Manas National Park reports births of elephant and rhinoceros calves

Manas National Park in Assam has welcomed two new calves: an elephant and a rhinoceros. The births were announced by Assam Forest and Environment Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah on 3 November 2026.

New births and care

Mridula, an elephant, gave birth to a male calf. Ganga, a rhinoceros, gave birth to a calf a few days earlier; its sex was not specified. The minister said both calves were in a safe wildlife habitat and receiving appropriate care.

Ganga was rescued during a severe Brahmaputra flood and later given shelter at Manas National Park.

Important Facts for Exams

• Conservation designations: Manas is designated both a Project Tiger reserve and an elephant reserve, in addition to its national-park status.
• Habitat transition: Manas combines Sub-Himalayan Bhabar Terai habitats with riverine succession extending to Sub-Himalayan mountain forest.
• Transboundary landscape: Manas National Park adjoins Bhutan’s Royal Manas National Park, creating a transboundary protected landscape across which wildlife can move.
• Elephant social structure: Asian elephant herds are generally matrilineal family groups led by an experienced female, while mature males often spend much of their time apart.