Kaziranga Leads In Rhino Conservation

GUWAHATI (ANI) – The World Rhino Day celebration on September 22 at Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve showcased a series of outreach activities aimed at raising public awareness about rhino conservation. These initiatives were designed to engage local communities and emphasize the critical importance of protecting the one-horned rhinoceros, a species deeply tied to Assam’s biodiversity.

Assam is home to 80% of the global population of greater one-horned rhinos. The rhino population in the state has surged by approximately 170% since the 1980s, growing from 1,500 to over 4,014 today. This remarkable conservation success is attributed to the relentless efforts of the forest department, local communities, and a century-long commitment to wildlife protection.

Recent measures to expand habitat include over 200 sq km added to Orang National Park and the reclamation of 12.82 sq km in Laokhowa-Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary. Legal reforms, such as harsher penalties for poaching and life imprisonment for repeat offenders, further support rhino conservation efforts.

Kaziranga, known for its conservation success, also stands as a major destination for eco-tourism. Revenue from tourism is reinvested in wildlife protection, ensuring the long-term survival of the rhinos and the park’s diverse ecosystem. Assam’s commitment to safeguarding the iconic greater one-horned rhino serves as a global example of resilience and leadership in wildlife conservation.