World Rhino Day

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    Context 

    • World Rhino Day is celebrated on September 22 every year.

    About 

    • It was first announced by WWF-South Africa in 2010. The following year, World Rhino Day grew into an international success, encompassing both African and Asian rhino species.
    • This special day provides the opportunity for cause-related organizations, NGOs, zoos, and members of the public to celebrate rhinos in their own unique ways.

    Image Courtesy: world rhino day.org

    • It celebrates all five species of rhino: Black, white, greater one-horned, Sumatran and Javan rhinos.
    • The scientific name and  conservation status of the five species are: 
      • Javan Rhinos (Rhinoceros sondaicus): Critically Endangered 
      • Sumatran rhinos (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis): Critically Endangered 
      • Black rhinos (Diceros bicornis): Critically Endangered 
      • White rhinos (Ceratotherium simum): Near Threatened 
      • Greater One-Horned Rhinos (Rhinoceros unicornis): Vulnerable
    • The theme of World Rhino Day 2021 is ‘Keep the Five Alive.

    About Indian One-Horned Rhino

    • The greater one-horned rhino (or “Indian rhino”) is the largest of the rhino species. 
    • The Great one-horned rhino is commonly found in Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan and in Assam, India. 
    • Characteristics:
      • The greater one-horned rhino is identified by a single black horn about 8-25 inches long and a grey-brown hide with skin folds, which gives it an armour-plated appearance. 
      • The species is solitary, except when adult males or rhinos nearing adulthood gather at wallows or to graze. 
      • They primarily graze, with a diet consisting almost entirely of grasses as well as leaves, branches of shrubs and trees, fruit, and aquatic plants.
    • Conservation Status: Greater One-Horned Rhinos (Rhinoceros unicornis): Vulnerable.

    Conservation Efforts by India

    • The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF)  has launched a National Conservation Strategy for Indian One-Horned Rhino and the conservation initiatives for rhino has also enriched the grassland management which helps in reducing the negative impacts of climate change through carbon sequestration.
    • New Delhi Declaration on Asian Rhinos 2019: Signed by India, Bhutan, Nepal, Indonesia and Malaysia to conserve and protect the rhinos.
    • Project to create DNA profiles of all rhinos by the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
    • Indian Rhino Vision 2020:It is a unique programme where the government partnered international, national and local organisations for the conservation of the rhinos.
      • Under it, Manas has received a total of 22 rhinos from other protected areas.

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