Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros

SEO Title: Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros: Habitat, Distribution, Conservation Status and Key Facts

Category: Environment & Ecology | Wildlife | Species Conservation

UPSC Notes

The Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros is one of India's iconic large mammals and is primarily associated with the Terai and Brahmaputra floodplain ecosystems.

Key Pointers

  • Scientific name: Rhinoceros unicornis.

  • Also called:

    • Indian rhinoceros

    • Greater one-horned rhinoceros

  • Characterised by one horn.

  • Major Indian populations:

    • Assam

    • West Bengal

    • Uttar Pradesh

  • Important protected areas:

    • Kaziranga National Park

    • Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

    • Orang National Park

    • Jaldapara National Park

    • Dudhwa National Park

  • Conservation status: Vulnerable (IUCN).

  • Listed in CITES Appendix I.

  • Major threats:

    • Habitat loss

    • Poaching

    • Human-wildlife conflict

  • India has implemented the National Rhino Conservation Strategy.

Prelims Focus: Rhinoceros unicornis → one horn → Assam → Kaziranga → Vulnerable.