Why in the News?
- A 2025 scientific study published in Science reported that dehorning of rhinos in African reserves led to a 75–78% decline in poaching, making it one of the most effective and low-cost anti-poaching strategies.
- The findings have revived global discussions on evidence-based wildlife conservation, especially in contrast to India’s community-led, enforcement-driven rhino protection model.
- The issue is significant for India as it hosts the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros, a key conservation success species concentrated in Assam.
About Rhinoceros
- Rhinoceroses are among the oldest surviving megafauna on Earth, having evolved over 50 million years ago and survived multiple geological and climatic changes across Africa and Asia.
- They are the second-largest land mammals after elephants, characterised by their large body size, thick dermal skin, strong skeletal structure, and adaptive feeding behaviour.
- Despite their evolutionary resilience, rhinos have suffered dramatic population declines due to intensive poaching, habitat fragmentation, and international illegal wildlife trade.
- The International Rhino Foundation (IRF) released its State of the Rhino Report 2024, which confirmed that fewer than 28,000 rhinoceroses remain globally across all five species, underlining the species’ continued vulnerability.
- India continues to remain central to global rhinoceros conservation because it supports more than 80% of the world’s population of the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros, primarily concentrated in the state of Assam.
World Rhino Day
- Date of Observation: 22 September annually.
- Purpose: To raise global awareness about rhino conservation, highlight threats such as poaching and habitat loss, and emphasize the importance of protecting rhinos for ecological balance, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.
- Initiative: Launched by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and other conservation organizations, the day serves as a platform to recognize efforts by governments, NGOs, and local communities in rhino protection worldwide.
Taxonomy and Species Distribution: The Five Species of Rhinocerous
There are five surviving species of rhinoceros, divided geographically into African and Asian groups:
| Feature | Greater One-Horned (Indian) | Javan Rhino | Sumatran Rhino | White Rhino | Black Rhino |
| Scientific Name | Rhinoceros unicornis | Rhinoceros sondaicus | Dicerorhinus sumatrensis | Ceratotherium simum | Diceros bicornis |
| Location | India & Nepal | Indonesia (Ujung Kulon) | Indonesia (Sumatra) | Africa (South, Namibia) | East & Southern Africa |
| Horn(s) | Single Horn | Single Horn | Two Horns | Two Horns | Two Horns |
| IUCN (Red List) Status | Vulnerable | Critically Endangered | Critically Endangered | Northern White Rhinoceros: Critically Endangered (with only two females surviving under guarded conditions in Kenya) Southern White Rhinoceros: Near Threatened | Critically Endangered |
| WPA 1972 | Schedule I | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
International Legal Framework
- All rhino species are listed under CITES Appendix I, which strictly prohibits international commercial trade in rhinos and their derivatives.
- Rhino conservation is also linked to commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land).
Differences Between African and Asian Rhinoceroses
Rhinoceroses, one of the largest land mammals, exhibit notable differences in morphology, behaviour, habitat preference, and conservation status across Africa and Asia, as follows:
| Feature | African Rhino | Asian Rhino |
| Size | The white rhinoceros is the second-largest land mammal after the elephant. | The Indian rhinoceros is the largest among all Asian rhino species. |
| Appearance and Behaviour | Less-armoured body; generally more aggressive; possesses two horns; poor swimmers, often wallow in mud to avoid drowning; uses horns in fights; grazes close to the ground. | More heavily armoured body; generally less aggressive; horn count varies—two horns in Sumatran rhinos, one horn in Indian and Javan rhinos; strong swimmers; fights using lower teeth; feeds on tall grasses, shrubs, and leaves. |
| Habitat | Grasslands, savannas, shrublands, and some desert areas. | Tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannahs, and moist forests. |
| Conservation Status (IUCN) | White Rhino: Near Threatened Black Rhino: Critically Endangered | Indian Rhino: Vulnerable; listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 Sumatran Rhino: Critically Endangered Javan Rhino: Critically Endangered |
Biological Characteristics of Rhinoceros
- Rhinoceros horns are made entirely of keratin, the same fibrous protein found in human hair, nails, and animal scales, and do not contain bone tissue.
