Which sanctuary is famous for one-horned Rhinoceros?
VerifiedAnswer: Kaziranga National Park
Explanation:
Kaziranga National Park is located in the state of Assam, in northeastern India, and is world-renowned for being the home of the largest population of one-horned rhinoceros on Earth. This incredible sanctuary covers approximately 430 square kilometers and has become synonymous with rhinoceros conservation efforts globally.
The one-horned rhinoceros, scientifically known as Rhinoceros unicornis, is also called the Indian rhinoceros or greater one-horned rhinoceros. These magnificent creatures were once on the brink of extinction, with their population dropping to just 12 individuals in the early 1900s. However, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts at Kaziranga, their numbers have increased dramatically to over 2,400 rhinos today, making it one of India's greatest conservation success stories.
Established in 1905, Kaziranga National Park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985, recognizing its outstanding universal value for biodiversity conservation. The park's unique ecosystem consists of grasslands, wetlands, and forests along the banks of the Brahmaputra River, providing the perfect habitat for these prehistoric-looking animals.
Apart from rhinoceros, Kaziranga is also home to other endangered species including tigers, elephants, wild water buffalo, and various bird species. The park's tall elephant grass and numerous water bodies create an ideal environment for wildlife to thrive. During the monsoon season, large parts of the park get flooded, which helps maintain the grasslands that rhinos depend upon for food.
The park authorities have implemented strict anti-poaching measures to protect these valuable animals, as rhino horns are unfortunately highly sought after in illegal wildlife trade. Rangers patrol the park regularly, and modern technology like camera traps and drones are used for surveillance. These efforts have made Kaziranga a model for wildlife conservation not just in India, but worldwide.
