Assam: This year marks the first rhino poaching in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park. The rhino was killed 4-5 days ago by poachers who fled with its horns. The incident occurred in the Bagori range’s Kathpara forest camp area. The Forest Service has yet to uncover any information.
In January 2023 govt claimed that, In 2022, Assam recorded zero poaching of endangered rhinos, which are known for their horns, which fetch high prices due to their alleged medicinal value, for the first time in nearly 45 years.
First rhino killing in Kaziranga National Park in Assam this year. Poachers killed the rhino 4-5 days ago and fled with its horns. The incident took place in the Kathpara forest camp area of Bagori range. Forest Dept has yet to find any clue. pic.twitter.com/nn76tTgWZs
— Nandan Pratim Sharma Bordoloi (@NANDANPRATIM) March 27, 2023
Kaziranga National Park, a World Heritage Site, is home to the world’s largest population of greater one-horned rhinos. It also has the highest tiger population density, the most Asiatic wild buffalo, and the world’s last remaining population of eastern swamp deer, or barasingha.
Also Read: World Rhino Day 2022: Assam,The Home of Rhino Facing Poaching Problem
Before 2022, rhino poaching had not been reported since 1977. Officials attributed zero poaching in 2022 to the state’s forest and police departments’ sincere, concerted, and coordinated efforts.
However, poaching is the biggest threat to Rhino. Rhino life is threatened due to deforestation, industrialization, and other human activities. As a result, it is critical to raise awareness about the issue among the next generation.
According to reports, More than 2,300 greater one-horned rhinos prowl the wetlands and grasslands of Kaziranga, comprising nearly 70% of all wild rhinos left in India and Nepal.
Last year, 58 rhino poachers were apprehended, and four were killed in police action. The surrender of weapons by militant groups bordering Kaziranga in Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao, some of whom were involved in poaching, also aided.
Anti-poaching operations in Kaziranga involve approximately 1,400 personnel, 200 in Manas, 150 in Orang, and approximately 70 in Pobitora.
