Assam Government's move will send a strong message across the globe: IUCN

BURNING OF RHINO HORNS

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has hailed the Assam Government's decision to burn rhino horns and said the move would send a strong message across the globe that to break the myth of medicinal usages of horns.

Chairperson of Asian Rhino Specialist Group of IUCN/Species Survival Commission (SSC) Dr Bibhab Kumar Talukdar told The Sentinel that September 22 is being celebrated as World Rhino Day every year to spread awareness to conserve five species of wild rhinos still in existence.

"The World Rhino Day this year is more significant for Assam which is having about 70% of the global wild population of Greater One-Horned Rhino. On September 22, 2021, the Assam Government will dispose of rhino horn stockpiles in Assam. Out of 2623 rhino horns being reconciled through a reconciliation committee in the past month, the government has decided to burn 2479 rhino horns while 94 rhino horns with unique characteristics, like big, tall, firm and perfect in shape shall be kept for scientific and display purposes. Some horns couldn't be burnt due to the ongoing court cases. We are sure this bold decision of the Assam Government shall send a strong message that rhino horn is not medicine," Dr Talukdar said.

According to Dr Talukdar, Assam has shown its successes in the field of rhino conservation in the past one hundred years and generated expertise for the conservation and management of rhinos under challenging circumstances. Over the years the Assam Government has taken a series of needed steps to secure the future of the Greater One-Horned rhino. Poaching threats to rhinos in Assam has been vastly contained compared to about 41 killed in 2013, which has been reduced to 3 in 2019 and two in 2020.

"It is also time to pay attention to improve the grassland and wetland habitats in rhino bearing areas in Assam to accommodate more rhino population in years to come. Assam can be a leader in the conservation of greater one-horned rhino in years to come and can share its experiences with other rhino bearing areas in the world," Dr Talukdar said.

Since India is a signatory to CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), and Greater One Horn rhino is in Appendix-1 of CITES List, India can't trade wildlife trophies and Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 as amended till date doesn't allow any trade of rhino horn.

"As such rather than keeping a huge rhino horn stockpiles in government treasuries, it is imperative to take bold decision to dispose of the same in public view to send a strong message that rhino horn is not medicine," Dr Talukdar said.

Also Read: Akhil Gogoi Opposes Assam Govt Move to Destroy Rhino Horns

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