The VTR was established as the 18th tiger reserve in 1990 and ranked fourth in the density of the tiger population. The VTR occupies a core area of 909.86 sq km of the Valmiki Sanctuary located in the West Champaran district of Bihar. 'Two female rhinos died due to train accidents between 20 on the Bagaha-Chhitauni railway line which passes through the Madanpur forest range and because of this their population could not flourish', said the Bihar Chief Wildlife Warden. Since 2001-2002, movement of approximately 15 rhinos have been reported across the boundary of VTR. Offspring planned for re-introduction to the wild. This is the biggest breeding programme for Asian one-horned rhino in India. 'Additionally, 14 captive rhinos are there in Patna Zoo as part of conservation breeding programme. They mostly wander wide savannah and grasslands.

White rhinos mainly live in South Africa, but they have also been reintroduced to Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe. Habitats The African rhino is divided into two species, the black rhino and the white rhino. Currently, an adult free-ranging male rhino has been in VTR for the last two years. The white rhino lives in savannas, which have water holes, mud wallows, shade trees, and the grasses they graze on. The Environment, Forests and Climate Change department of the Bihar government is also preparing to constitute a Rhino Task Force in the state for intensive monitoring and patrolling, he said. The potentially identified areas for the reintroduction scheme in VTR are - Ganauli and Madanpur', he said. Rhinoceroses are one of the world’s most endangered animals, and their lifespan is continuing to decline. The average Rhinoceros lifespan is now 15 years in the wild and 10 years in captivity. As a result, their lifespan is decreasing. Spatial utilisation of a group of white rhino in a potentially marginal, semi-arid environment was investigated by comparing rhino habitat selection with that. Available rhino habitat is limited by two major factors: (1) the threat of human encroachment and (2) the predominance of a palm species (Arenga obtusifolia). Its distribution is currently limited only. For the assessment of security and habitat conditions in VTR and further to suggest measures for reintroduction of rhinos scheme in the reserve, a security and habitat assessment committee was formed in January 2020. Rhinoceros are threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and conflict with humans. Javan rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus Desmarest 1822) is the rarest species among 5 species of rhinos in the world. 'The VTR has been selected as one of potential sites under the National Rhino Conservation Strategy. Therefore, we focused on both elephants and rhinos in the attitude assessments, but only on elephants in the potential habitat suitability and sustainable coexistence assessments. With an intention to increase the population of greater one horned rhinos in the state also, decisions taken in Chitwan will be implemented in Bihar also, said Gupta, who was also part of the Indian delegation for the summit.

Rhinoceros habitat