Rhino Crisis Round Up: Rhino Population Increase in India & More


Fantastic news this week from India: The greater one-horned rhino population has increased in Kaziranga National Park, Orang National Park, and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.

The rhino population in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park soared to 2290, up from the 2009 census which counted 2048 rhinos.

Orang National Park’s rhino population zoomed from 64 to 100, and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is celebrating an increase from 84 to 93 rhinos, and Manas National Park is home to 22 rhinos.

The new numbers place Assam just 495 rhinos away from achieving the goal of Indian Rhino Vision 2020, which is 3,000 wild rhinos in Assam by the year 2020.

Sadly, it was also reported that at least five rhinos have been killed in Kaziranga National Park this year.

Rhino killer dies

A rhino killer has died of gunshot wounds in KwaZulu-Natal, according to the Times Live.

The suspect was shot after his gang opened fire on the anti-poaching unit at Ndumo Game Reserve; his accomplices escaped.

Rhino found dead in Kenya

AllAfrica.com reports that a female rhino was found dead at the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary in Tsavo West National Park.

While the cause of the rhino’s death was not immediately available, the horns were missing. Kenya Wildlife Service is expected to release a statement when the investigations are complete.

Arrests in Switzerland

Two suspected members of an Irish rhino horn trafficking gang were apprehended in Chancey, Switzerland with EUR 120,000 (USD 157,564) in counterfeit currency.

According to the Herald, the duo is from Rathkeale and believed to be involved with the spate of rhino horn thefts from European museums.

Chester Zoo symposium

The UK’s Chester Zoo is organizing a day of talks, films and discussions about the threatened species of Southeast Asia — including the Sumatran rhino.

On April 28th, “Southeast Asia: Threats, Challenges and Successes” brings together experts from around the world to discuss a variety of Southeast Asian conservation topics.

The event is a fundraiser for the EAZA/IUCN/SSC Southeast Asia Campaign.

Due to its popularity, advanced booking is required. Book tickets by calling 01244 650 240.

For more information about “Southeast Asia: Threats, Challenges and Successes”, contact conservation [at] chesterzoo [dot] org and check the Chester Zoo website for updates.

Photos: Greater one-horned rhino via Shutterstock; white rhino and calf via Shutterstock; image provided by Chester Zoo.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top