World Rhino Day is annually observed across the globe on 22 September to raise awareness about the Rhinoceros or Rhino(Rhinocerotidae), one of the oldest groups of mammals, and the urgent need for their conservation.
- The day is observed to spread awareness for all 5 species of rhinos namely, the Black rhino, and White rhinos in Africa, and the greater one-horned, Sumatran, and Javan rhinos in Asia.
Significance:
i.World Rhino Day serves as a global platform to highlight the critical threats Rhinos face, including poaching and habitat loss.
ii.It recognises the efforts of individuals, and organizations dedicated to protecting these majestic animals.
iii.The day also emphasises the importance of preserving rhino populations for ecological balance, cultural heritage, and future generations
Background:
i.World Rhino Day was first initiated by the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) – South Africa in 2010.
ii.In 2011, the event expanded globally, celebrating both African and Asian rhino species on 22 September annually.
iii.The observance was initiated by the efforts of two dedicated women conservationists namely, Lisa Jane Campbell from the Chishakwe Ranch in Zimbabwe, and Rhishja Cota-Larson from Saving Rhinos in the United States of America (USA).
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List:
i.According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species:
- Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis), Javan Rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus), and Sumatran Rhinos (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) are listed as “Critically Endangered”.
- The White Rhino (Ceratotherium simum) species is listed as “Near Threatened”.
- The Greater one-horned rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) species is listed as “Vulnerable”.
Points to Note:
i.Sumatran rhino is the smallest rhino species and the only Asian rhino with 2 horns;
ii.The Javan rhino is probably the rarest large mammal species in the world and is also known as the lesser one-horned rhino;
iii.The Indian or greater one-horned Asian rhino is the largest of the 3 Asian species and shares its single-horn characteristic with the Javan rhino.
iv.The African White rhino is the 2nd largest land mammal after the elephant and is also known as the Square-lipped rhino.
v.The Black rhinos are the smaller of the 2 African rhino species and are also called the hook-lipped rhino
Rhino Population:
According to the 2024 State of the Rhino Report published by the International Rhino Foundation (IRF), currently, fewer than 28,000 rhinos remain worldwide across all 5 species.
i.Africa (Range states) reported an estimated 23,885 rhinos (combining the black and white rhino species) at the end of 2023, a 2.4% rise from 2022.
ii.White rhino numbers increased by 3.7% from 2022 to 17,464 at the end of 2023.
iii.Poaching remained a major threat, with 586 rhinos (mostly white rhinos) killed in 2023, mainly in South Africa, the largest rhino-populated continent.
- The population of around 6,421 black rhinos fell by 1%, with Namibia and South Africa facing the highest poaching losses.
iv.In Asia, the greater one-horned rhino species population remained stable with a population of around 4,018 by the end of 2023.
v.Javan rhinos saw a sharp decline of 33% due to poaching, with only 76 animals left. Sumatran rhinos are critically low, with 34-47 animals remaining.
Note: IRF was founded as the International Black Rhino Foundation in 1991 and it became the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) in 1993.
Rhinos in India:
i.In India, rhinos are primarily found in protected areas in Assam, West Bengal (WB), and Uttar Pradesh (UP).
ii.The greater one-horned rhino, native to India, is a conservation success story, with 70% of its population in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park (KNP).
- KNP was designated the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage site under the Natural Category in 1985.
iii.The Kaziranga Model of Conservation integrates biodiversity conservation, anti-poaching, reforestation, and scientific habitat management, ensuring the long-term survival of rhinos.
iv.Assam’s rhino population has surged by approximately 170% since the 1980s, growing from 1,500 to over 4,014 in 2024.
Significant Drop in Rhino Poaching:
i.Since 2016, Assam’s KNP and other protected habitats recorded an 86% drop in poaching of one-horned rhinoceros.
ii.Key conservation measures such as strict protection measures, smart patrolling techniques, and community engagement initiatives have contributed to its success.
iii.The KNP has 233 anti-poaching camps with an anti-poaching and surveillance camp every 5.82 sq. km. and the Kaziranga model has set a global template for rhino protection.
2024 Event:
On the occasion of World Rhino Day on 22 September 2024, the IUCN organised a webinar about the conservation success and challenges for Asian Rhinos.
