In a remarkable wildlife rescue, the Assam Forest Department successfully rescued a rare Himalayan mole (Euroscaptor micrurus) after it was swept away by the strong currents of the Manas River and safely released it back into its natural habitat in Manas National Park. The operation has been hailed as another example of the state’s commitment to protecting its rich biodiversity.

The elusive mammal, which is endemic to the Himalayan region and is rarely seen because of its underground lifestyle, was spotted after being carried away by the river’s swift flow. Alert frontline forest personnel quickly intervened, rescued the exhausted animal and ensured that it was examined before being released into a suitable habitat within the national park.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma praised the forest staff for their prompt and dedicated response, stating that the successful rescue reflects the commitment of the state’s frontline personnel towards wildlife conservation. He also highlighted the importance of safeguarding even lesser-known species that contribute to the ecological balance of the region.

The Himalayan mole is a small, burrowing insectivorous mammal specially adapted for life underground. Equipped with powerful forelimbs and velvety fur, it spends most of its life tunnelling through moist forest soils in search of earthworms, insects and other invertebrates. Because of its secretive behaviour and subterranean habits, sightings of the species are extremely uncommon, making the rescue particularly significant.

The incident also underscores the extraordinary biodiversity of Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India’s premier protected areas. Nestled in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas along the India-Bhutan border, the park is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, greater one-horned rhinoceroses, clouded leopards, golden langurs, pygmy hogs and several other rare and endangered species.

Wildlife experts noted that the safe rescue and release of the Himalayan mole demonstrates the importance of rapid response by forest personnel, even for small and lesser-known mammals. Such efforts not only save individual animals but also contribute to the conservation of fragile ecosystems that support a remarkable diversity of life across Assam’s protected forests.

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