Guwahati: The World Rhino Day was observed on Sunday at the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam featuring a series of outreach activities aimed at raising public awareness about rhino conservation.
These initiatives aimed at engaging the community and highlight the importance of protecting the endangered one-horned rhinoceros – a species synonymous with Kaziranga and Assam’s biodiversity.
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To mark the occasion, a series of events were organised at the Kohora Convention Centre in Kaziranga, including a conservation rally, jungle safari, skill upgradation training, and unique salary account for the frontline forest staff.
The day commenced with a rhino tableau rally aimed at promoting the importance of rhino conservation, drawing participation from the local communities, gypsy safari associations, forest staff, NGOs and wildlife enthusiasts.
A unique programme was organised this year which aimed at providing refresher training to about 700 jeep safari drivers and mahouts on visitor’s safety and enhancement of visitor experience.
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The training programme focused on improving wildlife interpretation and visitor interaction, fostering a better understanding of conservation efforts among the tourists.
Training of the first two batches have already been completed and the participants were handed over certificates, badges, uniform and ID cards.
Two books showcasing the rich biodiversity of Assam – ‘Birds of Assam’ a guidebook by septuagenarian author and naturalist Santa Sarma, and ‘A Handbook on Common Freshwater Fishes of Assam,’ a joint publication by the Assam State Wetland Authority and the Indo-German Bilateral Cooperation Project – were released on the occasion.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his commitment to protecting the rhinos – one of the planet’s most iconic species.
He commended those involved in rhino conservation efforts over the years and highlighted India’s pride for being home to a large population of the pachyderms, primarily found in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.
The Prime Minister fondly recalled his own visit to Kaziranga and also encouraged others to visit the famed park.
Assam Chief Minister of Himanta Biswa Sarma called the rhinos “pride and crown jewel” of Assam’s biodiversity.