The state forest department has submitted a proposal to the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change to develop Bengal's fourth rhino habitat at Nathua under the Jalpaiguri forest division.

Rajendra Jakhar, the chief conservator of forest, (wildlife, north), said: “We sent a proposal to the Centre seeking permission for a rhino habitat at Nathua range. Once we receive the green signal, we will start developing the habitat.”

Jaldapara in Alipurduar district and Gorumara in Jalpaiguri district are already two famed rhino habitats in the state.

The third one — and the most recent — is at Patlakhawa forest in Alipurduar district. The forest department has started work to set up the third rhino habitat following approval from the Centre. Work on developing the grasslands is over. The rhinoceroses are set to be released soon.

Foresters said that Patlakhawa was developed as rhino habitat after a number of the animals had strayed from Jaldapara to this adjacent grassland.

Jaldapara has a rhino count of 300, which puts pressure on this habitat, experts said.

Sources said that in 1986 the number of rhinos in Jaldapara was only 14. However, following a successful conservation project, the number reached 300 during last year’s head count.

The rhino census at Gorumara has shown the presence of 55 animals in that habitat.

One female and two male rhinos were also found at Gadhear Kuthi beat area under Nathua range in Jalpaiguri.

According to forest officials, Nathua, if the Centre agrees, has the potential to develop into a good habitat for rhinoceroses as the Jaldhaka river is near. Rhinos are known to love mud and water.