Conservation Success - Indian Rhinos

​worldanimalnews.com/a-conservation-success-as-zero-indian-rhinos-have-been-poached-for-the-first-time-in-45-years/

For the first time in 45 years, there were no Indian Rhinos poached in 2022 in the state of Assam. This monumental success is being celebrated by conservation organizations as the Indian Rhino continues to make a comeback thanks to the efforts of the Assam government in partnership with organizations aimed at conserving endangered species. As we know, poaching is one of the biggest perils species like rhinos face so to see an entire year with absolutely no rhinos poached, that's a reason to celebrate.

Photo taken from World Animal News. I do not own this photo.

The Indian Rhino was once abundant in the Northern region of India, widespread across the region until the early 19th century. Sport hunting became popular and the Indian rhino was decimated, dwindling down to a frightening 12 individuals in 1908. Thankfully, tireless efforts from the Assam government and conservation groups have helped rehabilitate the Indian rhino. It is estimated now that there are 2, 900 Indian rhinos throughout the region, and their numbers will continue to increase if the poaching is kept under wraps. 

Poaching is a grave peril for species like rhinos as money-hungry humans aim to sever their horns for profits. Rhinos are left for dead after their horns are severed from their heads all so someone can sell the horns for large sums of money. The black market for animal parts continues to thrive despite continued international efforts. As long as these parts maintain some kind of illegal value, poaching will never stop. Elephants, rhinos, giraffes, etc., they're all in danger of being poached for body parts / horns but the success of the India rhino last year is proof that anti-poaching initiatives are effective. This story proves that there is hope for endangered species if we continue to fight poaching and stop habitat decimation. 

Congratulations to the Assam government for a successful year with the Indian rhino. My hope is that 2023 sees another 365 days without a single Indian rhino poached. 

HAPPY VEG