Project Rhino 2026: Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros Conservation in India

Subject: GS 03: Environment

Context: On World Rhino Day 2026, Prime Minister highlighted India’s progress in conserving the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros and initiated Project Rhino.

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About World Rhino Day

• World Rhino Day is observed annually on 22 September to raise awareness about rhino conservation and threats to their survival.
• Five Rhino Species: The campaign promotes the conservation of all five rhino species found worldwide.
• • Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) — India, Nepal
  • White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) — Africa
  • Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) — Africa
  • Javan Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) — Indonesia
  • Sumatran Rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) — Indonesia
• Key Focus: Emphasises protection of rhinos and their habitats and raising awareness about poaching and illegal wildlife trade.

About Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros/ Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis)

• The Greater one-horned rhinoceros is a rhinoceros species native to the Indian subcontinent. 
  • It is the second-largest living rhinoceros and the largest in Asia.
• Habitat: Primarily inhabits alluvial floodplain grasslands, wetlands, marshes, and riverine forests. 
• Distribution: In India, wild populations occur mainly in Assam, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh; the species also occurs in southern Nepal. 
• Key Characteristics: 
  • Diet: Primarily a grazer, feeding mainly on grasses, but also consuming leaves, branches, fruits and aquatic vegetation.
  • Distinctive Features: Characterised by a single horn and thick, folded skin, giving it an armour-like appearance.
  • Behavior: Generally solitary, except during breeding and when females are accompanied by calves.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (VU)
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
  • CITES: Appendix I
• Improvement: India’s Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros population has increased by nearly 170%, from around 1,500 to over 4,000 animals as of September 2024.

Key Conservation Measures for Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros In India

• Rhino Conservation Program (2026–2031): A ₹77.39 crore Phase-I program covering Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, with a focus on monitoring, protection, habitat management, translocation, coexistence and capacity building.

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About Project Rhino

• Project Rhino is Initiated to strengthen conservation of the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) across its Indian range states.
• Objective: To provide financial and technical support to range states for rhino protection, habitat management, genetic improvement and understanding population dynamics.

The initiative builds upon conservation efforts across Assam, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and other range areas, including rhino reintroduction efforts in Dudhwa.

News Source: AIR

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