Seasonal variations in food plant preferences of reintroduced Rhinos Rhinoceros unicornis (Mammalia: Perrissodactyla: Rhinocerotidae) in Manas National Park, Assam, India

Research on the food preferences of reintroduced greater one-horned rhinos (Rhinoceros unicornis) in Manas National Park, Assam, India, reveals significant seasonal variations. Grasses dominated their diet year-round, with species like Arundo donax and Cynodon dactylon being most favored, while shrubs and tree twigs were primarily consumed during winter. Monsoon season saw limited browsing due to abundant young grass. The study identified 139 plant species across 39 families as part of the rhinos' diet, with grasses (24%), herbs (22.3%), and trees (18.7%) being the most significant contributors. Anthropogenic pressures such as unregulated burning, cattle grazing, and invasive weeds like Chromolaena odorata have degraded critical grasslands, necessitating targeted management strategies to protect these habitats for rhinos.

Dutta, D. K., Bora, P. J., Mahanta, R., Sharma, A., & Swargowari, A. (2016). Seasonal variations in food plant preferences of reintroduced Rhinos Rhinoceros unicornis (Mammalia: Perrissodactyla: Rhinocerotidae) in Manas National Park, Assam, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa, 8(13), 9525. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.2486.8.13.9525-9536