Assam govt burns around 2,500 rhino horns to mark World Rhino Day.

The destruction of horns — a process that is in compliance with Section 39(3)(c) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. Also India is a signatory to CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna). Thus, it is illegal to sell the horns in the country anyway.

LEARNING FROM HOME/ WITHOUT CLASSES/ BASICS

Launched in 2005, the Indian Rhino Vision 2020 aimed to boost the population of rhinos in Assam State and expand the species’ range , at least 3,000 greater one-horned rhinos within the state from three protected areas to seven. Manas National Park was the first to receive translocated rhinos.

Seven protected areas are Kaziranga, Pobitora, Orang National Park, Manas National Park, Laokhowa wildlife sanctuary, Burachapori wildlife sanctuary and Dibru Saikhowa wildlife sanctuary.

There are three species of rhino in Asia — Greater one-horned, Javan and Sumatran. Javan and Sumatran Rhino are critically endangered and the Greater one-horned (or Indian) rhino is vulnerable In IUCN Red List.

They are spread across India, Nepal, Bhutan, Indonesia and Malaysia. These countries are also known as Asian Rhino Range Countries.

Only the Great one-horned rhino is found in India.

At present, there are about 2,600 Indian rhinos in India, with more than 90% of the population concentrated in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park.

NATIONAL PARK VS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

1. All rights of people within a National Park have to be settled while rights over land can be allowed inside a Sanctuary.
2. Grazing of livestock can be permitted inside a Sanctuary but not inside a National Park.
3. A Sanctuary can be upgraded as a National Park. However, a National Park cannot be downgraded as a Sanctuary.
4. People can collect firewood, fruits, medicinal plants and other stuff in small scale from the sanctuary. But the park can not be used for any reason like fruits, firewood etc.