Assam Holds Nearly 80% of World’s Rhino Population

Assam is home to an estimated 3,260 greater one-horned rhinoceroses as of September 2026. This figure accounts for nearly 80% of the global population of the species, which reached 4,075 in September 2026. India had 3,323 greater one-horned rhinos and Nepal had 752 in the same period.

Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros

The greater one-horned rhinoceros is also called the Indian rhinoceros and carries the scientific name Rhinoceros unicornis. It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 in India.

Kaziranga National Park Census

Kaziranga National Park in Assam shelters over 2,600 rhinos and remains the largest stronghold for the species worldwide. The 14th Rhino Population Census in Kaziranga recorded 2,613 individuals, which was 200 more than the 2018 count of 2,413.

Rhino Habitats in Assam

Assam’s rhino population is distributed across several protected areas. Manas National Park has an estimated 40 to 50 rhinos, while Orang National Park and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary also support the species. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary has the highest density of Indian rhinos globally.

Important Facts for Exams

• The greater one-horned rhinoceros is native to the Indian subcontinent and is found mainly in India and Nepal.
• Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Assam.
• Assam recorded zero known rhino poaching incidents in 2025, which was the second such instance since the 1970s.
• Operation Falcon was launched in 2024 for anti-poaching and wildlife protection measures in Assam.

Conservation Measures and Targets

Rhino conservation in Assam includes anti-poaching patrols, surveillance, and community participation. Indian Rhino Vision 2.0 targets a population of 4,500 to 5,000 rhinos in Assam by 2030 through habitat improvement and range expansion.