A recent scientific study has revealed that the Indian one-horned rhinoceros migrated to Northeast India from the western and northern parts of the Indian subcontinent during the Late Holocene period, driven by climate change and rising human activities.
Key findings of the study
- The research reconstructs the palaeoecological history of Kaziranga National Park over the last about 3,300 years.
- Scientists used biotic proxies, such as plant remains and herbivory indicators, to understand long-term ecological changes.
- Evidence shows that Rhinoceros unicornis was once widely distributed along the Himalayan foothills, extending to north-western India, present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Why did rhinos move eastwards?
- Climatic amelioration and intensified human activities in western and northern India caused habitat loss.
- Northeast India experienced relatively lower human pressure, making it a safer refuge.
- This forced megaherbivores, especially rhinos, to gradually shift and confine themselves to the Brahmaputra floodplains.
Ecological changes in Kaziranga
- Around 3,300 years ago, Kaziranga was dominated by dense evergreen forests with fewer grasslands and deeper wetlands.
- Over the last 1,700 years, evergreen forests declined while deciduous trees and grasslands expanded, creating ideal habitats for large herbivores.
- Increased grasslands supported rising herbivore populations, including rhinos and wild buffalo.
Why Kaziranga matters today
- Kaziranga is now one of the best remaining natural habitats for the Indian one-horned rhinoceros.
- The study provides a long-term ecological framework to guide:
- Wildlife conservation policies
- Climate-adaptive management strategies
- Invasive species control, especially threats like Mimosa invasion
Exam Hook – Prelims
Which of the following statements is correct?
A. The Indian one-horned rhinoceros originated only in Northeast India.
B. Fossil evidence shows rhinos migrated to Northeast India due to habitat loss elsewhere.
C. Kaziranga was always dominated by grasslands over the last 3,000 years.
D. Human activity in Northeast India was higher than in western India during the Late Holocene.
Correct answer: B
One-line takeaway:
Kaziranga’s rhinos are survivors of climate change and human pressure, finding refuge in Assam over thousands of years.
| ● The rhinoceros is the second largest mammal species on land after elephant. ● A male Indian rhino weighs around 2,100 to 2,200kg, while a female rhino weighs around 1600kg. ● The greyish brown hide with skin folds gives the an armor-plated appearance. ● The horn of the greater one-horned rhino has a length rhino which typically varies between 20 to 61cm and weighs up to 3kg. ○ The Horn is a mass of agglutinated hairs composed of keratin fibers, thereby forming a hard cemented mass. ● Rhinos are primarily grazers and their diet consists of grasses, leaves, branches of shrubs and trees, aquatic plants, and fruits. ● The gestation period of an Indian Rhinoceros is 15 to 16 months, and breeding occurs throughout the year. ● The current estimate of the Greater one-horned rhino is around 3,588 and they are presently found in Assam, West Bengal, and the Terai grasslands of Indo-Nepal. ● In India, rhinos mainly thrive in: ○ Assam: Kaziranga NP, Pobitora WLS, Orang NP, Manas NP. ○ West Bengal: Jaldapara NP and Gorumara NP. ○ Uttar Pradesh: Dudhwa TR. ● Pobitora WLS has the highest density and Kaziranga NP has the largest population of one-horned rhino. ○ About 85% of the present one-horned rhino population is found in Assam and 70% of this figure is found in the Kaziranga National Park alone. ● Threats: The Greater one-horn rhino was once widespread across the entire Indo-Gangetic plains. ○ But their populations decreased significantly as they were continuously hunted for sport, poached for their horns and were killed as agricultural pests. ● Conservation: ○ Appendix I: CITES ○ Vulnerable (upgraded from endangered in 2008): IUCN Red List ○ Schedule I, Part I: Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 ● World Rhino Day is celebrated on 22nd September every year. |
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