Identifying the source population of naturally recolonised rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) in Laokhowa-Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam, through multidisciplinary methods

Eight naturally recolonising Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) in Laokhowa-Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary were genetically assigned to Orang NP with high Bayesian probabilities (q = 0.97–0.99).

• Why it matters: Recovery of megaherbivores depends on restoring connectivity, but the source and movement routes of newly recolonised rhinos in Assam were unclear for managing an emerging metapopulation.
• What they did: Using non-invasive genetic sampling, Bayesian and frequency-based assignment against a reference set of 365 Assam rhinos, plus habitat suitability modeling from 161 thinned presence points and eight environmental variables, the study inferred origins and routes.
• The result: A least-cost path connectivity model identified two pathways, with the Orang NP–Laokhowa-Burhachapori linkage showing lower landscape friction than the Kaziranga NP linkage, supporting natural dispersal most likely from Orang NP.

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