Prime Minister Modi’s Efforts Praised for Saving Rhinos in Assam
On the eve of World Rhino Day 2024, renowned wildlife expert Dr. Bibhab Kumar Talukdar praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visionary initiatives in conserving and protecting the greater one-horned rhinos in India. World Rhino Day is celebrated on September 22 every year by the World Wildlife Fund and other international organizations.
Decline in Rhino Poaching
Dr. Talukdar highlighted that rhino poaching incidents in Assam have significantly decreased due to the government’s conservation efforts. He mentioned that Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Kaziranga National Park demonstrated his commitment to rhino conservation, which has been a positive influence in ensuring the protection of these animals.
Dr. Talukdar expressed hope that the rhino population in Assam would reach 3,000 in the coming years, thanks to the government’s zero-tolerance policy against poachers and the modernization of the forest protection force.
Government Initiatives
The Assam government has taken several steps to combat illegal wildlife trade, which is the fourth largest illegal trade globally. Dr. Talukdar appreciated the government’s actions and emphasized the importance of continued vigilance against wildlife smugglers.
He noted that Assam has been a crucial site for the greater one-horned rhino for over 120 years. The state’s efforts have led to a significant increase in the rhino population, with a remarkable decline in poaching incidents in recent years.
Historical Context
Dr. Talukdar provided a historical perspective, stating that the Assam Rhino Conservation initiative began in 1905. Kaziranga National Park, the first area upgraded to a national park in Assam, has seen its rhino population grow from 366 in 1966 to over 2,600 today. The total rhino population in Assam now exceeds 2,880.
Reintroduction and Expansion
Rhinos have been reintroduced to Manas National Park from Kaziranga and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, with the population in Manas now nearing 50. The Assam government has also expanded the areas of Orang National Park, Laokhowa-Burachapori, and Kaziranga, creating connected habitats for rhinos.
Dr. Talukdar called for continued support from the people of Assam and sustained government efforts to ensure the safety and future of rhinos in the wild.
Doubts Revealed
Prime Minister Modi -: Prime Minister Modi is the leader of India. He makes important decisions for the country.
Rhinos -: Rhinos are large animals with thick skin and one or two horns on their noses. They live in the wild and are often found in places like Assam.
Assam -: Assam is a state in the northeastern part of India. It is known for its wildlife, tea gardens, and the Brahmaputra River.
World Rhino Day -: World Rhino Day is a special day celebrated on September 22nd every year to raise awareness about rhinos and the need to protect them.
Dr. Bibhab Kumar Talukdar -: Dr. Bibhab Kumar Talukdar is a wildlife expert who knows a lot about animals and how to protect them.
Rhino poaching -: Rhino poaching means illegally hunting and killing rhinos for their horns. This is a big problem because it can make rhinos extinct.
Government initiatives -: Government initiatives are actions taken by the government to solve problems. In this case, they are actions to protect rhinos.
Forest protection force -: The forest protection force is a group of people who work to keep forests and the animals in them safe from harm.
Rhino habitats -: Rhino habitats are places where rhinos live, like forests and grasslands. Expanding these habitats means making more space for rhinos to live safely.
Vigilance -: Vigilance means being very careful and watchful to make sure something bad doesn’t happen. In this case, it means keeping a close eye on rhinos to protect them.