Management of Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, West Bengal, India

Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a game sanctuary in 1941, and has been subsequently extended (most recently in 1990) to an area of 216.5 km². It covers 12 forest blocks and 46 compartments, and serves as a reserve for the great Indian one-horned rhinoceros [ Rhinoceros unicornis ] outside Assam and Nepal, and also for 11 other endangered vertebrate species. Vegetation types include dry and wet mixed forest, grasslands, grasslands invaded by forest (at 2 successional stages), bamboo brakes, forest plantations, sandy river beds and cane brakes in the swamps. The sanctuary has 32 revenue villages along its boundaries and a population of 90000 who are dependent on the forest for grazing and various products. Poaching and disease problems with the wildlife, habitat degradation, and infrastructural problems are described and discussed and recommendations for improved management made. These include grazing control, reforestation of degraded areas, soil and water conservation, and control of illicit harvesting/collection of forest products and the industries associated with them, which include sawmilling and furniture shops in fringe areas.