Context

Recently, the latest census (14th Assam rhino estimation) revealed that the Manas National Park rhinos have higher life expectancy but need translocation support.

About

The 14th Assam rhino estimation 

• The rhino census in the Manas Park was carried out in all three ranges: Bhuyanpara, Bansbari and Panbari comprising 71 estimation blocks. 
• The current rhino population in the park was estimated at 40.
• The park’s rhinos have a male-female sex ratio of 1:1.
• The number of calves born in the wild reflects the availability of welfare factors to foster rhinos in Manas National Park.
• Methodology: Total count or Direct count method
  • A total count is generally used when a single species is targeted to be counted in a well-defined, specific area.
  • This method assumes the detection probability to be one, which means that each and every animal has a 100% chance of being seen during the counting.

Limitations of this method

• The limitations of this method include undercounting as the assumption of a detection probability of 1 is unrealistic especially if the population closure cannot be established satisfactorily within a small area of 10-20 sq. km.
• Total count requires high visibility to observe the animals from far off, which is not possible in case of “shy, cryptic animals”.
• The level of precision cannot be measured in total counts either.