 Reference Base  The importance of park budgets, intelligence networks and... |
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Martin, E.B., 1996. The importance of park budgets, intelligence networks and competent management for succesful conservation of the greater one-horned rhinoceros. Pachyderm 22: 10-17, figs. 1-4, tables 1-2
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| Location: |
Asia - South Asia - India |
| Subject: |
Distribution - Poaching |
| Species: |
Indian Rhino |
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Reasons for reduced poaching in 1994-1995
1. Funds spent on information about poachers and middlemen around Kaziranga increased. Amount spent by Forest Dept. for intelligence operations around Kaziranga: 1991/92 $199, 1991/2 $ 279, 1992/3 $881, 1993/4 $2108, 1994/5 $1224. In 1991 4 poachers were killed and 25 arrested, in 1994 12 poachers were killed and 46 arrested.
2. Police around Kaziranga have become more involved in stopping rhino horn trade. It is only the police who have the authority to organise arrests in the villages, and in 1994 and 1995 the police and Forest Department staff carried out at least nine joint raids which resulted in the deaths of four poachers and the arrests of 20 men, while six firearms used to kill rhinos were confiscated (Assam Forest Department, 1995).
3. Park Management has improved. The Director of Kaziranga National Park has made efforts to ensure that he has the most competent and experienced three range officers who have motivated their men and improved patrol work. These range officers have been responsible for overseeing a number of encounters with poachers from 1993 up to November 1995 resulting in 116 arrested and 24 killed. The range officers supervise the 204 forest guards, 60 boatmen, 62 foresters, 56 game watchers and other men inside Kaziranga. There are 435 full-time staff involved in anti-poaching work based at 113 camps in the Park.
4. Increasing NGO support. The Rhino Foundation for Nature in N.E. India gave equipment to Kaziranga field staff, in 1994-95 450 pairs of hunting boots, 250 rain coats and 50 water filters. Tiger Link helped with informant's pay.
5. Increased Government Budget, to $1552 per kmy.
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