Indian Rhino Vision - IRV2020

The Indian Rhino Vision 2020 was a program launched in 2005 to conserve the one-horned rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) in Assam. The program's vision was to increase the population of one-horned rhinos in Assam from the then-current level of 2000 to 3000 by the year 2020.

Indian Rhino Vision - Overview

The Indian Rhino Vision also aimed to ensure the distribution of Rhinos to at least 7 Protected Areas for their long-term viability. The seven protected areas were:

1. Kaziranga, Pobitora
2. Orang National Park
3. Manas National Park
4. Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary
5. Bura-Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary
6. Dibru Saikhowa Wildlife Sanctuary

The Indian Rhino Vision 2020 was implemented by the Department of Environment and Forest of the Government of Assam. The Bodo Autonomous Council was an active partner in the program. The program received the support of:

• WWF- India
• WWF AREAS (Asian Rhino and Elephants Action Strategy) Program.
• The International Rhino Foundation
• Save the Rhino Campaign of zoological institutions worldwide
• Other Local NGOs

Significance of Indian Rhino Vision

The conservation of rhinos in Assam has always had major problems and setbacks. For instance, 85% of the rhinos were restricted to a single Protected Area in Kaziranga, which exposed the species to stochastic risks.

The rhino population in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary had exceeded its carrying capacity. Their number had to be reduced to protect the species and mitigate the increasing human-rhino conflicts.

On the other hand, poor law-and-order exterminated a significant population of rhinos in Manas National Park during the 1990s. Likewise, poaching had eliminated the species from Laokhowa, and Orang was also under threat.

Hence, the Department of Environment and Forest of the Government of Assam identified the need to:

• Improve the security of rhinos in Assam
• Expand the distribution of rhinos
• Reduce their population in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary to match its carrying capacity

Thus, the Indian Rhino Vision 2020 was launched.

Indian Rhino Vision - Current Status

• The Indian Rhino Vision 2020 came to a close on 13th April 2021 with the translocation of two rhinos to Manas National Park in Assam from Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. It marked the eighth round of Rhino translocation under the Indian Rhino Vision 2020.
• The program is said to have reached its target of attaining a population of 3,000 rhinos in Assam.
• Rhinos are now found in four Protected Areas in Assam: Pobitora Wildlife Reserve, Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park, Kaziranga National Park, and Manas National Park. However, the plan to spread the rhinos beyond these four areas could not materialize.
• In 2017, the program marked a significant success – the third generation in Manas. The female offspring of Ganga, a female rhino that arrived in Manas in 2007, gave birth to a male calf. With the latest translocation and several births, the Manas population has grown to 42 rhinos.
• Manas National Park has received 22 rhinos from other protected areas under the translocation program. The translocation of rhinos helped Manas get back its World Heritage Site status in 2011.
• The combined efforts of the forestry and local and national government officials to combat wildlife crime across Assam resulted in a significant decrease in poaching in 2018 and 2019.

The one-horned rhino is classified as vulnerable under the IUCN red list. India, Nepal, Bhutan, Indonesia, and Malaysia- the five rhino range nations have pledged to protect the species by signing the declaration 'The New Delhi Declaration on Asian Rhinos 2019'.

FAQs on Indian Rhino Vision

Q.1. When was the Indian Rhino Vision launched?

The Indian Rhino Vision was launched in 2005.

Q.2. What was the mission of the Indian Rhino Vision 2020?

Indian Rhino Vision was to increase the population of one-horned rhinos in Assam from the then-current level of 2000 to 3000 by the year 2020.

Q.3. Which agency was responsible for implementing the Indian Rhino Vision 2020?

The Indian Rhino Vision 2020 was implemented by the Department of Environment and Forest of the Government of Assam. The Bodo Autonomous Council was an active partner in the program.

Q.4. When did the Indian Rhino Vision 2020 come to a close?

The Indian Rhino Vision 2020 came to a close on 13th April 2021 with the translocation of two rhinos to Manas National Park in Assam.

Q.5. Was the Indian Rhino Vision 2020 successful?

Indian Rhino Vision is believed to have achieved its target of attaining a population of 3,000 rhinos in Assam. However, the plan to spread the rhinos beyond the four protected areas (Pobitora Wildlife Reserve, Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park, Kaziranga National Park, and Manas National Park could not materialize.