The genetic analysis of rhino horn samples from 2,573 rhinos is a significant step forward in protecting India's rhino population and combating illegal wildlife trade. These samples will be added to the RhoDIS India DNA data library, a key component of the Rhino DNA Indexing System (RhoDIS) launched in 2016.
The RhoDIS India Programme was launched as a collaboration between the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), the forest departments of Assam, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh, and WWF India.
The program aims to improve wildlife crime investigations through scientific means and to support the management of India's rhino population. The RhoDIS system is a wildlife forensics tool specifically designed for rhinos, using DNA to create a unique genetic signature for each individual animal. This system is essential for:
Investigating wildlife crime cases.
Enhancing law enforcement efforts by providing irrefutable DNA evidence.
Monitoring and managing rhino populations scientifically.
Wildlife Crime Investigation:
The programme has already proven successful in aiding crime investigations by providing strong scientific evidence. DNA analysis helps investigators link seized rhino horns to poaching incidents and track illegal trade routes.
Legal Support:
RhoDIS provides critical forensic data that strengthens legal cases in court, leading to more convictions and better enforcement of anti-poaching laws.
Rhino Conservation:
By enabling accurate tracking of rhino populations, RhoDIS aids in the scientific management and protection of India’s rhino species, including the Greater One-Horned Rhino, which is found in Assam and West Bengal.
Combating Illegal Wildlife Trade:
The data accumulated in the DNA database helps authorities trace the source of rhino horns involved in illegal trade, making it harder for poachers to sell them on the black market. This disrupts poaching syndicates and strengthens efforts to protect endangered species.
A rhino horn is made entirely of keratin, the same protein found in human hair and nails. It contains various amino acids like cysteine, tyrosine, histidine, and lysine, as well as minerals like calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate. These complex proteins give the horn its unique chemical makeup.
Rhino horns are structurally similar to the hooves of horses, beaks of turtles, and bills of cockatoos.
Different rhino species have different numbers of horns:
Greater one-horned rhinos and Javan rhinos have one horn.
The remaining three species of rhinos have two horns.
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Every aspirant is unique and the mentoring is customised according to the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirant.
In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.
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