Rhino Population in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve Rises to 53

The rhino population in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh has risen to 53 after the fourth rhino census conducted between 25 June and 27 June 2026. The census counted 17 adult males, 25 adult females, and 11 calves older than one year.

Indian Rhinoceros in India

The Indian rhinoceros, also called the greater one-horned rhinoceros, is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Its main Indian stronghold is Kaziranga National Park in Assam, and smaller populations exist in protected areas such as Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve and Rhino Reintroduction

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is a protected area in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh and forms part of the Dudhwa landscape near the India-Nepal border. The rhino reintroduction programme in Dudhwa began in 1984-85 with seven founder rhinos brought from Assam and Nepal.

Rhino Census and Management Units

The 2026 census was conducted by 20 teams of trained forest personnel and WWF-India staff. Dudhwa manages rhinos through two Rhino Rehabilitation enclosures, known as RR1 and RR2, which are used for breeding, protection, and gradual release into the wild.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Indian rhinoceros is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• The greater one-horned rhinoceros is native to the Indian subcontinent and is known for a single black horn.
• Dudhwa Tiger Reserve lies in the Terai grassland and swamp ecosystem, which supports species such as swamp deer and Bengal tiger.
• Rhino translocation and reintroduction programmes in India are used to improve genetic diversity and population security.

Recent Population Status

As of July 2026, six rhinos are housed in RR1, 36 in RR2, and 11 roam freely in the wild. The free-ranging rhinos include Vijay Shri, Deepika, Nakul, Riddhi, Harsh, Deepti, Sushma, and Rashi.

Mortality and Calf Survival

The reserve recorded three recent deaths, but the overall rhino count still registered a net increase of five. The casualties included Himanshu, a four-year-old male calf, Rajeshwari, a female rhino killed by two tigers in March 2026, and an eight-month-old female calf killed by a dominant male rhino named Napoleon.