The Kaziranga National Park, located in Assam, is all set to observe World Rhino Day, celebrated every year on 22nd September to emphasise the importance of conservation of Rhinoceros species and their habitats. Assam holds 80 percent of the global population of the ‘greater one horned’ rhino (or ‘Indian rhino’) which is the largest of the rhino species, while Kaziranga National Park is home to over 70 per cent of the world’s greater one-horned rhino population, known for its single horn and tough skin.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Kaziranga and called it a ‘unique’ national park. He underlined the attraction of the biodiversity and ecosystem of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Prime Minister also pointed out how the rhino become endangered, over the years, due to negligence and criminal collaboration and how, reversing the trend, the number of poaching was brought down to zero in 2022 by the efforts of the government.
It is a matter of great gratification that the Prime Minister is aware and also appreciative of the efforts made by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to protect the existing rhino population in the country. For the past century, Assam has been at the forefront of rhino conservation, thanks to the unwavering dedication of frontline forest workers and the concerted efforts fostered by local communities.
Rhinos play a vital role in shaping the ecosystems. As mega-herbivores, they help maintain vegetation structure and create open grasslands that benefit various wildlife species. Their wallowing behaviour also creates waterholes that support a diverse range of species. We must protect rhinos and their habitats as it serves as Ecosystem engineer for our natural habitats, it holds immense cultural, spiritual, and natural heritage value and it is also responsible for tourism-created jobs both directly and indirectly.
Global Rhino populations declined from around 500,000 at the beginning of the 20th century to some 70,000 in the 1970s, and currently stand at just over 28,000. Three of the remaining five rhino species in Asia and Africa are classified as critically endangered. Greater one-horned rhino numbers, by contrast, rose by approximately 170 per cent from some 1,500 in the early 1980s to more than 4,014 today. Their primary habitats of this species, which weigh up to 2,800 kg and live for 45 to 50 years, are the floodplain grasslands and swamps of the Terai region in India and Nepal, where they thrive in protected areas. A giant share of the population is found in Kaziranga National Park alone. Greater one-horned rhino numbers in India are making a remarkable comeback, all because of the tireless efforts of the Indian authorities.
The conservation model developed in Kaziranga emphasises the importance of investing in forest frontline personnel, biodiversity conservation, reforestation, and effective anti-poaching initiatives. This multifaceted approach not only focuses on rhino protection but also encompasses the management of wildlife habitats, ensuring a sustainable environment for all species. With a population of 2,613 rhinos as of 2022, Kaziranga’s achievements are bolstered by effective patrolling, community engagement, and innovative technologies such as drone surveillance. Partnerships with local communities to manage human-wildlife conflict have further strengthened conservation efforts.
The park also serves as a premier tourism destination, attracting wildlife enthusiasts and photographers from around the globe. Revenue from ecotourism is reinvested into conservation efforts, ensuring the long-term protection of rhinos and their habitats. By focusing on a rhino-centric approach, Assam can continue to maintain its status as a global leader in wildlife conservation.
Assam’s commitment to rhino conservation has evolved over the years. The Assam Forest Protection Act of 1891 and the Bengal Rhinoceros Preservation Act of 1932 laid the groundwork for legal protection. The Assam Rhino Protection Act of 1954 and the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 strengthened legal frameworks against poaching, significantly increasing penalties for offenders. The IRV2.0 program formalised by the government of Assam aims to further strengthen conservation management of the rhino population in Assam.
As rhino populations grow, new conservation challenges emerge. It is crucial to ensure the availability of adequate habitat, particularly in densely populated agricultural landscapes. Climate change poses additional risks, as increased rainfall and prolonged monsoon seasons threaten the quality of rhino habitats. The World Rhino Day celebration provides an opportune forum for the policy planners, conservationists, wild life enthusiasts and various forest authorities to come together, discuss and deliberate on issues concerning the present and future aspects of this important topic.
As we celebrate Assam’s achievements in rhino conservation, let us renew our commitment to protecting this majestic species for future generations on this World Rhino Day.
(The writer is the Director General, North East Zone, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting)
