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https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/assam-s-rhino-population-grows-fivefold-as-poaching-drops-86-since-2016-124092300450_1.html>
"Assam has seen a fivefold increase in its one-horned rhinoceros population
over the past sixty years, growing from about 600 in the 1960s to over 3,000.
This data was shared by the Assam government in celebration of World Rhino Day
on Sunday. The species is classified as ‘vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List.
Currently, 80 per cent of India’s rhino population is concentrated in Kaziranga
National Park and Tiger Reserve, while Orang National Park hosts 4 per cent,
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary 3 per cent, and Manas National Park 1 per cent.
Apart from Assam, Jaldapara National Park accounts for 9 per cent of the
country’s total rhinos, with Gorumara National Park in West Bengal housing 2
per cent, and Dudhwa National Park in Uttar Pradesh having 1 per cent.
Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma credited the population growth to
various conservation efforts implemented by the government.
In a post on X, the chief minister said, “Rhinos are synonymous with Assam’s
identity. They are our pride and the crown jewel of our biodiversity. Since
taking office, we have launched several initiatives to protect and expand their
habitats.”
The Chief Minister mentioned the government’s efforts in rhino conservation,
emphasising the expansion and restoration of habitats in various locations. He
said 200.7 sq km have been added to Orang National Park and 195 sq km to
Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary. Additionally, 12.8 sq km of rhino habitat have
been restored and cleared of encroachments in the Laokhowa-Burachapori complex,
allowing rhinos to return to the area.
Alongside habitat protection, Sarma highlighted a remarkable decline in
poaching, which has decreased by 86 per cent since the government assumed
office in 2016. The collaborative efforts between the state government and
local communities have greatly enhanced the safety of Assam’s rhinos."
Via Esther Schindler.
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
