Tiger conservation in the Manas Tiger Reserve will now get help from the cyberworld with the development of a web-based Geographical Information Software on the world-famous nature park bordering Bhutan Himalayas.

First it was official incompetence, now it is the weather. The already delayed rhino translocation programme could be further affected by frequent rains in the areas where the animals are located and their proposed destination in Manas National Park.

KOHORA

GUWAHATI, March 22

The Assam government is making a determined bid to woo tourists by developing infrastructure and promoting famous spots in the state.

A team of experts from Conservation International, Washington DC, USA, recently visited the project site of Dolphin Foundation (DF) in Manas Tiger Reserve to take stock of the initiatives taken for promoting alternative sustainable livelihoods for the poor forest-dependent communities living in the fringe areas of Manas, a press release said.

Probing eyes from space have revealed worrying facts about Manas National Park, including evidence that a mix of natural and anthropogenic factors is altering its landscape. The changes, experts believe, have implications for both flora and fauna, which once made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After considerable delay, another phase of the ambitious plan to translocate rhinos to Manas is likely to get under way this December. The initiative would see up to eighteen rhinos being moved from Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary and Kaziranga National Park to Manas National Park in a well-orchestrated exercise spread over several months.

The reopening of the World Heritage Site in Danger, Manas National Park-cum-Tiger Project scheduled for today have been postponed and rescheduled that too tentatively on November 6.

In the study, 57 medicinal plant species belonging to 45 genera and 36 families have been recorded. Out of these, the most important species found were Aesculus punduana, Boerhavia diffusa, Dillenia pentagyna, Holarrhena antidysenterica, Justicia adhatoda, Oroxylum indicum, Rauvolfia densiflora, Rauvolfia serpentina, Terminalia arjuna, Terminalia belerica and Terminalia chebula.

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