Greater One-Horned Rhino

The International Rhino Foundation (IRF) recently published its ‘State of the Rhino’ report, highlighting positive developments for the Greater One-Horned Rhino.

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Key Highlights

• The population of one-horned rhinos has increased by 20% over the past decade. 
• Conservation efforts have led to better management of rhino habitats and the creation of wildlife corridors, ensuring safer movement and protection for the species.
• This growth reflects successful conservation programs and restoration efforts across rhino habitats, particularly in India and Nepal.
• The report underlines the need for constant vigilance and innovation in rhino conservation efforts across the globe.

 

About Great One-Horned Rhino

• Habitat and Distribution: The preferred habitat includes grasslands and wetlands in the Himalayas' foothills and the Brahmaputra and Ganges valleys.
• The Great one-horned rhino is commonly found in India, Nepal, and Bhutan.
• In India, they are mainly found in Kaziranga National Park (Assam), Manas National Park (Assam), Pobitora WLS, Assam (having the highest Indian rhino density in the world), Orang National Park (Assam), Jaldapara NP and Gorumara NP (West Bengal) and Dudhwa NP (UP), Laokhowa Reserve Forest of Assam and Royal Chitwan National Park in Nepal.
• Moreover, a transient population of Indian Rhinos is also observed in Katerniaghat WLS in Uttar Pradesh and Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar.

 

Key Facts

• IUCN Status: Vulnerable
• Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act
• CITES Appendix I
• World Rhino Day is celebrated on 22nd September every year.
• Theme: “Keep the Five Alive”