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One-Horned Rhinoceros

July 12, 2026

Recently, the central government approved a landmark conservation initiative to create a DNA-based indexing system for the greater one-horned rhinoceros.

About One-Horned Rhinoceros:

  • The greater one-horned rhino, also known as Indian rhinoceros, is the largest of the three Asian rhinos.
  • Habitat: It is found in semi-aquatic and often take up residence in swamps, forests, riversides, and anywhere that is near nutritious mineral licks.
  • Distribution:
    • It can be found in India and Nepal, particularly in the foothills of the Himalayas.
    • In the past, Greater one-horned rhinos roamed freely in the floodplains and forests alongside the Brahmaputra, Ganges, and Indus River valley.
    • Kaziranga National Park in Assam, India, contains the largest population.
  • Features:
    • It is identified by a single black horn and a grey-brown hide with skin folds, which gives it an armor-plated appearance.
    • The species is solitary, except for females with small calves. Males maintain loosely defended territories.
    • Diet: Indian rhinos are herbivores (graminivores, folivores, frugivores, lignivores). They eat grass, leaves, fruit, branches, aquatic plants, as well as cultivated crops.
  • Threats: Hunting is largely responsible for the Indian rhino decline.
  • Conservation Status:
    • IUCN: Vulnerable

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