Why In The News?

• The Wildlife Institute of India has proposed a national action plan for translocation of one-horned rhinoceroses to reduce habitat pressure in Assam’s Kaziranga and Pobitora, through reintroduction in new protected areas across five states.

About One-Horned Rhinoceros:

⇒ Scientific Name: Rhinoceros unicornis

⇒ IUCN Status: Vulnerable

⇒ Habitat: Terai grasslands, alluvial floodplains, swamps, and subtropical savannahs.

Key Features:

⇒ Largest of all Asian rhino species with a height of 5.75–6.5 ft and weight up to 6,000 pounds.

⇒ Recognisable by its single black horn (8–25 inches) and armour-plated skin folds.

⇒ Solitary grazers that feed on grasses, aquatic plants, shrubs, and fruits.

Key Protected Areas for One-Horned Rhinos as of now in India:

• Kaziranga National Park (Assam) – Largest population (~2,613 as of 2022).
• Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary (Assam) – Highest rhino density (107 rhinos in 16 sq. km).
• Jaldapara National Park (West Bengal)
• Gorumara National Park (West Bengal)
• Dudhwa National Park (Uttar Pradesh)

Proposed Translocation Sites under New Action Plan:

⇒ Assam: Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (Reintroduction of 5 rhinos within 13 years.)

⇒ West Bengal: Gorumara & Jaldapara National Parks (Exchange and introduction of 5 rhinos every 3 years from Kaziranga and Pobitora.)

⇒ Arunachal Pradesh: D’Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary (Suitable for long-term reintroduction of 5 rhinos.)

⇒ Bihar: Valmiki Tiger Reserve

⇒ Uttar Pradesh: Dudhwa National Park, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary

⇒ Uttarakhand: Surai Range