Rhinoceros or simply Rhino is a member of any of the five extant species as (numerous species had already been extinct) of odd-toed ungulates in the family Rhinocerotida.
There is a day also dedicated to this incredible creature in the form of Worod Rhino Day which is celebrated annully on 22nd September worldwide with an aim to increase awareness regarding the conservation of these incredible animal which faces a threat of extinction.
Today there are only five species of rhinos are left in the world which is very alarming as there had to be many in the past in which two are Africans Black and White rhinos while three are Asians which include Javan, Sumatran and Great one-horned Indian rhinos.
| Event | World Rhino Day |
|---|---|
| Date | September 22, 2022 |
| Day | Thursday |
| Significance | The day is dedicated to rhinoceros conservation |
| Observed by | World wide |
World Rhino Day History:
Rhinoceros have been in our planet from a very long time predating humans. As scientific studies shows that Rhinocerotoids diverged from other perissodactyls by the early Eocene. Fossils of Hyrachyus eximus found in North America date to this period. This small hornless ancestor resembled a tapir or small horse more than a rhino. The family of all modern rhinoceros, the Rhinocerotidae, first appeared in the Late Eocene in Eurasia.
Earlier there used to be many species of rhinos but today in our world only five species of rhinos are left in which only are one horn species which are Javan and Indian rhinoceros. And in the recent years it is also seen that the population of rhinos have been declining significantly and hence they have now come under endangered species and faces a threat of extinction.
As more than 7,000 rhinos were lost to poaching between 2008 to 2017 in just South Africa, which is home to over 70% of the world’s rhino population. In 2011, the African black rhino species were even declared extinct in the country however later they were re-introduced and their population is also increasing slowly because of conservation efforts however they still comes under critically endangered species.
World Rhino Day was first celebrated on September 22, 2011, but was first announced by World Wildlife South Africa, in 2010. It happened because of the joint effort of Lisa Jane Campbell of Chishakwe Ranch in Zimbabwe and Rhishja Cota who both were rhino lovers and extremely concerned regarding the rapidly decreasing population of rhinos as by that time less than 30,000 rhinos were left in the wild which used to hundreds of thousands just some decades ago.
World Rhino Day Significance:
World Rhino Day provides an opportunity to all of the N.G.O.s, zoos, wildlife conservation centers, research centers, and concerned individuals to unite and seek new ways to eliminate poaching practices and preserve certain extremely endangered rhinoceros species from total extinction from our world. As this planet belongs to these incredible species as well not just just humans and we must protect it for our future generations also so that they get to see this amazing species.
The preservation of rhinos is the need of the hour as over 7,100 African rhinos have been killed due poaching in the last 10 years only that’s around 2 every day. Poaching gangs are becoming increasingly sophisticated. In some cases they even uses helicopters to track down rhinos and once they shoots it with guns or tranquilising darts, their horns are removed inhumanely using chainsaws or other means. The whole operation can take as little as 10 minutes, and if the rhino isn't dead by it yet it will largely suffer until it is dead.
The hunting and poaching primarily happens because of the horn or skin trade of rhinos. As in Asian cultures used in traditional medicine and believed to contain a cure for cancer, fever, convulsions, and increased male virility. Otherwise they also holds a social status symbol in countries like Viernam. But the main reason behind it will be a large industry which works through making products with rhinos horns and skin. So as a people it is our responsibility to boycott such products and inform about these products to the authorities.
So definitely hunters and poachers are a very big threat to these rhinos but along with it there are some other reasons as well like habitat loss and fragmentation are an increasing threat to rhinos as well in which human populations and infrastructure grows which encroaches upon rhino's territory and destroys their habitat which causes them suffering to survive ultimately leading to their death. So this all issue must needs to be addressed to save these incredible rhinos.
World Rhino Day Facts:
Now let's learn about some very fascinating and interesting facts about our amazing rhinoceros:
- White rhinos are the largest among the rhino species and they can weigh upto 3,500 kg which is well over 3 tonnes.
- The names of black and white rhinos are misleading as both are actually grey in their color.
- Male rhinos are called 'bulls' and females are called 'cows'. Their young ones are called ‘calves’.
- Rhino horn is made up of keratin which is the same protein which forms the basis of our hair and nails.
- Rhinos gave a very poor vision. They can barely see objects 98 feet away from them.
- Rhinos loves mud and that's why they often be seen rolling around in mud and giving themselves a protective 'mud coat’ to keep them cool, stop insects or parasites from biting.
- The Sumatran, Javan and Black rhinos are listed as ‘critically endangered'as there are thought to be fewer than 70 Javan and 100 Sumatran rhinos left in the wild.
World Rhino Day Theme:
The theme for World Rhino Day 2022 is "Five Rhino Species Forever" . This theme as you can see highlights the importance of the five rhino species which are left in our world today.
The theme was thoughtfully decided to draw attention to the conservation of these five rhinoceros species, namely white and black rhinos in Africa, and the greater one-horned, Javan and Sumatran rhino species in Asia.
It urges people to take action now so that these beautiful species can remain in our planet forever so that even our coming generations will get a chance to admire these beautiful creatures.
Most Searched FAQs on World Rhino Day:
1. When is World Rhino Day is celebrated?
World Rhino Day is celebrated annually on 22nd September.
2. How many rhinos are left?
There are only about 27,000 rhinos left in the wild, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature.
3. Are rhinos aggressive?
Rhinos can be protective, but they are rarely aggressive if unprovoked. Rhinos prefer to roam unhindered and undisturbed. On being disturbed they can charge you.