Discuss about the Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (IRV2020)

Answer :- Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (IRV2020)

Launched in 2005, “Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (IRV2020) was an ambitious effort to attain a wild population of at least 3,000 greater one-horned rhinos spread over seven protected areas in the Indian state of Assam by the year 2020.Seven protected areas are Kaziranga National park , Pobitora Wildlife sanctuary, Orang National Park, Manas National Park, Laokhowa wildlife sanctuary, Burhachapori wildlife sanctuary and Dibru Saikhowa National park .
Wild-to-wild translocations were an essential part of “IRV2020” – moving rhinos from densely populated parks like Kaziranga NP, to ones in need of more rhinos, like Manas NP. It is a collaborative effort between various organisations, including the International Rhino Foundation, Assam’s Forest Department, Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), World Wide Fund – India (WWF-I), and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Performance of IRV2020 :-

Target of attaining a population of 3,000 rhinos almost achieved but the animal could be reintroduced in only one of the four protected areas planned.The plan to spread the Greater one-horned rhino  across four protected areas beyond Kaziranga National Park, Orang National Park and Pobitora could not materialise.The translocated rhinos helped Manas National Park get back its World Heritage Site status in 2011. The rhino population of Manas National Park increased by 48% . According to the Rhino census 2018 , Assam has a total rhino population of 2650 numbers . Moreover , 2018 and 2019 saw significant decreases in poaching, the results of forestry, local and national government officials coordinating efforts to combat wildlife crime across Assam.

Conclusion :- As “IRV 2020” project went to a close, it is clear that the programme has come a long way towards achieving its goal. Today, there are significantly more Greater one-horned rhinos, populating four protected areas across Assam. The initial target of 3,000 rhinos in seven areas may not have been met, but Assam’s rhino population is in a much stronger state, more knowledge has been gained, and the team is continuing to reach for the goal of 3,000 animals in the near future.