World Rhino Day, and India’s Success Story

World Rhino Day is celebrated every year on September 22nd.

There are five main species of rhinoceros in the world:

Sumatran Rhino

Black Rhino

One Horned Rhino

Java Rhino

White Rhino

Rhinos and where they live. Image Credit: World Atlas

Of these, only the Indian rhinoceros is a one-horned rhino. All others are two horned.

The Indian Conservation Story

The Indian Rhino Census was conducted in March 2022.

It had the following results for Kaziranga:

  • 1,670 adults (above six years)
  • 365 sub-adults (3 to 6 years)
  • 279 juveniles (1 to 3 years)
  • 146 calves (0 to 1 year)

The last Census was in 2018.

When we think of the Indian rhinoceros, we only think of the Kaziranga sanctuary.

Image Credit: http://wiienvis.nic.in/Database/Key_Biodiversity_Areas_8647.aspx

While Kaziranga does have the highest rhino population, the following sanctuaries have also done well on the conservation front:

Pobitra National Park, Assam

Pobitra has 81 rhinos. For a 40 sq km area, that population is very dense.

Jaldapara National Park, West Bengal

From 15 in 1985 to 292 in 2022, Jaldapara has the highest population of rhinos in West Bengal.

Orang National Park, Assam

Orang National Park won the 2nd Annual IUCN WCPA International Ranger Award 2022.

Gorumara National Park, Assam

Manas National Park, Assam

Dudhwa National Park, Uttar Pradesh

India now has over 4000 rhinos.