14th rhino Census 2022 shows positive results

Context

The famous Kaziranga National Park in Assam offered more cheers to wildlife lovers as the population of the iconic one-horned rhinos was pegged at 2,613, which is 200 more than the number recorded in 2018.

Rhinoceroses

• Rhinoceroses are large, herbivorous mammals identified by their characteristic horned snouts.
• There are five species and 11 subspecies of rhino; some have two horns, while others have one.
• IUCN Status: Vulnerable

Key-highlights of the Census

• The 14th rhino Census 2022 conducted between March 25 and 28 in the 900-odd sq km park found:
  • 1,670 adults (above six years)
  • 365 sub-adults (3 to 6 years)
  • 279 juveniles (1 to 3 years)
  • 146 calves (0 to 1 year)
• The adults included 903 females, 750 males and 17 "un-sexed," which means their gender could not be ascertained during the census.
• Kaziranga is the world's biggest habitat of one-horned rhinos and attracts thousands of tourists, both domestic and international.
• Kaziranga has also been called a major conservation success story as far as rhino, Royal Bengal tiger and many other wildlife species are concerned.