India: Not so long ago the rhinos of Kaziranga National Park had to rely on rangers equipped with little more than a shot gun or wooden staff for protection. It was only a few years ago the rangers were lucky to have boots to wear for patrols. Soon though that will all change as an application has been put into the Indian central government for a special force of 1200 highly trained and equipped rangers to operate against the rhino poachers of Kaziranga. No longer will a .303 bolt action rifle of a ranger have to take on Kalashnikovs and military grade weapons of the poaching gangs. The new force will be equipped with the latest military equipment including night vision googles, thermal scanners, surveillance cameras and other highly advanced equipment found in the field of modern warfare. Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has announced that a plan for a Rhino Protection Force of 1200 personal has been submitted to central authorities and he hoped that the force will be operational shortly. He congratulated the current rangers in the national park for doing their best to protect the rhinos despite being outgunned and out-equipped by the poachers. The new technology and highly equipped rangers though will ensure that the rhinos could get the best protection that is available. As part of the new rhino protection measures the Chief minister has directed the district authorities to use military commandoes to clear the border region of poaching gangs and known poaching camps. New watch towers are to be erected and equipped with military-grade surveillance equipment and cameras. There will also be a new gallantry medal cast for rangers and rhino security guards to be awarded for acts of bravery in protecting the rhino. the new plan to tackle the rhino poachers at Kaziranga National Park is not just related to direct action against the poachers but a new Kaziranga Landscape Development Agency will be established to work with communities that live around the national park to help them to gain economically from the park with green developments. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi appealed to the communities not to become involved in the poaching or to harbour the poachers but to work with the authorities to find legal and sustainable ways to boost economic development and alleviate poverty. The Chief Minister also aims to work with the Kaziranga National Park authorities on improving the outcomes for those rangers who are injured and maimed while undertaking their duties. (Source : wildlife news)