The pre-existing and current status of Indian rhinoceros in Assam (India): A mini review

The Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), is primarily bounded to the north-eastern parts of India. Formerly the animal dwelled along the Gangetic plains but now more than 70% of the Indian Rhino population is mainly confined to Assam. Kaziranga National Park, being the largest protected site and home for Indian Rhino in Assam, witnessed terrifying poaching cases in the early years, despite its top-notch security. A distressing sum of 239 Indian Rhinos were killed by poachers from the year 2001 to 2016 due to which the Indian Rhinoceros fell into the category of vulnerable species. Rhino horn is usually considered as an aphrodisiac in the neighbouring countries and could fetch a large sum of money from the international black markets. Beside the poaching cases, many Rhinos get drowned in the yearly floods occurring in Assam almost every year after the monsoons. Assam government took many rigid steps for safeguarding the Rhinos such as appointing more forest guards, setting up surveillance cameras, creating special task forces and joining hands with IRF and IRV 2020 for translocation of Rhinos to safer places. As a result of the rigorous conservation practices, the Rhino count saw an uplift of 2413 Rhinos in Kaziranga National Park in the year 2018. Now Assam counts for 2645 Rhinos, with Kaziranga National Park holding highest number of the animal followed by Manas National Park, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary and Orang National Park.