There are five species of rhinos, comprising white and black rhinos in Africa, as well as greater one-horned, Javan, and Sumatran rhinos in Asia.
IUCN RED LIST STATUS
The black rhino is critically endangered, with the African species being the smaller of the two.
- The white rhino is categorized as Near Threatened. Researchers utilized In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) to generate an embryo of a northern white rhino.
- The one-horned rhino is considered Vulnerable.
- The Javan rhino is critically endangered.
- The Sumatran rhino is also critically endangered and has become extinct in Malaysia.
- In India, the Great One-Horned Rhino is the sole species found. It is the largest among the rhino species and is commonly known as the Indian rhino. Identified by a single black horn and a grey-brown hide with skin folds, these rhinos are primarily grazers. Their diet includes grasses, leaves, shrub and tree branches, fruit, and aquatic plants.
HABITAT
- The Great One-Horned Rhino is confined to a small habitat area in the Indo-Nepal terai, as well as northern West Bengal and Assam.
- Rhinos are mostly found in Assam, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh in India.
- Notable habitats include the Pabitora Wildlife Reserve, Kaziranga National Park, Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park, and Manas National Park in Assam, housing an estimated 2,640 rhinos. Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve alone provide habitat for approximately 2,400 of them.
PROTECTION STATUS:
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
- CITES Appendix I: Threatened with extinction, and international trade in specimens of these species is prohibited, except for non-commercial purposes like scientific research.
- Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
CHALLENGES AND THREAT
- Poaching:
- The illegal hunting of wildlife, especially for valuable body parts like horns, tusks, or fur, poses a significant threat to many species. Poaching can lead to population declines and disrupt ecosystems.
- Loss of Habitat:
- Human activities, urbanization, and deforestation contribute to the loss and fragmentation of natural habitats. This habitat loss can lead to displacement, stress, and difficulties in finding resources for many species.
- Population Density:
- High population density, especially in urban areas, can result in increased human-wildlife conflicts. Animals may venture into human settlements in search of food, leading to confrontations and sometimes lethal outcomes for both humans and animals.
- Genetic Diversity Decline:
- Genetic diversity is crucial for the adaptability and long-term survival of species. Reduced genetic diversity can result from factors like habitat fragmentation and small population sizes, making species more vulnerable to diseases and environmental changes.
CONSERVATION EFFORTS THAT HAVE BEEN MADE
- The five rhino range countries, namely India, Bhutan, Nepal, Indonesia, and Malaysia, joined forces by signing the ‘New Delhi Declaration on Asian Rhinos 2019,’ demonstrating their commitment to the conservation and protection of this endangered species.
- In a recent development, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has initiated a groundbreaking project focused on creating DNA profiles for all rhinos in the country. This innovative approach aims to enhance conservation efforts and better understand the genetic diversity of rhino populations.
- In 2019, a significant step was taken with the launch of the National Rhino Conservation Strategy, emphasizing the preservation of the greater one-horned rhinoceros. This strategy outlines comprehensive measures and actions to safeguard the species and its habitats.
- Furthermore, the Indian Rhino Vision 2020 initiative, launched in 2005, set an ambitious goal of establishing a thriving population of at least 3,000 greater one-horned rhinos across seven protected areas in the Indian state of Assam by the year 2020. This initiative represents a concerted effort to secure the future of the species and ensure its sustained presence in the wild.
FAQs about Rhinos: Conservation, Species, and Challenges
Q1: How many species of rhinos are there, and where are they found?
There are five species of rhinos: white and black rhinos in Africa, and greater one-horned, Javan, and Sumatran rhinos in Asia.
Q2: What is the conservation status of each rhino species according to the IUCN Red List?
The black rhino is critically endangered, the white rhino is near-threatened, the one-horned rhino is vulnerable, the Javan rhino is critically endangered, and the Sumatran rhino is critically endangered and extinct in Malaysia.
Q3: What is the distinctive feature of the Great One-Horned Rhino found in India?
The Great One-Horned Rhino, also known as the Indian rhino, is recognized by its single black horn and grey-brown hide with skin folds. It is the largest among the rhino species.
Q4: Where is the habitat of the Great One-Horned Rhino, and what are the notable habitats in India?
The Great One-Horned Rhino is confined to a small habitat area in the Indo-Nepal terai, northern West Bengal, and Assam. Notable habitats in India include the Pabitora Wildlife Reserve, Kaziranga National Park, Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park, and Manas National Park in Assam.
Q5: What is the protection status of rhinos according to international conventions and Indian law?
Rhinos are categorized as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, listed under CITES Appendix I (prohibiting international trade), and are in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972
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