Indian rhinos, also known as Greater one-horned rhinos, are arguably the most ancient species of rhino. They resemble dinosaurs because of the way their skin is like a thick armor plate, but what distinguishes and sets them apart from other rhino species is the single horn.

Its numbers were on a decline drastically due to poaching, but proper conservation efforts helped to bring the one-horned rhino back from the brink of extinction. For the first time in 45 years in 2022, Assam recorded zero poaching of rhinos, one of the most endangered species in the world.

This is one of India's greatest conservation success stories. The larger one-horned rhino population went from just 75 in 1905 to 3,700 in 2022. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma said in a tweet, "2022 was really special for our rhino conservation efforts. Not a single rhino being poached in 2022 & just 2 in 2021, the gentle giant is now much safer in Assam."

In order to achieve its goal of zero poaching, the Assam government in 2021 organized a task team of 22 members under the direction of GP Singh. To monitor poachers, armed commandos, dog squads, and drones have all been used in rhino habitats. Since the task force was established, 58 people have reportedly been detained and four poachers have been killed. Several NGOs such as the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) also pitched in and their concerted efforts helped keep poaching at bay.

PM Modi praised the people of Assam for their efforts to protect the critically endangered species.