INDIANRHINOCEROSPOACHING: ZEROINCIDENTSIN2022,ANDTHE THREATSRHINOSSTILLFACE

By Olivia Dick '25

For the first time in 45 years, zero one-horned rhinoceros, also known as the Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), in the northeastern Indian region of Assam were poached during the year of 2022

Poachers commonly hunted the animals to obtain their horns for various medicinal purposes and beliefs, or to be sold on the black market As a result, by the early 20th century, the population of Indian rhinoceros quivered at barely 200 wild rhinos, classifying them as an endangered species. Again, during the 90s, the region’s population of rhinos was pushed to the brink of extinction

Dr Rathin Barman, WTI's Joint Director and Chief, Strategy & Liaison for North East India, commented in an article about the absence of yearly poaching, “This incredible achievement sets an example globally on how we can change the narrative and improve the future for a species This remarkable achievement follows strong public action on burning 2,500 rhino horns seized from poachers last year ” (Rhinoceros horns as well as elephant tusks are commonly burned or destroyed after being seized to be certain they don’t end up back on the black market).

While the Indian rhinoceros is still classified as vulnerable by the WWF, and the last rhino was poached dangerously close to the end of 2021, (28 December 2021) this incredible feat has been heralded as an extraordinary advance in the conservation of wildlife It demonstrates the possibility to conquer the extreme dangers that poaching creates.

Fortunately, with the help from the IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare), the WTI (Wildlife Trust of India), the Assam government, and local authorities and communities, the population of Indian rhinoceros has since risen to almost 4,000 rhinos, spread across the region in the Kaziranga National Park and the Manas National Park today.

On the other hand, the white rhinoceros, an African species of rhino that can be divided into two groups – northern and southern – are also heavily affected by the dangers of poaching As of March 2018, the northern white rhinoceros specifically became functionally extinct. With only two northern white rhinos still alive, both being female, the ability to save the population of this group of animals is virtually impossible Today, Najin and Fatu live in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya where the pair are protected by armed guards at all times.

While the poaching of zero Indian rhinoceros in 2022 is a feat to be celebrated, there is still much to accomplish in ending the atrocities animals and the environment face due to poaching If you are interested in learning more or helping the cause, visit savetherhino.org.

The Sumatran and Javan rhinoceros face a similar danger. With 34-47 Sumatran rhinos, and 76 Javan rhinos left, the need to combat poaching and advance animal conservation is dire Thankfully, since 2015, a year in which 1,349 rhinos were poached, the number of rhinos killed every year has decreased. However, at least one rhinoceros is still killed every day