Context:
Kaziranga and other protected habitats of the one-horned rhinoceros in Assam recorded an 86% drop in poaching of the herbivore since 2016, Chief Minister said recently.
Relevance:
GS III: Species in News
About the Greater One-Horned Rhino:
- Common Name: Also known as the Indian rhinoceros, it is the largest of the three Asian rhino species and one of the largest rhino species worldwide, alongside the African white rhinos.
- Scientific Name: Rhinoceros unicornis
Distribution:
- Found in India and Nepal, particularly in the Himalayan foothills.
- Historically, they roamed freely in the floodplains and forests near the Brahmaputra, Ganges, and Indus River valleys.
- The Kaziranga National Park in Assam, India, holds the largest population with 2,401 rhinos.
Habitat:
- Semi-Aquatic: They often reside in swamps, forests, riversides, and areas near mineral licks that are rich in nutrients.
Physical Features:
- The largest of the Asian rhinos, male Indian rhinos weigh about 2,200 kg (approx. 4,840 pounds), with a height ranging from 170 to 186 cm (67 to 73 inches) and a length of 368 to 380 cm (145 to 150 inches).
- Distinguished by a single black horn that measures between 8-25 inches, and a grey-brown skin with folds that give it an armor-plated appearance.
- Solitary Nature: They are generally solitary animals, except for females with calves. Males maintain loosely defended territories.
- Diet: Primarily grazers, they consume grasses, but also eat leaves, branches, fruit, and aquatic plants.
Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: The species is classified as Vulnerable.
-Source: The Hindu
