Assam becomes safe abode for Rhinos with 'Zero Rhino Poaching' in 2022! Reflections of the report on Indian wildlife: READ HERE

Assam becomes safe abode for Rhinos with "Zero Rhino Poaching" in 2022! Reflections of the report on Indian wildlife: READ HERE

NewsBharati    03-Jan-2023 11:18:08 AM
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No rhino poaching incident was reported in Assam in 2022. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, while interacting with reporters on the first day of 2023 on Sunday (Dec 31), apprised the people of this positive news.
 
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Sharing the data of year-wise rhino poaching incidents in the state, GP Singh, Special DGP of Assam, taking to Twitter, said: "Our efforts against Rhino poaching have yielded good results. In 2022, not a single Rhino was killed by poachers in Assam. The last such incident happened on December 28, 2021, in Hilkund, Kohora, Golaghat district. Our efforts against poaching will continue."
 
 
 
The special DGP shared figures for rhino poaching in the state since the year 2000. The highest number of poaching, as per his shared data, was in 2013 and 2014 at 27 each. In 2015 and 2016, the number of rhinos killed by poachers was 17 and 18, respectively, which subsequently declined to two in 2020 and 2021 and zero in 2022. Poaching of Rhinos was rampant in the past, which has now come down due to stringent surveillance and other elevated security arrangements being put in by the authorities.
 
 
 
 
Assam is known for its one-horned Rhino and the state attracts a large number of tourists who come to visit such sites. Kaziranga National Park is now home to 2,613 Rhinos and the numbers are increasing, as per the latest census data put out by the national park authority. To give a clear message to poachers that Rhino horns don't attach any medicinal or monetary value, the Assam government publicly burnt a stockpile of 2,479 horns in September 2022. "The use of rhinos' horns for medicinal purposes is a myth," Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had then said.
Significance of the issue of 'Rhino poaching' in Assam
Since the state is home to the largest population of one-horned rhinoceros in the world, 'Rhino poaching' is a significant issue in Assam. The North Eastern state is home to three national parks that are rhino habitats; Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, and Orang National Park. According to the latest reports, these parks have seen a significant and consistent decline in poaching activities in the recent years.
Many rhinos were traditionally being targeted for their horns, which are in high demand in some parts of Asia for their use in traditional medicine. Some people believe that rhino horn has medicinal properties and can cure a variety of ailments, including fever, headaches, and even cancer. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. Despite this, the demand for rhino horn remains high, and as a result, rhinos are poached for their horns at alarming rates. In addition to traditional medicine, rhino horn is also used as a status symbol in some cultures and is often given as a gift to convey wealth and prestige. The illegal trade in rhino horn is driven by organized crime networks and is often linked to other illegal activities, such as drug trafficking and money laundering.
 
 
 
Indian Legislative protection to Rhinos in India
In India, the trade in rhino horn is prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, which is the primary legislation for the conservation of wildlife in the country. The act provides for the protection of wild animals, including rhinos, and prohibits hunting, poaching, and the trade in wildlife and wildlife products. Violations of the act are punishable by imprisonment and fines. In addition to the Wildlife Protection Act, there are also several other laws in India that provide for the protection of rhinos and other wildlife.
These include the Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980, which regulates the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which is an international treaty that regulates the trade in endangered species.
 
 
Besides, the state govt of Assam has made significant efforts to address the issue of rhino poaching in the state. The state govt has increased the number of guards and patrols at national parks to help deter poaching and protect rhinos. Assam govt has worked to strengthen law enforcement efforts to crack down on poaching and illegal wildlife trade. Primary work done in this direction is the establishment of Special Task Forces and use of sophisticated technology such as drones to monitor park boundaries.
Assam govt has partnered with conservation groups to educate local communities about the importance of protecting rhinos and the negative impacts of poaching on the environment & local economy. The govt has set up a number of anti-poaching camps in key areas to help protect rhinos and other wildlife. Co-ordinating with international organizations, Assam govt has also worked with the World Wildlife Fund, to support conservation efforts and combat poaching.
Why is this a big news for India?
According to the data of the World Wildlife Fund and Nature, the greater one-horned rhino (or “Indian rhino”) is the largest of the rhino species. Once widespread across the entire northern part of the Indian sub-continent, rhino populations plummeted as they were hunted for sport or killed as agricultural pests. This pushed the species very close to extinction and by the start of the 20th century, around 200 wild greater one-horned rhinos remained.
 
 
 
 
The WWF, however, also mentions that the recovery of the greater one-horned rhino is among the greatest conservation success stories in Asia. The organization owes he success of the Rhino conservation project to strict protection and management from Indian and Nepalese wildlife authorities, the greater one-horned rhino was brought back from the brink. Today populations have increased to around 3,700 rhinos in Northeastern India and the Terai grasslands of Nepal.
Rhinos are symbol of pride for India and such developments in favor of the entire species is a great news to start the year with.
 
 
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Rhino Rhinos Assam Assam government Kaziranga Manas Orang Nepal Terai Himanta Biswa Sarma Drones Special Task Force World Wildlife Fund Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980 Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 Rhino poaching Rhino poaching in Assam Rhino horns Hilkund Kohora Golaghat