Policy on Environment and Ecology
Zero Poaching of Rhinos in Assam in 2022
- Assam recorded zero poaching of Rhinoceros for the first time in nearly 45 years in 2022.
About India Rhinoceros
-
- Indian Rhinos are Asia’s largest species of rhino.
- They are found in India (Assam, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh), Nepal and Bhutan.
- IUCN Status – Vulnerable
- Indian Rhinos have only one horn Rhino horn is made up of keratin – protein which forms the basis of our hair and nails.
- Habitat: Tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas and shrublands, tropical moist forests, deserts and shrublands.
- Threats: Horn poaching for medicinal value, habitat loss.
- Highest Population : Kaziranga National Park
- Highest Population density of Indian Rhinos : Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
Initiatives for rhino conversion in India
- Indian Rhino Vision 2020 was launched in 2005 to increase the rhino population in Assam to 3,000 by establishing populations in seven protected areas.
- Special Rhino Protection Force constituted by Assam to check rhino poaching and related activities
