Context:
Recently, the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) published the report, State of the Rhino, 2023 which documents current population estimates and trends for the five surviving rhino species in Africa and Asia.
Key findings:
- Greater one-horned rhino (aka Indian rhino) population in India and Nepal continues to grow due to strong protection, wildlife crime law enforcement and habitat expansion.
- Black rhino populations are increasing despite constant poaching pressure.
- Population of white rhinos and sumatran rhinos are decreasing.
About Rhino:
- Out of 5 species of Rhino, 3 rhino species are found in Asia namely Sumatran rhino, Javan rhino and Indian rhino.
- Asian rhinos are excellent swimmers and can easily swim across rivers.
- Indian rhino is largest of all rhino species and commonly found in India (Assam, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh), Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan.
- Indian rhino is protected under Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
- Threat: Habitat loss, poaching for rhino horn and climate change.
- Rhino conservation initiatives –
- National Rhino Conservation Strategy 2019 to conserve Indian rhinoceros.
- New Delhi Declaration on Asian Rhinos 2019 – India, Bhutan, Nepal, Indonesia and Malaysia have signed a declaration for the conservation and protection of the species.
- Indian Rhino Vision 2020 is a joint program of Assam Forest Department, World Wide Fund for Nature – India (WWF-India) and IRF to increase rhino population.
Every year, World Rhino Day is observed on 22th September to spread awareness for all five species of rhino and work being done to save them. It was 1st announced by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) – South Africa in 2010.
Source: Down to Earth
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
1. Asiatic lion is naturally found in India only.
2. Double-humped camel is naturally found in India only.
3. One-horned rhinoceros is naturally found in India only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
