It's called rewildening and has allowed Manas National Park to be reborn, protect animals and the nearby Bodo population
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himThe northeastern area of India is home to the Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 and today, thanks to a happy oasis for ancient local populations and some endangered animals. And it is all due to a rhino, almost taken as a symbol of peace for this area.
A troubled history that of this green corner of the world, characterized during the 80s of the last century by a struggle between the ancient Bodo tribe and the local government to obtain independence. The situation worsened when groups of armed separatists infiltrated and hid in the park. Forest protection is lacking, development and growth programs are replaced by deforestation and poaching practices with the disappearance of over 100 rhinos, herds of elephants, leopards. Unesco, in 1992, included the park among the world heritage sites in danger.
With 2003 the situation changed radically: with the peace treaty and the formation of the Bodoland Territorial Council, the Bodo population was rehabilitated from the accusations of poaching and a process of reforestation and animal repopulation began. The boundaries of the park are expanded and several animals reintroduced. In 2008, there were fears that the situation of peace could precipitate when a large rhino moved from Kaziranga National Park invades one of the surrounding villages. Instead of attacking the animal, the inhabitants welcome it with curiosity and respect, rediscovering that natural habit of living with nature, in peace and harmony.
The rewilding program, from 2006 to today, has ensured the maintenance and care of the local ecosystem; the launch of non-forest subsistence projects for residents; the recovery of former poachers today in support of animal conservation groups, the opening of centers for animal rehabilitation and conservation. In 2021 there were 52 rhinos, 48 tigers, more than 1.000 wild elephants, other endangered animals such as clouded leopards, pygmy pigs.
The park is back on the UNESCO World Heritage List which proposes the “Manas model” as an example to be exported to other areas to be revived and repopulated.
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FONTI: Wild trust of India; Unesco; WWF India
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