Environment and ecology
▪ Genetic analysis of Assam rhino horn samples
▪ A specialised team has begun DNA analysis of 2,573 rhino horn samples in Assam.
▪ Verification and repackaging of samples done at Kaziranga (July 3–8).
▪ Samples sent to Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun for analysis.
▪ The WII’s genetics laboratory is central to the RhoDIS (Rhino DNA Index System) India programme under the supervision of Samrat Mondol.
▪ This analysis aims to document the individual DNA profiles of the rhino horn and add them to the RhoDIS India DNA data library.
▪ Kaziranga National Park (Assam) – Largest population (~2,613 as of 2022).
▪ IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.
