India’s main stronghold for greater one-horned rhinos, the state of Assam, recorded zero rhino deaths due to poaching in 2025. This marked a repeat of the success achieved in 2023, another year in which no rhinos were killed illegally.
Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, described the achievement as a proud moment for the state. He also highlighted several other positive wildlife developments recorded during 2025.
One of the most notable was the sighting of a dhole, also known as the Indian wild dog, in Kaziranga National Park. This was the first time the species had been seen in the park in 35 years. Dholes are famous in Indian folklore and literature, including The Jungle Book, where they were portrayed as highly feared predators.
In another rare event, a golden tabby tiger was also spotted in the park. This unusual tiger has a lighter coat caused by a rare genetic trait and is very rarely seen in the wild.
India is now home to around 4,000 greater one-horned rhinos, a significant recovery from a low point of about 1,800 individuals in the past. Most of the population lives in Assam, particularly in protected areas such as Kaziranga National Park. While efforts have been made to reintroduce rhinos to parts of their former range, including areas where they once lived as far west as present-day Pakistan, these attempts have had mixed results.
The continued protection of rhinos in Assam is seen as a major conservation success and an encouraging sign for the future of the species.