Great Indian one-horned Rhinoceros’ population rises in Kaziranga: 2015 Census

As per the latest census, the Great Indian one-horned Rhinoceros population in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park (KNP) – world heritage site has increased to over 2401.
The census was conducted by Assam’s forest department in association with several wildlife NGOs as a regular exercise in the park for four days from 24 to 28 March 2015.
Entire Park was divided into 81 blocks for the purpose of census and the whole exercise involved about 200 people.
Key highlights of census

• The census has counted 2,401 rhinos in the park in indicating that their population has increased by 71 rhinos the past two years.
• About 1,651 adult rhinos were counted in the census followed by 294 sub adult rhinos.
• 251 juvenile rhinos in the park were estimated followed by 205 calves.

Previous census

• It should be noted that Rhino census is conducted every three years. The last census was carried out in 2012. It had confirmed 2,290 rhinos in the park.
• However, a special census of the rhinos was conducted in 2013 by Assam Government. The special census had confirmed 2,329 rhinos in the park.
• It was conducted after the poaching incidents had increased in the park and large numbers of rhinos were poached.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2015