World Rhino Day 2020 | UPSC
HEADLINES:
We are walking in the right direction for a better future for Rhinoceros: Shri Babul Supriyo
WHY IN NEWS:
Delhi Zoo to soon get a male rhinoceros from Patna zoo
SYLLABUS COVERED: GS 3: Conservation of Biodiversity : IUCN
LEARNING:
For PRELIMS just remember the organisers, IUCN status and aim of this initiative .
For MAINS look at the threats and impact of COVID-19 on Rhino poaching .
CONTEXT:
WORLD RHINO DAY 2020
CELEBRATIONS
World Rhino Day is on September 22nd.
AIM
- World Rhino Day is an opportunity to highlight efforts to debunk the myths and diminish the demand for rhino horn.
FIRST CELEBRATION
- World Rhino Day was first announced by WWF-South Africa in 2010.
- World Rhino Day grew into an international success, encompassing both African and Asian rhino species.
THEME
SIGNIFICANCE
- World Rhino Day provides the opportunity for cause-related organizations, NGOs, zoos, and members of the public to celebrate in their own unique ways.
- These activities varied from one participant to the next.
- Donors and partners are able to contribute to the organizations and initiatives of their choosing.
- Peaceful demonstrations, classroom projects, fundraising dinners, auctions and poster displays are just a few examples.
CONSERVATION
- One of the five rhinoceros species living in Africa and Asia have been declared ‘critically endangered‘.
- The White Rhinos have been declared ‘near threatened‘ while one-horned rhinos are said to be vulnerable to extinction.
INTERESTING FACTS
- Rhinos have very poor eyesight. However, their poor eyesight in compensated by other senses.
- Rhinos can smell and hear people even when they are 30 metres away.
- Rhino horn comprises keratin. Keratin is a protein which forms the basis of human hair and nails.
- The African rhinoceros has a symbiotic relationship with oxpeckers.
- A group of rhinoceros is referred to as a crash. Male rhinos are called bulls while females are called cows.
- Rhinos mark their territories by defecating around them.
IASbhai WINDUP:
- Between 2007 and 2019, the populations of 4 of the 5 living species of rhinos saw a significant growth.
- Since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, it has been widely reported the loss of tourism could lead to an increase in wildlife poaching.
SOURCES:THE HINDU & PIB | World Rhino Day 2020 | UPSC
Must Read Articles :DISCOVER MORE : IUCN LIST
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