World Rhino Day 2021: Date, History, Theme And Species Of Rhino In Africa And Asia

World Rhino Day History

World Rhino Day was first announced in 2010 by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)-South Africa. In the year 2011, World Rhino Day developed into an international success. The day covers both African and Asian rhino species.

5 Rhino Species in Africa and Asia

There are 5 rhino species living in Africa and Asia. Three species namely Javan rhinoceros (Rhinos sondicus), Sumatran rhinoceros (Diceorhinus sumatrensis) and black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

One in 5 species of white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) is considered near threatened, and more than one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinos unicornis) is considered vulnerable to extinction.

Is there a theme for World Rhino Day?

Yes! “Five Rhino Species Forever” celebrates both the African and Asian rhino species. In addition, World Rhino Day is an opportunity to highlight efforts to debunk the myths and diminish the demand for rhino horn.

World Rhino Day in India

In 2020, Union Minister Shri Prakash Javadekar chaired a meeting on the occasion of celebrating World Rhino Day in the country.

India is home to the largest number of one-horned rhinos in the world. There are about 3000 one-horned rhinos in India. These are spread over the states of Assam, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. India has launched a national conservation strategy for the Indian one-horned rhinoceros.

National Rhinoceroses Conservation Strategy

This includes both India and Nepal for the conservation of one-horned rhinos. The current population of one-horned rhinoceros in the world is 3584. There are 2938 in this India and 646 in Nepal respectively.

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Black rhinoceroses being hunted for hangover medicine, killing thousands annually The unicorn has always been a matter of curiosity for humans due to its thick skin and sharp horns like a stone. There are 5 species of rhinoceros found in the world, in which the species of black rhinoceros has been declared rare. They are being poached on a large scale to use rhinoceros parts in traditional medicine. Due to continuous hunting, now their number is left only in name.

United Nation Report

Hunting of 1338 black rhinos in a year According to the report of United Nation, the figures regarding black rhinoceros are very shocking. Their hunting has increased for the smuggling of black rhinos found in African and Asian countries. In the year 2015 alone, 1338 black rhinos have been made their victims by smugglers in African countries.

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There are only 5600 black rhinos left in the world. Despite the global ban, the hunting of black rhinos in South Africa has increased tremendously between 2007 and 2014. In 2014 alone 1200 black rhinos were killed illegally. Prior to this, most of these rhinos were hunted between 1970 and 1992. According to the WWF, there are now only 5600 black rhinos left in the world.

UN issues a warning to the world community

The UN has issued a warning to the world community that the hunting of black rhinoceros, called the engineers of the ecosystem, has increased the risk of extinction of their species as well as causing heavy damage to tourism. The United Nations has expressed deep concern about the continuous hunting of this rare species of rhinoceros. At the same time, global organizations working for animals have issued warnings to top leaders around the world asking them to emphasize their conservation.

Reason behind the Hunting of Black Rhinos

In the report of rhinos being killed for horns and skin, their horns and skin have become the reason behind the hunting of black rhinos. A large amount of protein called keratin is present in their horn. This protein is abundant in the back skin along with the hair and hooves of the black rhinoceros. Medicines are made from this protein to get rid of many types of deadly diseases. Powder made from horns is considered to be the perfect medicine to end hangover.

It is sold at a high price in the international market. Poaching in India has decreased by 86 percent. Speaking to IANS, India’s Environment and Forest Minister Parimal Sukalvaidya said that in the last three years, poaching for the prized rhino horns has come down by 86 percent. Due to this the number of one-horned rhinos in Assam has gone up to 2,640. Assam has the largest number of one-horned rhinos in the world.

World Rhino Day Quotes and Slogans

• Don’t kill the beauty of jungle.
• Don’t let the Rhinos become like dinos.
• Don’t shoot them with a gun, even if it maybe fun.
• Fight for the Rights of wildlife.
• “We cannot call ourselves humans if we cannot save the innocent rhinoceroses.”
• “They have done no harm to us, so why are we harming them…. Save rhinos!!!”
• “The perfect way to celebrate World Rhino Day is by pledging to protect them.”
• “Rhinos don’t deserve to be killed because they are precious…. Let us save rhinos.”
• “Let us appreciate this day because it appreciates all efforts for saving rhinos.”

50-166% reduction in hunting of rhinos due to lockdown

The killings of rhinos have decreased dramatically due to the nationwide lockdown due to Corona in South Africa. 80 percent of the world’s rhinoceros population is found in South Africa. The killings of rhinos have decreased dramatically due to the nationwide lockdown due to Corona in South Africa. Despite the shortfall, experts say as the country opens up, poaching of Earth’s most endangered mammals could resume. South African officials and wildlife activists say significant efforts have been made to protect rhinos in the country. The reduction in hunting of rhinos due to the nationwide lockdown.

South Africa went into a nationwide lockdown in late March to combat the coronavirus and banned all international and domestic travel. The country has gradually reopened and international tourists have also been allowed to visit on 1 October.