#NationalNews: Guwahati, Assam, India September 22, 2023: World Rhino Day, observed annually on September 22nd, is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about the critical plight of the rhinoceros species and advocating for their protection. This special day serves as a platform to highlight the challenges these magnificent creatures face and the urgent need for conservation efforts to prevent their extinction.
History-The crisis of rhinoceros started in Africa back in 1990. It evolved into a nationwide concern by 2010 and it subsequently drew attention to the dwindling population of merely 30,000 rhinos globally, back then.
World Wildlife Fund in South Africa announced World Rhino Day to create awareness about the crisis and the importance of saving these animals. In 2011, a woman called Lisa Jane Campbell wrote a mail to a fellow rhino lover, Rhishja stating the desire of seeing at least five species of rhinos thriving in the world. At the hands of these two incredible women, World Rhino Day has become a phenomenon that spreads across the globe and has been a resounding success.
More About Rhino-Magnificent beasts who live in the forest, nourish themselves with an array of vegetation, from grasses to fruits and leaves. Their distinctive horn and thick skin are iconic features. However, the rhinoceros population faces peril due to rampant poaching, deforestation, and other harmful practices. These activities have pushed rhinos to the brink of extinction. Though measures have been taken to combat poaching and illegal deforestation, concerted human effort is imperative to rescue these magnificent creatures from the brink of extinction.
The Birth of World Rhino Day
In response to the escalating threat to rhinoceroses, the World Wildlife Fund – South Africa introduced World Rhino Day as a means to draw attention to the crisis and seek solutions.
Significance-
Fostering Awareness and Action
World Rhino Day serves as a crucial platform for various organizations, wildlife enthusiasts, and concerned individuals to amplify their voices and educate the public about the dire situation faced by rhinoceroses.
It emphasizes the significance of collective efforts in safeguarding these magnificent creatures.
Promoting Conservation Initiatives
On this day, organizations and individuals alike discuss and promote various conservation strategies and projects aimed at protecting rhino populations.
By shedding light on these initiatives, World Rhino Day encourages people to actively engage in efforts to preserve these species.
India’s Rhino Conservation Efforts-The government of India, in collaboration with organisations like the International Rhino Foundation, is actively working on Indian Rhino Vision 2.0 (IRV2.0) strategy to secure and manage viable rhino meta-populations. This initiative aims to bolster the rhino population to 4,500-5,000 by 2030 in Assam, India. Translocations and habitat expansions are crucial components of this plan. Kaziranga National Park is home to the world’s largest greater one-horned rhino population. It announced an increase of 200 individuals since 2018, despite 400 deaths that were due mainly to natural causes.
