Assam witnesses single rhino poaching incident in 2021, lowest in 21 years

According to the Assam government data, one rhino was killed by poachers in Kaziranga National Park in 2021 while the poachers killed 2 in 2020, 3 in 2019, 7 in 2018 and 6 in 2017.

Rhino poaching in the state had reached its peak in 2013 and 2014, with 27 rhinos being poached in each year.

In 2015, poachers had killed 17 one-horned rhinos in different national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the state while 18 rhinos were poached in 2016.

During 2000-2015, a total of 153 rhinos were poached in the state and from 2016 to 2021, poachers killed 37 rhinos.

In 2021, the state government had formed the Anti-Poaching Task Force (APTF) to check rhino poaching in Kaziranga National Park.

In April last year, the carcass of an adult male rhino was found near a water body under Kohora range of Kaziranga National Park and its horn was missing.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted, "It’s commendable that in 2021, no. of rhinos lost to poaching was lowest in 21 yrs. A huge milestone in our efforts to eliminate the menace of poaching from our state.

"Kudos to our Forest Guards & officials of @kaziranga_ for their sincere efforts to protect Assam’s beloved icon.”