In a positive development, the Government of Bihar has decided to increase population of Greater One-horned Rhinos by 3% annually in the State. Furthermore, it has also decided to increase rhino bearing areas in Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) in West Champaran district by 5% in the next two years.
The decision comes in the backdrop of the 3rd Asian Rhino Range Countries Meeting held in Chitwan, Nepal from February 3-5, 2023. The delegates of Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Nepal took part in the three-day deliberations and recognized the diverse challenges being faced by Asian Rhinos.
Chitwan Declaration for Asian Rhinos Conservation, 2023
Under the Chitwan Declaration for Asian Rhinos Conservation, 2023, the Asian Rhino Range Countries have decided to coordinate and cooperate; research, monitor and share information; work towards improving and managing the Rhino habitat better; protect and manage the population of the species.
Among several other objective, the Declaration seeks to protect and strengthen the regime, gather intelligence, and share real time intelligence information on Rhino crime and its illegal horn trade. Further, it also aims to encourage the exchange of Rhinos between the populations of same species in order to improve the genetic health. In addition to this:
– It will also work to improve habitat management techniques in Rhino bearing areas to maximise habitat suitability and expansion of its range;
– Conduct/ promote long term research on various aspects related to Rhino conservation including population and habitat management, captive breeding potential, human-Rhino interface, genetic health and control of invasive species.
– Increase the engagement of the local communities as stewards to secure the future of Rhinos in range countries and promote co-existence; and more.
Increasing the Population
As per the Chitwan Declaration, the five Asian Rhino Range Countries i.e. Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Nepal have committed to manage the populations of the Greater One‐Horned, Javan and Sumatran Rhinos with the intention of achieving at least 3% annual growth rate in their populations for these Rhino bearing countries, through the implementation of the strategic actions outlined in this Declaration.
Bihar is stepping up in this direction. It shall be noted that Indian rhinos once ranged throughout the entire stretch of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. However, excessive hunting and agricultural development reduced its range drastically to 11 sites in northern India.
However, initiatives are being undertaken by the State Governments like West Bengal and Bihar for the reintroduction of the rhinoceros in the areas which used to hold the Rhino populations till a few decades back. As of September 22, 2022, Assam has 2,613 rhinos. India is home to Greater One-Horned Rhinos, the largest rhino species. It is identified by a single black horn about 8-25 inches long and a grey-brown hide with skin folds, which gives it an armor-plated appearance.
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