State of Rhino Report 2023

• Recently, the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) published the report, State of the Rhino, 2023.
• It documents current population estimates and trends for the five surviving rhino species in Africa and Asia.

Major Findings

• The global population of rhinos is estimated to be a little over 26,000.
• The Great One Horned Rhino (IUCN- Vulnerable) population in India, Bhutan and Nepal is increasing and is estimated to touch 4,014, noted the report.
  • The strict protection and transboundary management have helped to increase the rhino population by 20% in the past decade.
• The population of black rhinos, described as critically endangered, is increasing, the report noted; the population is estimated at 6,195.
  • Black rhinos or Dicerosbicornis are spread across 12 African countries.
• However, populations of white rhinos and Sumatran rhinos are decreasing, estimated to be about 15,942 and 34 to 47.
  • White rhinos or Ceratotheriumsimum are estimated to be around 15,942, making them the most populous species found across 11 countries of Africa.
  • White rhino is near threatened as per IUCN.
  • The Sumatran Rhino is critically endangered.
  • Regarding Sumatran rhinos, the report observed that the species has four isolated populations and 10 subpopulations.
  • But the reclusive species seems to be venturing into deep jungles and sightings and footprints are becoming difficult to trace.
• The population of Javan rhinos (IUCN- critically endangered) is estimated to be stable, at around 76.

THREATS

• Apart from poaching and habitat loss, climate change-induced droughts have been threatening the rhino population in Africa.
• On the other hand, climate disruptions in Asia can lead to the deaths of rhinos.
  • Increased precipitation, longer monsoons and seasonal floods are already resulting in stranding, drowning or separation of calves from their mothers among Greater One-horned Rhinos.
• The impacts are expected to exacerbate with intensified storms, increasing risks of diseases among humans and, potentially, rhinos.
• Also changes in weather conditions and landscape may lead to the expansion of invasive species and overtaking of rhino food plants, causing habitat degradation.