World Rhino Day is being observed today across the world, including India, to raise awareness about protecting the five remaining rhinoceros species.
This year’s theme, “Keep the Five Alive,” calls for stronger efforts to protect rhino habitats, prevent poaching and curb the illegal trade in rhino horn.
Only around 27-thousand rhinos remain in the wild, compared with nearly five lakh a century ago.
India is home to the greater one-horned rhinoceros, whose population has recovered to nearly four thousand in India and Nepal, from around 200, following sustained conservation efforts.
A programme is being organised today at Neelpara Ground in Alipurduar to mark this day.