- Horns grow continuously from a germinal layer at the base, allowing regrowth if damaged or trimmed.
- Rhinoceroses are strictly herbivorous; their horns are not used for hunting but for digging soil to access roots, tubers, and minerals.
- During mating, horns act as secondary sexual characteristics, with females preferring males with larger, well-formed horns.
- Rhinoceroses have poor eyesight but compensate with a highly developed sense of smell and hearing.
- Their hindgut-fermentation digestive system allows efficient processing of coarse vegetation.
Behaviour and Ecological Role of Rhinoceros
- Rhinoceroses are mostly solitary, except during mating or when females have calves.
- Adult males maintain loosely defined territories, marked by dung heaps, urine, ground scraping, and scent.
- Territorial disputes are resolved through visual displays, vocalisations, and mock charges.
- Indian rhinos are excellent swimmers, enabling them to traverse rivers, wetlands, and floodplains.
- They prefer riverine grasslands and alluvial floodplains, providing abundant forage and water.
- Wallowing behaviour regulates body temperature, protects against insects, and removes ectoparasites; wallows also form micro-habitats for amphibians, insects, and aquatic plants.
- As mega-herbivores, rhinoceroses shape ecosystems by grazing tall grasses, trampling shrubs, and preventing woody encroachment.
- Their selective feeding and movement help maintain open grasslands, supporting other grassland-dependent species.
- Dung contributes to nutrient cycling, supporting soil organisms and coprophagous insects.
- By regulating vegetation and creating habitats, rhinoceroses act as keystone species and ecosystem engineers, significantly influencing ecosystem stability and biodiversity.
Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros: India’s Conservation Icon
- The Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is the largest of all Asian rhino species and one of the largest rhinoceroses globally.
- The species is characterised by a single black horn measuring 8–25 inches and a thick grey-brown, armour-plated skin with deep folds.
- Adult males weigh between 2,200 and 2,800 kilograms, while females are slightly lighter.
- The natural lifespan of the species ranges from 45 to 50 years under favourable conditions.
Habitat and Distribution of Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros
The Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) predominantly inhabits alluvial floodplain grasslands, swamps, riverine forests, and subtropical savannahs, which provide abundant forage and water resources. The species is largely restricted to the Terai–Brahmaputra floodplains of the Indian subcontinent.
- Current Distribution: India and Nepal.
- Historical Range: Spanned the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra river systems, covering present-day Pakistan, India, and Nepal.
Key Rhino-Bearing Protected Areas in India
- Kaziranga National Park, Assam – Supports the largest population of Greater One-Horned Rhinoceroses, with around 2,613 individuals recorded in 2022.
- Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam – Holds the highest density of rhinos in the world, despite its small geographical area.
- Manas National Park, Assam – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for successful rhino conservation and reintroduction programs.
- Orang National Park, Assam – Important habitat for rhinos, with recent habitat expansions enhancing population viability.
- Jaldapara National Park, West Bengal – Provides critical floodplain grasslands supporting stable rhino populations.
- Gorumara National Park, West Bengal – Known for its riverine grasslands and role in rhino conservation.
- Dudhwa National Park, Uttar Pradesh – Northernmost rhino habitat, contributing to the translocation and range expansion programs.
Key Threats to Rhinoceroses
Rhinoceroses, particularly the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros, face a range of threats that challenge their survival both in India and globally:
1. Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade
- Rhino horns, composed of keratin, are highly valued in illegal wildlife trade, particularly in parts of China and Vietnam, for use in traditional medicine, status symbols, and ornamental purposes, despite having no scientifically proven medicinal value.
- Between 2012 and 2022, the illegal rhino horn trade generated USD 874 million to USD 1.13 billion in illicit income.
