Rhino population increased rapidly in Assam, five-fold increase in six decades; 86% decline in poaching

Pleasant figures regarding the population of rhinos in Assam have been given by the government whereby the population of one-horned rhinos in the state has increased five times in about six decades. The figures were released by the Assam government on the occasion of World Rhino Day on Sunday and said that the state houses more than 3,000 rhinos at present.

Besides, their population was close to 600 in the 1960s. These rhinos have been listed as "vulnerable" in the IUCN Red List. As per the report, of the total number of rhino population in the country, 80 percent are residing in Assam's Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, and 4 percent in Orang National Park, 3 percent in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, and 1 percent in Manas National Park.

The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, said he was delighted with the increasing population of rhinos and attributed it to different conservation initiatives taken by the government. Sarma wrote on X, "Rhinos are synonymous with the identity of Assam. They are our pride and the crown jewel of our biodiversity. Since we took office, we have taken several initiatives to protect this prized species, expand its habitat, and ensure its safety.

CM Himanta declared that 200.7 sq km was added to Orang National Park, while 195 sq km was added to Burachpori Wildlife Sanctuary. Simultaneously, the encroachment-free and restored 12.8 sq km rhino habitat in the Laokhowa-Burachapori complex facilitated the return of rhinos.

The chief minister of the state also mentioned how the government and local people were together trying to save the species from poaching. "Assam's rhinos are safer than ever. Poaching has gone down by 86% since the double engine government came to power in 2016," Sarma tweeted.