The initiative is part of India’s recently formed National Rhino Conservation Strategy. The strategy focuses on 

• strengthening protection.
• expanding the current distribution range by at least 5%, rhino research in India. 
• active Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan transboundary engagement.
• a focus on using wildlife forensics to combat poaching and illegal trade in rhino parts and products.

The Indian subcontinent is home to the Great One-Horned Rhinoceros (Indian rhinoceros). The IUCN Red List classifies it as Vulnerable. Experts believe that once the project is finished, it will aid in the prevention of rhino poaching and the gathering of evidence in wildlife crimes involving rhinos.

Indian Rhino: 

The Indian rhinoceros or great one-horned rhinoceros is the second-biggest member of the rhinoceros family just behind the white rhinoceros. They can grow to be between 10.2 and 12.5 feet long and weigh between 3.500 and 4.900 pounds. The skin of the Indian rhinoceros is a brownish-grey color with folds that resemble armor. The Indian rhinoceros has a big head, a prehensile upper lip, flexible ears, a big body, and a short tail.  The horn of an Indian rhinoceros can grow to be 9.8 to 22.5 inches long. 

Although the Indian Rhino has weak eyesight, it has exceptional hearing and smell. It finds mating mates by following the powerful fragrance that this species is known for. Despite its hefty appearance, the Indian rhinoceros is a swift animal with a top speed of 34 miles per hour and the ability to reverse direction quickly.

Habitat and Distribution: 

Alluvial flood plains and regions with tall grasslands along the Himalayan foothills are the favored habitat of Indian rhinoceros. 

Previously widespread across the Gangetic plains, the species is now restricted to small areas in the Indo-Nepal terai, northern West Bengal, and Assam. Rhinos can be found in Assam’s Kaziranga NP, Pobitora WLS, Orang NP, Manas NP, West Bengal’s Jaldapara NP and Gorumara NP, and Uttar Pradesh’s Dudhwa TR.

Introduction to DNA sequencing: 

The method of determining the nucleic acid sequence as well as the order of nucleotides in DNA is known as DNA sequencing. The four bases called adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine are always included no matter which method or technology is being used. In biology and other fields such as medicine, forensics, and archaeology, DNA sequencing has become an essential tool.

About the Project to create a DNA database: 

• The World Wide Fund for Nature-India (WWF-India) and the Centre-funded Wildlife Institute of India are among the project’s supporters (WII).
• The research was officially launched in the year 2020, and 60 samples of tissue have already been obtained in the year 2019 from rhinos living outside of Kaziranga.
• The dung is also used to extract DNA samples. The database developed will be hosted at the WII headquarters in Dehradun once the project is completed. 
• There’s also an attempt to increase the number of rhinos in other Assam places, such as Manas National Park and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.

Importance: 

Since the 1980s, the government has attempted to relocate a large number of rhinos from Kaziranga in the interests of rhino conservation, poaching risks, and habitat issues. The research is part of the Centre’s larger rhino conservation effort, which is still underway. This effort might be beneficial in reducing rhino poaching as well as acquiring evidence of rhino-related wildlife crimes. The Indian rhino may become the first wild animal species in India to have all of its individual DNA sequenced by 2021.

Indian Rhino Vision 2020: 

In 2005, the Indian Rhino Vision 2020 initiative was created. In April 2021, the IRV2020 project came to an end. The IRV2020 project’s main goal was to reach a population of 3000 wild rhinos in Assam by 2020, spread throughout seven protected areas (PAs). The significances of IRV2020 are as follows:

• In 2011, the IRV2020 assisted Manas National Park in regaining its World Heritage Site title.
• The program will aid in the cross-breeding of rhinos from Kaziranga National Park and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, resulting in a robust, breeding population of rhinos for the species’ future.
• Reduces illness and inbreeding risks.

Current Status of Indian Rhino: 

The Indian rhinoceros was on the verge of extinction at the turn of the twentieth century due to habitat loss and poaching (for its horn, which is utilized in traditional Asian medicine). The population of Indian rhinoceros is significantly larger and more stable today as a result of great conservation efforts. There are 3555 rhinos left in the wild, according to the most recent count in 2015. The Indian rhinoceros is considered endangered.

Conclusion: 

A one-horned rhino is a symbol of India’s cherished heritage and identity, as well as a vital component of our civilization. The Indian rhinoceros is the world’s largest rhinoceros. In India, three states, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, account for almost 75% of the total population of larger one-horned rhinoceros. Furthermore, state governments perform rhino censuses on a regular basis, which aids in the prevention of poaching.