The greater one-horned rhinoceros is largest of all Asian rhino species. Unfortunately, it has been categorised as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN Red List for threatened species. Poaching and habitat loss have drastically reduced the rhino population in parts of South Asia, leaving only around 4,000, with over 81% living in India.
For over 50 years, WWF-India has worked tirelessly to protect the Indian rhino and its habitat. Under the Indian Rhino Vision 2020 project, WWF-India is focused on reintroducing rhinos into their natural environment. We collaborate with the forest departments of Assam and Uttar Pradesh on planning and executing rhino range expansion, strengthening protection efforts, securing habitats, and addressing health concerns.
We are conserving the grassland and wetland habitats of rhinos in Assam, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh by collaborating with multiple partners to develop strategic habitat management plans and providing equipment support to forest departments. Additionally, WWF-India liaises with government bodies to facilitate habitat restoration in these regions by conducting field and laboratory studies on critical habitat parameters like soil and water. To ensure the rhinos live in a safe and healthy environment we need ₹25,00,000.
We have conducted awareness programmes for more than 25,000 community members living around national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to promote peaceful co-existence of humans and rhinos. We are working closely with local communities to decrease their reliance on natural resources like firewood and fodder crops and helping them switch to LPG. With a support of ₹25,00,000, we can ignite a movement that harmonizes human livelihoods with rhino conservation, forever changing the fate of this majestic species.
Capacity building of the forest department staff and providing essential tools and resources to curb poaching. We need ₹45,00,000 to deploy sniffer dogs, install metal detectors, and implement other tools that will help reduce instances of poaching.
Since most of the rhinos are confined to 10 sites in India, they run the risk of contracting diseases, inbreeding, and mass mortality. Your contributions will help in conducting wild-to-wild translocation process of rhinos to rebuild a healthy breeding population of rhinos. Your contribution of ₹80,00,000 will help prevent rhinos from inbreeding and safeguard them from disease outbreaks.
We are enhancing health surveillance, veterinary care, and post-mortem analysis for rhino populations in Assam, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh's national parks. Collaborative efforts are also underway to map genetic data, creating a databank for effective population management, and conservation of this iconic species. With ₹25,00,000, we can launch a comprehensive disease monitoring and vaccination programme, safeguarding the health and well-being of these incredible creatures, and ensuring the long-term survival of the species.
To ensure these crucial efforts become a reality, we need your support to raise the required funds. Every contribution brings us closer to protecting rhinos and their habitat, safeguarding their survival for generations to come.