World Rhino Day is observed on 22th September to spread awareness for all five species of rhino and work being done to save them.
Important points:
- It was first announced by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) – South Africa in 2010. The species of rhinoceros are on the verge of extinction due to persistent poaching and habitat loss over several decades.
- There are five species of rhino – white and black rhinos in Africa, and the greater one-horned, Javan and Sumatran rhino species in Asia.
- Theme 2021- Keep the five Alive.
- Strengthening protection, Expanding the distribution range, Research and monitoring, Adequate and sustained funding.
Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros
- Also known as Indian rhino, it is the largest of the rhino species. It is identified by a single black horn and a grey-brown hide with skin folds. India is home to the largest number of Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros in the world.
- They primarily graze, with a diet consisting almost entirely of grasses as well as leaves, branches of shrubs and trees, fruit, and aquatic plants.
- At present, there are about 2,600 Indian rhinos in India, with more than 90% of the population concentrated in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park.
- The species is restricted to small habitats in Indo-Nepal terai and northern West Bengal and Assam.
- In India, rhinos are mainly found in Kaziranga NP, Pobitora WLS, Orang NP, Manas NP in Assam, Jaldapara NP and Gorumara NP in West Bengal and Dudhwa TR in Uttar Pradesh.
- IUCN Red List-Vulnerable.
- CITES- Appendix-I
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972- Schedule I.
SOURCE: THE HINDU,THE ECONOMIC TIMES,MINT