Kolkata: The Great One -horned Rhinoceros population in West Bengal has increased to 392 from 229 as per the new census by the State Forest Department.
The census was conducted on 5th and 6th March 2025 across Jaldapara National Park, Gorumara National Park, Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary and parts of Jalpaiguri Reserve Forests of West Bengal covering an area of 396 sq km.
As per the official statement by the Forest Department Rhinoceros population in Gorumara National Park recorded between 58 to 63 with an average estimate of 61, whereas in Jaldapara National Park the estimate is within the range of 327 to 334 with an average estimate of 331.
Jaldapara National Park of West Bengal is the second largest habitat of One – Horned Rhinoceros after Kaziranga National Park of Assam.
The forest department informed that earlier the population was 347 in 2022.
The Chief Wildlife Warden of West Bengal Debal Ray has said the future of One-horned Rhino in the forests of the state is very good
“In the Rhino census conducted on 5th and 6th March 2025, 631 forest staff have participated with the active involvement of 15 NGOs and civil society groups” he said
