UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 12 July 2026

Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros Latest News

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

About Greater 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 takes 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

Source: NIE