- The UNODC reports that rhino horn trafficking accounts for nearly 29% of global illegal wildlife trade, generating multi-million-dollar profits.
- Poaching incidents in Africa, such as in the Greater Kruger region, have caused nearly 6.5% population loss annually from 2017–2023, despite significant anti-poaching investment (~$74 million).
- In India, although poaching has reduced drastically in recent years, Kaziranga National Park still faces threats, requiring constant vigilance and enforcement.
2. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation
- The expansion of agriculture, infrastructure development, and urbanisation has reduced available rhino habitats.
- Fragmented landscapes increase the vulnerability of rhinos to poaching and limit their natural dispersal.
- Recovery of rhino populations now necessitates habitat expansion, corridor creation, and connectivity between protected areas such as Kaziranga, Pobitora, Manas, Orang, and Dudhwa National Parks.
3. Human-Wildlife Conflict
- Increasing rhino populations encroach into agricultural lands, causing crop damage and occasional human casualties, creating negative attitudes towards conservation.
- Conflicts arise particularly in areas adjacent to floodplains and riverine habitats, requiring community-based mitigation strategies.
4. Climate Change
- Altered rainfall patterns, extended monsoon floods, and invasion of alien plant species threaten the alluvial floodplain grasslands crucial for grazing.
- Prolonged floods, particularly in Assam, can displace rhinos, increasing mortality risk and stress on smaller protected areas.
5. Genetic Bottlenecks and Small Populations
- Some smaller rhino populations in Pobitora, Laokhowa, and Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuaries face genetic isolation, which may reduce resilience to diseases and environmental changes.
- This emphasizes the need for translocations and managed breeding programs to maintain genetic diversity.
6. Threats from Disease and Parasites
- Rhinos are susceptible to tick infestations, fungal infections, and other parasites.
- Wallowing helps mitigate this naturally, but habitat degradation and overcrowding can exacerbate disease spread.
7. Emerging Threats from Poaching Techniques
- Despite strict laws, organized criminal networks exploit loopholes, using sophisticated methods for poaching and illegal horn trade.
- In African reserves, innovations like dehorning have reduced poaching by up to 78%, highlighting the need for preventive interventions alongside legal enforcement.
Dehorning as a Conservation Strategy
Definition: Rhino dehorning is a non-lethal conservation technique in which 90–93% of a rhino’s horn is carefully removed. The germinal layer at the base is preserved to allow natural horn regrowth, and the remaining stump is treated with antiseptics to prevent infection.
Purpose:
- Reduces the incentive for poachers by removing the primary target: the horn.
- Provides a safe, proactive measure to protect rhinos without harming them.
Scientific Findings (Greater Kruger, South Africa):
- 75% overall reduction in poaching
- 78% reduction where dehorning was implemented abruptly
- 95% lower risk of poaching for dehorned rhinos compared to horned ones
- Achieved using only 1.2% of the total anti-poaching budget
India’s Position on Dehorning
- India and Nepal record very low rhino poaching incidents, often losing only one or two individuals annually.
- Strong patrolling, intelligence networks, and community cooperation have proven sufficient deterrents.
- Experts argue that preventive conservation governance in India reduces the need for dehorning.
Assam’s Leadership in Rhino Conservation
Assam serves as the epicentre of global Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros conservation, hosting nearly 80% of the world’s population of this species. Over the past six decades, Assam has witnessed a remarkable recovery in rhino numbers, increasing from approximately 600 individuals in the 1960s to over 4,000 by 2024.
This significant population growth reflects sustained conservation efforts, including:
- Strong legal enforcement through acts such as the Assam Rhino Protection Act (1954) and the Wildlife (Protection) Act (1972).
- Dedicated forest frontlines, including rangers and anti-poaching squads, who ensure constant monitoring and protection.
- Active community participation, where local communities are engaged in conservation, eco-tourism, and habitat management initiatives.
