World Rhino Day
World Rhino Day is an annual event celebrated on September 22 to raise awareness and promote their conservation. Rhinos are large, herbivorous mammals known for their thick skin and distinctive horns. There are five species of rhinos found worldwide: the Black Rhino, White Rhino, Indian Rhino, Javan Rhino, and Sumatran Rhino. South Africa has the largest number of rhino population,
1. Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis)
The black rhinoceros is one of the most prominent species of rhinos. These solitary animals are known for their pointed upper lip, adapted for browsing on leaves and twigs. There are three subspecies of black rhino: the southern, eastern and southwestern.
IUCN Status : Critically Endangered
Population : Estimated 6195
Status : Population Increasing
Countries : Africa ( Botswana, eSwatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia,
Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda and Tanzania)
2. White Rhino (Ceratotherium simum)
White rhinos are the largest of all rhino species and are known for their broad mouths adapted for grazing on grass. There are two subspecies of white rhinos: the southern white rhino and the northern white rhino. The Southern white rhino (Ceratotherium simum simum) is only surviving, and the Northern white rhino (Ceratotherium simum cottoni) is extinct in the wild due to poaching.
IUCN Status : Near Threatened
Population : Estimated 15942
Status : Population Decreasing
Countries : Africa ( Botswana, eSwatini, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda,
Zimbabwe, Zambia and Uganda.)
3. Indian Rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis)
The Indian rhinoceros, often referred to as the greater one-horned rhino, is native to the Indian subcontinent. Their single horn and thick, folded skin make them distinct. The good news is that the population of Indian rhinos is more stable compared to some other species.
IUCN Status : Vulnerable
Population : Estimated 4,014
Status : Population Increasing
Countries : India, Nepal and Bhutan.
4. Javan Rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus)
The Javan rhino is one of the rarest large mammals on the planet. They are critically endangered, with only a few dozen individuals left in the wild, primarily in Indonesia. This species is characterized by a single horn and loose, armour-like skin.
IUCN Status : Critically Endangered
Population : Estimated 76
Status : Population Stable
Countries : Indonesia’s Ujung Kulon National Park (UKNP)
5. Sumatran Rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis)
The Sumatran rhino is the smallest and hairiest of all rhino species. It once inhabited various parts of Southeast Asia but is now critically endangered, with fewer than 80 individuals remaining. The Sumatran rhino is one of the most endangered mammals on Earth.
IUCN Status : Critically Endangered
Population : Estimated <80
Status : Population Increasing
Countries : Indonesia’s Gunung Leuser and Way Kambas National Parks (both located
on the island of Sumatra) and central Kalimantan
Rhino Species in India
India is blessed with two of the world's five rhino species, the Indian Rhino and the Javan Rhino.
1. Indian Rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis)
The Indian rhinoceros, also known as the greater one-horned rhino, is one of the world's success stories in rhino conservation.
Current population of greater one-horned rhinos in India
Kaziranga National Park : 2613
Orang National Park : 125
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary : 107
Manas National Park : 40
Jaldapara National Park : 287
Gorumara National Park : 52
Dudhwa National Park : 38
Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (IRV2020)
Started : 2005
Population : In Assam, the population has been increased to 3,000 ( by 2021)
Four Protected Areas in Assam in which Rhinos are found:
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
Orang National Park
Kaziranga National Park
Manas National Park
IRV 2.0 : It will start soon!
2. Javan Rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus)
The Javan rhino is one of the rarest and most critically endangered large mammals on Earth.
Historically, Javan rhinos were found in India, primarily in the state of Assam.
However, the last confirmed sighting of a Javan rhino in India was in 1966, and they are believed to be extinct in the country.
Why World Rhino Day is Celebrated?
1. Raising Awareness
One of the primary purposes of this day is to educate people about the critical challenges facing rhino populations, including habitat loss and poaching.
2. Promoting Conservation
World Rhino Day serves as a platform to highlight the importance of conservation efforts, such as anti-poaching initiatives, habitat protection, and breeding programs.
3. Supporting Fundraising
Many organizations and conservation groups use this day to raise funds for rhino conservation projects. These funds can go towards various activities aimed at protecting rhinos.
4. Celebrating Rhinos
It's also a day to celebrate these magnificent creatures and their role in the ecosystems they inhabit.
References
2022 State of the Rhino Report, The International Rhino Foundation.