Context: The Indian rhinoceros, once on the brink of extinction, has seen a remarkable resurgence in its population, thanks to decades of dedicated conservation efforts by the government and the forest department. 

• From a staggering low of just 200 individuals at the start of the 20th century, India now boasts over 2,600 rhinos, housing approximately 85% of the world’s total Indian rhino population.

Key-initiatives to conserve Rhino

• India banned rhino hunting in 1910.

• World Rhino Day is celebrated every 22 September.

• The Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (IRV 2020) program aimed to reintroduce rhinos to Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam. 

• Project Rhino is an initiative that aims to protect India’s rhino population. It focuses on preventing poaching, improving habitats, and raising public awareness. 

Important Rhino Habitat

• Kaziranga National Park in Assam. Kaziranga has become synonymous with rhino conservation, with over 2,600 individuals residing there today—making it home to more than 70% of the world’s Indian rhinoceros population.  

• It is the single largest undisturbed and representative area in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain.

• It was declared as a National Park in 1974.

• It has been declared a tiger reserve since 2007. It has a total tiger reserve area of 1,030 sq km with a core area of 430 sq. km.

• It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

• It is recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.

• Dudhwa National Park, Uttar Pradesh, where a population of 38 rhinos now thrives after re-introduction efforts in the 1980s. 

• Manas National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

• Jaldapara National Park 

• Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

• Rajaji National Park 

• Keoladeo National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

About Rhino

There are five species of Rhinos

1. Black African rhino  (critically endangered)

2. White African rhino (near threatened)

Asian rhino rhino

1. Greater one–horned rhino or Indian rhino (vulnerable)

2. Sumatran rhino (critically endangered)

3. Javan rhinos  (critically endangered)

• The greater one-horned rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) is the largest rhino species on Earth.

• They are semi-aquatic and are great swimmers. 

• The rhinoceros is a megaherbivore and primarily a grazer.