Assam’s sustained conservation efforts have emerged as a major factor behind the remarkable global recovery of the greater one-horned rhinoceros, with the species’ estimated population now reaching 4,075 worldwide.
The latest figure marks a dramatic recovery from the early 20th century, when fewer than 100 greater one-horned rhinos were believed to survive in the wild.
India accounts for the largest share of the global population, with an estimated 3,323 rhinos, while Nepal is home to around 752. Assam remains the principal stronghold of the species, harbouring nearly 80 per cent of the world’s greater one-horned rhino population.
Kaziranga National Park alone is home to more than 2,600 rhinos, making it the largest habitat and stronghold of the species. Manas National Park also supports an estimated 40 to 50 rhinos.
Assam’s conservation record has been further strengthened by its sustained anti-poaching campaign. The state recorded zero known cases of rhino poaching in 2025, achieving the milestone for only the second time since the 1970s.
The success has been attributed to strengthened protection measures, effective field-level enforcement and long-term conservation programmes aimed at protecting both the rhinos and their natural habitats.
The recovery is particularly significant given the species’ history of severe population decline. Once pushed close to extinction, the greater one-horned rhino has gradually rebuilt its numbers through habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, scientific management and sustained conservation initiatives.
In Assam, the rhinoceros has become more than a symbol of wildlife conservation. It is deeply associated with the state’s forests, wetlands and rich biodiversity and also contributes significantly to its wildlife tourism economy.
The steady rise in the rhino population demonstrates the importance of sustained conservation efforts, effective protection systems and community participation in helping threatened species recover.
With Assam continuing to shelter the overwhelming majority of the world’s greater one-horned rhinos, authorities face the continuing challenge of preventing poaching while protecting, restoring and carefully managing the animals’ natural habitats.
The latest population milestone is therefore both a remarkable conservation achievement and a renewed responsibility for Assam to safeguard one of the world’s most iconic large mammals for generations to come.