Report- State of Rhino 2023

Latest Context:

Recently, the International Rhino Foundation released “State of Rhino 2023” report.

Major findings of the report are:

• The population of greater one-horned rhino (Indian rhino) continues to grow in India and Nepal due to strong protection, wildlife crime law enforcement and habitat expansion.
• The population of black rhino is increasing, despite constant poaching pressure.
• The population of white rhinos and Sumatran rhinos is continuously decreasing.

About Rhino species

• Rhinos are a group of large, herbivorous mammals known for their thick skin, distinctive horns and powerful physical appearance.
• Presently, there are 5 species of rhinos and out of them, 3 rhino species are found in Asia namely Sumatran rhino, Javan rhino and the Indian rhino.
• Asian rhinos are excellent swimmers and can easily swim across rivers.
• Indian rhino has the highest population among all rhino species and are commonly found in India (Assam, West Bengal and Utter Pradesh), Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan.
• Indian rhino is protected under Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• The biggest threats for all rhino species are habitat loss, poaching for rhino horn and climate change.

Details of 5 Rhino species are:

• White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum):

• Habitat: Primarily inhabit grasslands and savannas in Africa.
• Physical Characteristics: They are the larger of the two African rhino species and have two horns.
• Population Status: There are two subspecies of white rhinos: the Southern white rhino (more numerous, with several thousand individuals) and the critically endangered Northern white rhino (extinct in wild).
• Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis):
• Habitat: Black rhinos are found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, deserts, and forests, across Africa.
• Physical Characteristics: They have two horns, with the front horn usually longer than the rear one. They are smaller than white rhinos.
• Population Status: Black rhinos have faced significant population declines due to poaching, but conservation efforts have led to some recovery. They are still classified as endangered.
• Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis):
• Habitat: Indian rhinos are native to the Indian subcontinent, primarily found in grasslands and wetlands.
• Physical Characteristics: They have a single horn and thick, folded skin. Indian rhinos are known for their armour-like appearance.
• Population Status: They are listed as vulnerable. Conservation efforts in national parks and reserves have helped stabilize their populations.
• Sumatran Rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis):
• Habitat: Sumatran rhinos are found in the dense rainforests and swamps of Southeast Asia.
• Physical Characteristics: They are the smallest rhino species and have two horns. They are covered in coarse hair, giving them a shaggy appearance.
• Population Status: Sumatran rhinos are critically endangered, with only a few individuals remaining in the wild. Conservation efforts are focused on saving this species from extinction.
• Javan Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus):
• Habitat: Javan rhinos are found in dense, lowland rainforests in Southeast Asia.
• Physical Characteristics: They have a single horn and have thick, folded skin.
• Population Status: Javan rhinos are one of the rarest and most endangered large mammals, with fewer than 100 individuals left in the wild. Conservation efforts aim to protect their habitat and increase their numbers.

Rhino Conservation initiatives by India

• Early 20th Century: Indian rhino population significantly declined due to hunting and habitat loss during British colonial rule.
• 1928: The Maharaja of Cooch Behar in present-day West Bengal established a rhino sanctuary to protect these animals. This marked one of the earliest conservation efforts in India.
• 1950s: The population of Indian rhinoceroses in Kaziranga National Park in Assam increased to around 200 individuals due to strict protection measures.
• 1972: The Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 was enacted in India, providing legal protection to wildlife, including rhinos. Indian rhinos were listed as an endangered species under this act.
• 1984: Kaziranga National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its significance in conserving the Indian rhinoceros and other biodiversity.
• 1990s: Conservation efforts led to further growth in Indian rhino populations, and additional populations were established in other protected areas, such as Manas National Park in Assam.
• 2000s: India continued to invest in rhino conservation efforts, including habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and community engagement. Translocation projects were initiated to establish new populations in suitable habitats, such as Dudhwa National Park in Uttar Pradesh.
• 2010s: The Indian government and conservation organizations increased their efforts to protect Indian rhinos. The population surpassed 3,000 individuals, marking a significant recovery from the brink of extinction.
• Indian Rhino Vision 2020: It’s a joint program of Assam Forest Department, World Wide Fund for Nature – India (WWF-India) and IRF to increase rhino population.

Conclusion and Way Forward:

All rhino species are threatened by habitat loss and, more significantly, by poaching for their horns, which are highly valued in some traditional Asian medicine and as status symbols. Conservation efforts, including anti-poaching measures and habitat preservation, are crucial for the survival.

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