The population of the greater one-horned rhinoceros in Uttar Pradesh’s Dudhwa National Park has increased to 53, according to the 2026 rhino census, marking another milestone in the park’s long-running conservation programme. The latest count recorded an increase of five rhinos compared to the previous census, highlighting the success of sustained habitat protection and scientific wildlife management.

The census was conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department using direct sightings and monitoring techniques across Dudhwa’s rhino habitats. Officials said the growing population reflects improved protection measures, effective anti-poaching efforts and favourable breeding conditions within the reserve.

Dudhwa’s rhino conservation journey began in 1984, when a small founding population of greater one-horned rhinos was translocated from Assam and Nepal to re-establish the species in the Terai landscape after it had disappeared from the region. Over the past four decades, the population has steadily recovered, making Dudhwa one of India’s important rhino conservation sites outside Assam.

The increase comes just months after the reserve expanded its rewilding efforts by releasing captive-managed rhinos into open forest habitats to establish a free-ranging population, an important step toward strengthening the species’ long-term survival in the Terai ecosystem.

Forest officials said the latest census underscores the effectiveness of continued conservation initiatives and reinforces Dudhwa’s role in securing the future of the vulnerable greater one-horned rhinoceros in northern India.

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