ASSAM FOREST minister Rockybul Hussain released the first ever complete wild water buffalo census report of Manas National Park (MNP) along with Laokhowa and Burhachapori wildlife sanctuaries, during a function on the bank of Brahmaputra, at Sadilapur, in Guwahati on Thursday (Jan 8).

 

The wild water buffalo census report was prepared by the Rhino Foundation for Nature in collaboration with environment and forest department of Assam. The census done within two days on April 16 and 17, 2008, at MNP, ascertained a total of 215 water buffalos, covering the three ranges of the park.

 

On the other hand, the day long census initiative on April 22, 2008, at Laokhowa and Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuaries result a total of 75 wild water buffalos including the ‘Tapus’ in the Brahmaputra River, according the official census report.

 

So, the total population of wild water buffalo of MNPark and Laokhowa and Burhachapori, the other two wild life sanctuaries remain as 290, in numbers.

 

MNP has 109 female, 70 are male and 24 calves. The census report also informs that the sex of 12 animals could not be ascertained during the census at the national park.

 

The wild water buffalo’s world population is also very low and is unlikely to be more than 3000. With the bulk of its population in Assam, knowledge on its number is very important, states the Rhino Foundation for Nature.