One-Horned Rhinoceros DNA Indexing System – Species in News
The Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros is again in news after the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife discussed a long-term conservation strategy based on the Rhino DNA Indexing System. This topic is important for UPSC, APPSC, TSPSC, SSC, Railway, Police SI/Constable and other government exams because it connects wildlife conservation, species protection, forensic technology, biodiversity and protected areas. In this post, you will learn the key facts about the Indian rhinoceros, its habitat, IUCN status, Kaziranga connection, DNA indexing and important MCQs with explanations.
One-Horned Rhinoceros – Important Facts
The Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros, also called the Indian Rhinoceros, is scientifically known as Rhinoceros unicornis. It is one of the largest rhino species and is the largest rhino found in Asia. It is easily recognized by its single black horn, heavy body and thick grey-brown skin folds that give it an armour-like appearance. The horn is made of keratin, the same protein found in human hair and nails.
This species mainly lives in tall grasslands, riverine floodplains, marshes and alluvial habitats of the Indian subcontinent. Its important population centres are found in north-eastern India and Nepal. Kaziranga National Park in Assam is the most famous stronghold of the species and is considered a global conservation success story. The species was once reduced to a very small population due to hunting, habitat loss and agricultural expansion, but strict protection, anti-poaching action and habitat management helped its numbers recover.
The Rhino DNA Indexing System is important because it can create a genetic identity record of individual rhinos. DNA-based records can help wildlife authorities in population monitoring, anti-poaching investigations, forensic tracking of seized horns and scientific management of fragmented rhino populations. For exams, remember that this is an example of science-based wildlife conservation.
| Point | Details | Exam Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Common Name | Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros / Indian Rhinoceros | Species in News |
| Scientific Name | Rhinoceros unicornis | Environment and Biodiversity |
| Key Feature | Single black horn and armour-like skin folds | Species identification |
| Habitat | Tall grasslands, floodplains, river valleys, marshes and savannas | Ecology and habitat questions |
| Main Range | North-eastern India and Terai region of Nepal | Map-based questions |
| Important Park | Kaziranga National Park, Assam | Protected area questions |
| IUCN Status | Vulnerable | Conservation status |
| Diet | Mainly grasses, aquatic plants, fruits, shrubs and leaves | Herbivore / mega-herbivore |
| Current News | Long-term conservation strategy based on Rhino DNA Indexing System | Current affairs and science-based conservation |
| Major Threats | Poaching, habitat loss, flood risk, fragmentation and human-wildlife conflict | Environment mains/prelims topic |
Practice MCQs on One-Horned Rhinoceros
Notes: The Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros is scientifically known as Rhinoceros unicornis. It is also called the Indian Rhinoceros.
Notes: Kaziranga National Park in Assam is globally famous for the conservation of the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros.
Notes: The Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros is listed as Vulnerable. Its population has recovered, but habitat fragmentation and poaching risks remain important concerns.
Notes: Rhino horn is made of keratin, the same protein found in human hair and nails. This is important for wildlife-forensics questions.
Notes: DNA indexing can help identify individual rhinos, support anti-poaching investigations and improve scientific monitoring of the species.
Notes: The species is closely linked with alluvial grasslands, river valleys, floodplains and marshy ecosystems.
Notes: The rhino mainly feeds on grasses, aquatic plants, fruits, leaves and small branches. It is a mega-herbivore.
Notes: The SC-NBWL discussed the long-term conservation strategy for the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros based on DNA indexing.
Notes: Major threats include poaching for horn, loss of grassland habitat, fragmentation, flood-related risks and human-wildlife conflict.
Notes: The species was once close to extinction, but conservation measures in India and Nepal helped its population recover significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the One-Horned Rhinoceros in news?
It is in news because a long-term conservation strategy based on the Rhino DNA Indexing System was discussed by the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife.
2. What is Rhino DNA Indexing System?
It is a DNA-based system that can create genetic identity records of rhinos. It helps in scientific monitoring, forensic investigation and anti-poaching work.
3. Where is the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros mainly found?
It is mainly found in north-eastern India and Nepal. Kaziranga National Park in Assam is one of its most important habitats.
4. What is the IUCN status of the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros?
Its IUCN Red List status is Vulnerable.
5. Why is this topic important for exams?
It is important for environment, biodiversity, species in news, wildlife conservation, protected areas and science-based conservation questions.
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