Dudhwa National Park, Palia, Uttar Pradesh

A territorial confrontation between two adult male one-horned rhinoceroses was recently reported inside the rhino conservation area of Dudhwa National Park, resulting in serious injuries to one of the animals.

The injured rhino was detected during routine field monitoring by forest staff. On examination, the animal was found to have multiple wounds over the head, neck, and forelimb regions, injuries consistent with aggressive encounters commonly observed among mature male rhinos during territorial or dominance-related conflicts.

Following the report, a veterinary team from Dudhwa National Park was mobilised promptly. The injured rhino was successfully darted and immobilised by Dr. Mohd Talha, Wildlife Veterinarian posted in the core region of the park, who routinely oversees the health and management of large megaherbivores, including rhinoceroses and elephants. After safe immobilisation, the animal underwent thorough clinical examination, wound management, pain control, and supportive treatment at the site.

This intervention marked a significant milestone for Dudhwa National Park, as it was the first occasion on which a rhino was immobilised by the park’s own veterinary team. Earlier, immobilisation of rhinoceroses at Dudhwa required the assistance of specialised teams from Assam. The successful on-site immobilisation reflects the growing technical capacity and preparedness of the park’s veterinary services.

The operation was supported by Dr. Daya Shankar, Wildlife Veterinarian associated with the buffer region of the reserve, who assisted in field coordination and post-treatment monitoring. Following stabilisation, the rhino was released back into the enclosure and is currently under close observation by veterinary and forest staff to monitor recovery and prevent further conflict.

Forest officials noted that such clashes are part of natural behavioural patterns among adult male rhinos. Nevertheless, timely veterinary intervention and continuous surveillance remain critical to ensuring animal welfare in protected conservation landscapes.

Dudhwa National Park continues to play a vital role in rhinoceros conservation in northern India, with dedicated field and veterinary teams working together to strengthen wildlife healthcare and management within the reserve.