One-horned rhinoceros are found in?
VerifiedAnswer: Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Explanation:
The one-horned rhinoceros, also known as the Indian rhinoceros or Greater one-horned rhinoceros, primarily inhabits Kaziranga National Park in Assam, India. This magnificent creature is one of the most iconic species of the Indian subcontinent and represents a remarkable conservation success story.
Kaziranga National Park serves as the most important habitat for these rhinoceros, housing approximately two-thirds of the world's total one-horned rhino population. Located in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam, this UNESCO World Heritage Site spans across 430 square kilometers of grasslands, wetlands, and forests along the Brahmaputra River.
The park's unique ecosystem provides the perfect environment for these rhinos to thrive. The tall elephant grass, marshy areas, and abundant water sources create ideal conditions for their feeding and breeding habits. The one-horned rhinoceros feeds primarily on grass, leaves, shoots, fruits, and aquatic plants found abundantly in this region.
Beyond Kaziranga, small populations of one-horned rhinoceros can also be found in other protected areas within India and Nepal, including:
• Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam • Orang National Park in Assam • Manas National Park in Assam • Chitwan National Park in Nepal • Bardia National Park in Nepal
The one-horned rhinoceros is distinguished by its single black horn, thick gray-brown skin that appears armor-plated, and impressive size - adult males can weigh up to 2,200 kilograms. These prehistoric-looking animals were once on the brink of extinction, with their population dropping to fewer than 200 individuals in the early 1900s due to excessive hunting and habitat loss.
Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, strict protection measures, and the sanctuary provided by parks like Kaziranga, the population has recovered significantly. Today, there are over 3,500 one-horned rhinoceros in the wild, with Kaziranga alone housing around 2,400 individuals. This remarkable recovery has changed their conservation status from "Endangered" to "Vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List, though they still require continued protection and monitoring to ensure their long-term survival.
