The Indian one-horned rhinoceros is now primarily confined to Kaziranga National Park in Assam due to climate-driven habitat changes [1].
This concentration of the species in one geographic area increases the risk of population loss from single-site disasters. While the park provides a prime habitat, the lack of range diversity makes the species more vulnerable to localized environmental threats.
Research indicates that the species has been confined to the Kaziranga region for several millennia as a result of climatic shifts [3]. These shifts caused vegetation transitions that altered the landscape, effectively trapping the rhinoceros in this specific ecosystem [2].
Kaziranga National Park currently serves as the final refuge for the species [2]. The animals are observed roaming freely within this protected area, which is now considered their prime habitat [1].
Environmental changes have forced the rhinos to remain in Kaziranga permanently [2]. The transition of surrounding lands into unsuitable terrain means the animals cannot migrate or establish new populations elsewhere without significant intervention.
Reports regarding the park's role as a final refuge were detailed in scientific coverage on Feb. 4, 2024 [2]. The ongoing struggle between the species' needs and the shifting climate continues to define the conservation strategy in Assam.
“Climate change forced the rhinos to forever stay in Kaziranga.”
The restriction of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros to a single primary habitat represents a precarious conservation state. While Kaziranga National Park provides the necessary ecosystem for the species to thrive, the lack of geographic distribution means that a single catastrophic event, such as a severe flood or disease outbreak, could threaten the entire population's survival.
