World Rhino Day 2022: Know Why and How it is Celebrated?
Read on...
Mayank Dubey
September 22 every year is observed as World Rhino Day by animal lovers worldwide.
The day is celebrated to promote global awareness about rhinos, their types, and the existential risks they face.
The day also call upon all stakeholders - Governments, NGOs, Zoos, and other Animal related Groups...
To make rules and take actions on saving this critically endangered species.
There are five species of rhino in the world:
White Rhino and Black Rhino, they are mainly found in Africa. The greater One-horned Rhino found in India,
Javan and Sumatran rhino found in Asia.
Why Rhinos are in danger globally
Rhinos are hunted for their precious horns and blood which is used to make expensive traditional medicines.
These medicines - supposed to cure cancer, fever, convulsions, and impotency - are in huge demand especially in South East Asian markets.
How World Rhino Day is celebrated
Various businesses, celebrities, and individuals contribute funds to organizations like WWF which are involved in the fight against animal poaching.
The day is also celebrated through
Peaceful demonstrations against poaching, Auctions, and various competitions in schools
History
Rhino Day was first observed in 2010 by WWF South Africa. It became a huge hit globally and thus the day began to be celebrated as World Rhino Day since 2011.
Rhinos are herbivores. They eat grass, plants and fruits.
They are very agile but can't see beyond 30 meters. This is why poachers hunt them easily in the open.
Total Rhinos in the World
South Africa is home to over 60% of the world’s total rhino population of 27,000. India has some 3000 rhinos, predominantly in Assam.
3 rhinos are killed every day in the world
That's why the population has dropped from 70,000 in 1970s; to just 27,000 today.
How Rhinos are hunted by poachers?
They are killed through shooting, poisonings, electrocution, trapping in pits, and tranquilizing
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