Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, a state in India, proudly declared that no instances of rhino poaching were recorded in 2022, while 2021 saw only two cases.
This year marked a significant turning point, as there were no reported poaching incidents in the northern Indian area for the first time in 45 years. The previous instance of zero rhino poaching dates back to 1977.
Himanta Biswa Sarma commended the well-coordinated endeavors of the state's forest and police departments as 2022 witnessed the apprehension of 58 individuals implicated in rhino poaching activities.
A dedicated task force was established in 2021, comprising 22 senior officials from both the police and forest departments. This task force was conceived to streamline the collaborative initiatives of these two entities for the mission.
Meticulous monitoring of entry and exit points utilized by poachers, along with comprehensive details about the timing, methods, and locations of poaching incidents, were documented. Vigilance was amplified during full moon nights, which were often favored by poachers for their activities. The task force promptly received alerts in the event of any poachers entering protected zones.
Strategically positioned watch towers equipped with CCTV cameras were erected, and armed commandos from both police and forest departments were outfitted with advanced weaponry, wireless communication tools, drones, and night vision cameras.
Assam currently houses nearly 2,900 one-horned rhinos, constituting the world's largest population of this species, spread across the state's diverse landscapes.
The achievement of zero rhino poaching in Assam represents not only a monumental milestone but stands as a testament to the efficacy of Assam's task force. By demonstrating that a concerted and united approach can effectively combat illegal activities that threaten wildlife, this accomplishment serves as an inspiring beacon of hope for the preservation of invaluable biodiversity.
Source: IFAW. "Zero Indian rhinos poached for the first time in 45 years". https://www.ifaw.org/international/press-releases/no-indian-rhinos-poached-first-time-45-years. January 17, 2023. [Accessed: January 17 2023].
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