The actions taken by the Indian authorities to remove rhino horns from poachers and destroy them demonstrate their commitment to combating smuggling and protecting rhino populations. By sawing off the horns of dead animals found in national parks and setting them on fire, they send a strong message against the illegal trade of rhino horns.
The event held in Bokahat, Assam, on World Rhino Day showcased the scale of the issue and the determination to address it. The bonfires were set up in a stadium, where a total of 2,479 horns collected over several decades were burned. Among them, 15 belonged to black rhinos, which are African species with two horns, while 21 were identified as fake.
The dimensions of the horns varied, with the longest measuring 57 cm in length and the heaviest weighing 3 kg. On average, the horns were 13.77 cm tall and weighed 560 g. The total weight of the destroyed horns exceeded 1300 kg, highlighting the significant amount of contraband that was confiscated and eliminated.
The town of Bokahat is particularly significant in terms of rhino conservation, as it is home to over 2,000 Indian rhinos, which represents the largest population of this species in the world. The burning event was accompanied by chanting of hymns and other Vedic rituals, reflecting the cultural belief in the sanctity of all living beings.
Before the destruction, the horns were cleaned, photographed, and marked with a special barcode for documentation purposes. Additionally, DNA samples were extracted from the horns to aid in investigations and tracking the illegal trade. Rangers meticulously inspected each horn to ensure that none remained intact, as damaged horns have no market value, discouraging potential smugglers.
Overall, these targeted actions, including the destruction of rhino horns and the associated rituals, signify India’s unwavering commitment to combat rhino poaching, protect the species, and send a strong message against the illegal trade in rhino horns.
