The Indian rhinoceros, also known as the greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), is the largest of the Asian rhinos. Recognizable by its single horn and thick, folded skin, this large mammal has a distinctive armored appearance.
Current Living Spaces
Indian rhinoceros populations are currently found in protected areas across India and Nepal. In India, significant numbers reside in Assam, particularly within Kaziranga National Park, which hosts over 2,600 individuals. Other Indian strongholds include Orang National Park, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, and Manas National Park in Assam, alongside Jaldapara National Park and Gorumara National Park in West Bengal, and Dudhwa National Park in Uttar Pradesh. Nepal’s Chitwan National Park is a vital habitat, supporting a large portion of the population. The total wild population across both countries has surpassed 4,000 individuals.
Preferred Natural Habitats
Indian rhinos inhabit alluvial grasslands, riverine forests, and swampy areas. These environments are found in the foothills of the Himalayas and the floodplains of the Brahmaputra and Ganges river valleys. Proximity to water bodies is important for these semi-aquatic animals, as they wallow to regulate body temperature and forage on aquatic plants. Their diet mainly consists of grasses, but they also consume leaves, branches, and fruits, adapting to the vegetation in these wetland ecosystems.
Shrinking Territories
Historically, the Indian rhinoceros ranged across the northern Indian subcontinent, spanning the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra River basins from Pakistan to the India-Myanmar border. This territory included parts of Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. Over centuries, this widespread distribution shrank due to human activities. Hunting for sport and horns, coupled with habitat conversion for agriculture and human settlements, led to population declines and fragmentation of their range. By the early 20th century, fewer than 200 individuals remained in the wild.
Protecting Remaining Homes
Conservation efforts have been important for the recovery of the Indian rhinoceros. The establishment of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries provides safe havens for these animals. These protected areas safeguard their habitats from encroachment and offer a controlled environment for population growth. Collaborative initiatives, such as the Indian Rhino Vision 2020, have focused on increasing rhino numbers and spreading them across multiple protected areas in Assam through translocations. Governments and conservation organizations work together to implement anti-poaching measures and manage these habitats.