Concern for wildlife in Kaziranga National Park during floods. 3 rhino calves killed.

Bihar floods. Copyright Wildlife Trust of India.

September 2008. Even as the Kosi River continues to wreak unprecedented havoc on the lives of humans and animals in Bihar, Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) have dispatched a team of veterinarians and rehabilitators to assist in rescue operations. 1,100 sq kilometres of farmland and great swathes of Kaziranga National Park lies submerged in the wake of this disaster.

It has already been confirmed that 3 rhino calves have died, two in the floods and a third eaten by a tiger, and several deer have been run over on a local highway where they had taken refuge from the flooding.

Adult rhinos
Fully grown rhinos are known to be strong swimmers, so floods are not usually a major issue. However there is some concern that some rhinos have taken refuge outside the park and may be vulnerable to poaching.

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