Rising Burgeons

 THE SPECIOUS ARMOR 

Have you ever been extremely scared of someone that you dread the very idea of looking them in the eye? One day you are forced to talk to them and after you are done you walk away, and you realize that you were completely wrong about them, and they are actually not even half as scary as they look. Suddenly you have the uncontrollable urge to talk to them more often which you never fathomed. Not just people even animals can be misunderstood in the same way. One such animal that looks scary and seems to display bellicose behavior but is calm, gentle, and only protective is the Asian Rhino. 

Asian Rhinos can be up to 5 feet tall and can weigh up to a maximum of 2,200kg. Despite their brawny appearance these animals are excellent swimmers which is a unique talent as their African counter parts do not swim. The Asian Rhino has several folds on its skin which gives them a more armored look. There are 3 types of Asian Rhinos- The Indian, Javan and Sumatran Rhinos. All of which are herbivores. These animals have a major impact on their eco-system. The Indian Rhino helps to maintain close-cropped grasslands near rivers. Asian rhinos also disperse seeds of plants and fruits that they eat.  

The Indian or Greater one-horned Rhino is the largest out of the 3 species. In 1975 there were only 600 of these creatures left, since then with considerable effort the numbers have reached around 3,500. These Rhinos are spread around Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan and Assam. 

The Javan Rhino is one of the rarest large mammals left on the planet. There are only around 63 of them left. There is just one population of these rhinos left which is in Ujung Kulon national park. The last Javan Rhino outside this national park died in 2010 in Vietnam where it was shot, and its horn was taken. A very tragic incident. 

The Sumatran Rhino is the second most threatened Asian Rhino specie. There are fewer than a 100 left and they reside in Sumatra and Kalimantan. 

CITES is an organization that works towards ensuring that trade in various species of flora and fauna does not threaten their survival in the eco-system. The organization developed CITES appendices which involve 3 appendices to differentiate between the various levels of endangerment and protection against trade of different species. Appendix I includes the most endangered species. Appendix II includes the species which are vulnerable but not critically endangered yet. Under Appendix III there are species which were requested to be added by certain parties. 

The Asian Rhinos fall under Appendix I. They are critically endangered and the trade of their hide or horns is strictly banned. It is unfortunate that the population of these beautiful and unique creatures is dropping day by day. As they are closer to extinction everyday it is important that they lie under Appendix I and the trade is controlled. I would not suggest any change. 

It took more than 40 years to increase the number of Indian Rhinos and even today their status is vulnerable to extinction. It could take decades to make their status normal. The Sumatran and Javan species are in competition in decrease of population. Both species have less than 100 rhinos left. 

New populations need to be introduced and the vitality of their eco-systems needs to be preserved if these magnificent creatures are to walk the Earth for more centuries to come. If our kids never see one of these rhinos in their lifetime we will be the ones at fault for not understanding how critical their situation is today. The Asian Rhinos need our help now more than ever.