Forest dept seeks expert help to boost genetic diversity among North Bengal's rhinos

In a bid to address long-standing concerns about genetic stagnation leading to inbreeding among one-horned rhinoceroses in North Bengal, the Forest department has turned to the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) for expert assistance.

- RAJDEEP MONDAL

JALPAIGURI:

The initiative aims to introduce genetic diversity in the rhino populations of Jaldapara and Gorumara National Parks, where inbreeding has remained a critical issue for over a century.

For decades, rhinos with shared genetic lineages have inhabited these protected areas, resulting in minimal genetic variation and associated challenges. Officials believe this lack of diversity leading to inbreeding has affected the overall health and reproductive success of the animals, including a skewed male-to-female ratio and premature deaths despite the species' natural longevity of over 40 years.