Overview
- Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that no rhinos were poached in Assam in 2025, crediting sustained protection efforts.
- Authorities said Operation Falcon foiled nine poaching attempts, while 42 suspects linked to six gangs were arrested in 2024–2025.
- Kaziranga director Sonali Ghosh cited intelligence sharing, coordinated patrols, drone and CCTV coverage, close tracking of known poachers, and community vigilance as key safeguards.
- After the first zero-poaching year in 2022, one rhino was killed in 2023 and two in 2024, prompting the intensified crackdown.
- Assam hosts the largest population of one-horned rhinos, which are protected under India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act as CITES bans horn trade, with a 2021 task force and destruction of nearly 2,500 seized horns underscoring the state’s stance.