Rhino Horn

Source: TH

Context: The Assam Forest Department, in coordination with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), has initiated genetic analysis of 2,573 rhino horn samples stored before their destruction in 2021.

• This move will help build India’s Rhino DNA Index System (RhoDIS) to aid in conservation and anti-poaching efforts.

About Rhino Horn:

• What is a Rhino Horn?

• The horn is the most distinctive feature of a rhinoceros, made not of bone but keratin, the same protein in human nails and hair. Rhino horns grow continuously, gaining about 2 cm per year.

• The horn is the most distinctive feature of a rhinoceros, made not of bone but keratin, the same protein in human nails and hair.

• Rhino horns grow continuously, gaining about 2 cm per year.

• Key Features:

• Solid Structure: Unlike antlers, rhino horns are not hollow and are composed of compacted keratin layers. Toughened Core: Contains melanin and calcium, enhancing strength and resistance to UV damage. Shape Formation: External behaviours like scraping, grazing, and environmental exposure gradually form its cone-like shape. Identification Tool: Each horn has unique keratin layers influenced by diet and climate, aiding genetic fingerprinting under RhoDIS. Poaching Threat: Rhino horns are highly valued in illegal wildlife trade, often due to false medicinal beliefs.

• Solid Structure: Unlike antlers, rhino horns are not hollow and are composed of compacted keratin layers.

• Toughened Core: Contains melanin and calcium, enhancing strength and resistance to UV damage.

• Shape Formation: External behaviours like scraping, grazing, and environmental exposure gradually form its cone-like shape.

• Identification Tool: Each horn has unique keratin layers influenced by diet and climate, aiding genetic fingerprinting under RhoDIS.

• Poaching Threat: Rhino horns are highly valued in illegal wildlife trade, often due to false medicinal beliefs.

About Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros:

• What is it?

• Also known as the Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), it is the largest of the five rhino species. It is found only in South Asia, mainly in northeastern India and Nepal.

• Also known as the Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), it is the largest of the five rhino species.

• It is found only in South Asia, mainly in northeastern India and Nepal.

• Habitat & Distribution:

• Inhabits tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas, and riverine floodplains.

• Major strongholds: Kaziranga National Park (Assam), Jaldapara (West Bengal), and Chitwan (Nepal).

• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

• Distinctive Features:

• Single Black Horn: Measures 8–25 inches, a defining trait. Armoured Appearance: Thick grey-brown hide with folded skin plates. Herbivorous: Feeds on grasses, aquatic plants, fruits, and shrubs. Semi-Solitary: Except during wallowing or grazing periods. Role in Ecosystem: Acts as a keystone grazer that shapes wetland ecosystems.

• Single Black Horn: Measures 8–25 inches, a defining trait.

• Armoured Appearance: Thick grey-brown hide with folded skin plates.

• Herbivorous: Feeds on grasses, aquatic plants, fruits, and shrubs.

• Semi-Solitary: Except during wallowing or grazing periods.

• Role in Ecosystem: Acts as a keystone grazer that shapes wetland ecosystems.