Guwahati, Feb 15 (NationPress) A tragic incident unfolded when a forest guard lost his life and another was critically injured due to a rhinoceros attack while they were on duty in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) in Assam on Sunday, according to officials.

A representative from KNPTR reported that the incident took place at the Bordoloni Camp in the Kohora Range around noon. The deceased, 52-year-old Sahabuddin, a Home Guard, was patrolling alongside his colleague, Ramen Borah.

In the attack, Sahabuddin suffered severe injuries and tragically passed away while being transported to Kohora Hospital. Officials noted that this incident highlights the perilous conditions faced by those working in wildlife protection.

Meanwhile, Ramen Borah is currently receiving treatment at Jorhat Medical College and Hospital, where his condition is under close observation.

The authorities of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve expressed profound condolences for Sahabuddin's death and extended wishes for a swift recovery to Borah, recognizing their dedication to safeguarding the park's wildlife.

An investigation has been initiated to uncover the details surrounding the attack and the events that transpired during their patrol.

Officials indicated that the rhino assault occurred during official duty hours, accentuating the inherent dangers that wildlife protection staff encounter, especially during anti-poaching and conservation operations within the park.

Arun Vignesh, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, stated that teams have been dispatched to locate the rhinoceros involved in this tragic incident and are actively monitoring the area to mitigate any further threats to personnel.

Officials recalled that a similar rhino attack in February 2024 resulted in serious injuries to a forest guard and a Home Guard, accentuating the ongoing perils faced by field staff involved in wildlife protection.

Renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve is celebrated for its remarkable biodiversity, including the largest population of the greater one-horned rhinoceros in the world.

According to recent estimates, the park is home to 2,613 greater one-horned rhinoceroses (2022 census), 104 Bengal tigers (2022), 1,228 Asian elephants (2024), 2,565 wild water buffaloes (2022), and 1,129 eastern swamp deer (2022), establishing it as a key area for wildlife conservation in India.

Spanning the districts of Golaghat, Nagaon, Sonitpur, and Biswanath, the park generated revenue exceeding Rs 10.90 crore in 2024–25 and more than Rs 8.81 crore in 2023–24, underscoring its ecological and economic importance.

The KNPTR consists of three forest divisions – the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division (Bokakhat), the Biswanath Wildlife Division (Biswanath Chariali), and the Nagaon Wildlife Division (Nagaon), collectively overseeing protection, conservation, and administrative tasks.

Further updates are expected as officials continue to evaluate the situation and monitor developments within the park.