Innovative Rhino Horn Verification Process Aims for Future Conservation

In Kaziranga, a new rhino horn verification initiative has been launched by the State forest department in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India. This program aims to assess the genetic diversity of rhinos to enhance conservation strategies and combat illegal poaching. Prof. Samrat Mondol emphasizes the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach in conservation efforts. The RhoDIS-India program, which provides DNA data for individual rhinos, plays a crucial role in population management and legal proceedings against wildlife crimes. Future conservation strategies will rely on data-driven management actions to ensure the survival of rhinos in Assam.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 25, 2025, 12:45 IST

Rhino Conservation Efforts in Kaziranga

Kaziranga, July 25: A recent initiative by the State forest department, in partnership with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in Dehradun and RhoDICS, has launched a verification process for rhino horn samples. This effort, supported by the Ministry of Environment and Forest and Climate Change, along with WWF-India, is viewed as a significant step towards the conservation of rhinos.

In an interview, Prof. Samrat Mondol from the WII's Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology department highlighted the significance of this initiative. He stated, "This extensive biological sampling aims to assess the genetic diversity of rhinos in the region. The State's decision to evaluate the historical genetic variations is crucial for effective population management and combating the illegal rhino horn trade."

Discussing the necessity of this exercise, which involves rhino horns collected from various locations in Assam, Prof. Mondol remarked, "The institute has a rich history of collaborative research focused on rhino conservation in India. I contribute my expertise in molecular tools to this effort. A comprehensive conservation program must embrace a multi-disciplinary approach, and the genetic analysis of Assam's rhino horns is integral to our long-term conservation strategy for the species."

Prof. Mondol elaborated on the RhoDIS-India initiative, which stands for Rhino DNA Indexing System in India. This innovative program is designed to combat rhino poaching and enhance population management by providing DNA data from individual rhinos across their wild habitats. Launched in phases, Phase I began in 2016, followed by Phase II in 2022. The WII is responsible for data generation and database management, while the Ministry oversees the project's ongoing activities. This data is also instrumental in understanding population-specific management based on genetic makeup and supports legal proceedings related to rhino wildlife crimes.

Looking ahead, Prof. Mondol emphasized that future conservation strategies for rhinos will depend on human-led management actions, including translocations, habitat restoration, and identifying new potential habitats. He expressed confidence that the data generated through the RhoDIS-India program, along with the horn stockpiles, will significantly contribute to achieving these conservation objectives.