Geography and Environment

Assam

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One-Horned Rhinoceros

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