World Rhino Day 2025: Global Observance on 22nd September to Strengthen Rhino Conservation.

World Rhino Day is observed globally on 22nd September every year to raise awareness about the five remaining rhino species and highlight urgent conservation efforts. The day emphasizes the need to protect rhinos from threats like poaching and habitat loss.

      - World Rhino Day was first initiated in 2010 by WWF (Worldwide Fund for Nature) South Africa and officially celebrated in 2011. Since then, it has become an annual global event dedicated to rhino conservation.

      - The initiative was driven by two women conservationists—Lisa Jane Campbell from Chishakwe Ranch, Zimbabwe, and Rhishja Cota-Larson from Saving Rhinos, USA—who played a pivotal role in starting this global movement.

      - There are only five surviving rhino species: Black and White rhinos in Africa, and Indian (Greater One-Horned), Javan, and Sumatran rhinos in Asia. The Javan rhino remains critically endangered, with fewer than 70 individuals left.

Main Point :-   (i) According to the 2025 State of the Rhino Report by the International Rhino Foundation (IRF), global rhino populations have stabilized at around 27,000 individuals, showing no major declines over the past year.

      (ii) India plays a vital role in rhino conservation, as it is home to more than 80% of the world’s Greater One-Horned Rhino population, particularly concentrated in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park and other protected areas.

About International Rhino Foundation (IRF)