Context

Assam marked World Rhino Day (September 22) with a special ceremony by burning a stockpile of nearly 2,500 horns of the one-horned rhinoceros.

About

About Rhino

• White, Black, Indian, Javan, and Sumatran make up the five species of rhino in the world. 
  • White and black rhinoceros are native to Africa
  • Indian, Javan and Sumatran can be found in India and Asia.
• Habitat: The animal is primarily found in the Himalayan foothills — India and Nepal.
• World Rhino Day is celebrated on September 22 to make people more aware about rhinos and promote its conservation.
  
  

Conservation Status

• The IUCN lists the one-horned rhino, also known as the Indian rhinoceros, as a vulnerable

• Rhinoceros are listed in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as endangered animals.
• The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 allows for destruction of wildlife parts (including rhino horn) under Section 39 (3).
• There is an international ban on trade of rhino horns under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES).

Population of Rhino

• At 71%, Assam is home to the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceros.
• According to a 2018 census, there are nearly 2,650 rhinos in the state with around 2,400 of them in the Kaziranga National Park.
  • 101 in Orang National Park
  • 102 in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
  • 43 in the Manas National Park

What is the purpose of the ceremony?

• The main purpose of this ceremony is aimed at “busting myths about rhino horns”
• It’s a loud and clear message to the poachers and smugglers that such items have no value.
  • However, in the illegal market such horns can fetch a high price.