GUWAHATI: Forest minister Pramila Rani Brahma has sought a detailed report on how the poaching of a rhino took place on Thursday at Orang tiger reserve and national park, about 150 km from here. Brahma said action would be taken if there is found to be any negligence on the part of the forest officials.The forest minister rushed to Orang on Thursday to have a meeting with forest officials, which lasted late into the night, to find out if negligence is to blame for poachers having managed to kill the third rhino in the protected area this year so far."I have asked for a detailed report on how poachers could manage to kill a rhino in daylight. Based on the report we will take appropriate action," Brahma said.Also known as mini-Kaziranga, Orang, which has around 100 rhinos in the 78.8 sq km of the national park area, is one of the best protected rhino habitats in the state. The 78.8 sq km area of the park is included in the 492.46 sq km area of the tiger reserve.However, increasing poaching pressure and shortage of workforce have become big challenges for the park officials. Officials said pressure of poaching is mounting every day. Since January this year, there have been several foiled poaching attempts, they said."Orang is a well protected park no doubt. But killing of three rhinos this year is a matter of concern. We will look into what best can be done to protect the wildlife in the park. We are expecting to provide more forest personnel to Orang by August this year," said the minister.

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