofed turtle.
Avifauna:
Among its avifauna, Manas National Park harbors the largest population of Bengal florican. Common bird species found here include great hornbills, pied hornbills, kalij pheasants, jungle fowls, brahminy ducks, bulbuls and a diverse range of others.
Things to do at Manas National Park
1. Jeep Safari-
Price: INR 3600 per jeep
Timings: 09:00 am to 12:00 pm and 02:00 pm to 05:00 pm
2. Elephant Safari
Price: INR 500 for Indians, INR 1,550 for foreigners.
Timings: 6:00 to 7:00 AM
3. River Rafting
Price: Check the pricing with private tour operators there.
Timings: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
The best time to visit Manas National Park is from November to April when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are more likely.