Kaziranga National Park: A Global Model of Rhino Conservation
Kaziranga National Park, Assam, is home to around 70% of the global population of the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros, making it a critical conservation stronghold.
- The Kaziranga Model of Conservation integrates scientific habitat management, intensive anti-poaching patrols, technological surveillance, and community engagement.
- Revenue generated from eco-tourism is strategically reinvested into park infrastructure, rhino habitat management, and community development, ensuring a sustainable conservation model that balances wildlife protection with local socioeconomic benefits.
Legal and Policy Framework for Rhinoceros Conservation in India
India has developed a robust legal and policy framework to protect rhinoceroses, particularly the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros, ensuring their survival and habitat protection:
1. Early Legal Protection
- Assam Forest Protection Act, 1891: Provided one of the earliest statutory measures to protect wildlife in Assam, including rhinoceroses, by regulating hunting and forest resource exploitation.
- Bengal Rhinoceros Preservation Act, 1932: Specifically targeted the protection of rhinoceroses in Bengal and Assam, prohibiting their killing, capturing, or injuring, except under license or self-defense.
2. Post-Independence Legislation
- Assam Rhino Protection Act, 1954: Reinforced earlier protections and provided state-level statutory backing for anti-poaching measures.
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972:
- Rhinoceroses were placed under Schedule I, granting the highest legal protection.
- Hunting, capturing, or trade of rhinos is strictly prohibited.
- Assam Amendment, 2009: Introduced enhanced penalties, including life imprisonment for repeat poaching offenders, serving as a strong deterrent against illegal hunting.
3. Policy Initiatives and Strategic Programs
- Project Rhino
- Project Rhino is a wildlife conservation initiative launched by the Government of India in 2005.
- Its primary aim is to protect and conserve the Great Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), especially in the Assam region.
- Focused on habitat management, anti-poaching measures, and translocation of rhinos to suitable habitats.
- Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (IRV 2020):
- Launched to achieve a wild population of at least 3,000 Greater One-Horned Rhinoceroses spread over seven protected areas in Assam by 2020.
- Focused on population expansion, habitat connectivity, and translocation of rhinos to secure areas.
- National Rhino Conservation Strategy, 2019:
- A national-level framework for rhino protection across India.
- Focuses on habitat management, anti-poaching measures, scientific monitoring, and community engagement.
- New Delhi Declaration on Asian Rhinos, 2019:
- Signed by India, Nepal, Bhutan, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
- Commits to regional cooperation, joint research, and transboundary conservation initiatives to secure all Asian rhino species.
4. Key Legal and Policy Outcomes
- Strict enforcement of anti-poaching laws and penalties has significantly reduced rhino poaching in India.
- Translocation programs under IRV 2020 and linked protected corridors have expanded habitats and mitigated genetic bottlenecks.
- Integration of community participation and eco-tourism ensures sustainable conservation while supporting local livelihoods.
Consider the following statements regarding the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros:
1. It primarily inhabits alluvial floodplains, riverine forests, swamps, and subtropical savannahs.
2. Its current distribution is limited to India and Nepal, though historically it ranged across the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra river systems.
3. Adult males maintain loosely defined territories, which are marked using dung heaps, urine spraying, ground scraping, and scent marking.
4. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary has the largest total rhino population in the world.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2, and 3 only
C. 2, 3, and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3, and 4
Answer: B
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: The Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros prefers alluvial floodplains, riverine forests, swamps, and subtropical savannahs.
Statement 2 is correct: Its current distribution is limited to India and Nepal, though historically it was widespread across the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra river systems.
Statement 3 is correct: Adult males are territorial and use dung heaps, urine spraying, ground scraping, and scent marking to communicate boundaries and reduce conflicts.
Statement 4 is incorrect: Pobitora has the highest rhino density, not the largest total population; Kaziranga National Park hosts the largest total population of Greater One-Horned Rhinos.
