Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that rhino poaching in Assam has decreased by a staggering 86% since 2016.
This was announced by the chief minister during the global observance of World Rhino Day on Sunday.
He attributed the decline in poaching to the “double engine” BJP government’s effective conservation identity and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to protecting the species and expanding their habitat.
On #WorldRhinoDay let’s not forget the unimaginable massacre of Rhinos which took place in Assam when the Cong was in power. Today we recommit ourselves to put those dark days behind us and ensure a poaching free environment for all our animals. pic.twitter.com/di0r5yQIH4
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) September 22, 2024
In addition to the reduced poaching rate, Sarma noted a significant increase in the state’s one-horned rhinoceros population. The population has grown fivefold in the past six decades, from approximately 600 in the 1960s to over 3,000 today.
While Assam has achieved significant progress, there has been one registered case of rhino poaching in the state this year.
In January, an adult female rhinoceros was found dead in Kaziranga National Park. During routine patrols in Kaziranga, the carcass of the female rhinoceros was found near the Maklung forest camp of the Agoratoli Forest Range.
Initial investigations indicated that the animal was killed by poachers who likely accessed the park via the Brahmaputra River using boats.
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Notably, Assam achieved a remarkable feat in 2022 by not reporting a single case of rhino poaching, underscoring the effectiveness of its conservation efforts.
Around 80% of India’s rhino population resides in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, with additional populations found in Orang National Park, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, and Manas National Park.
