Phylogeography and population genetics of greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) in India

Abstract

This work aimed to generate an exhaustive genetic database at landscape level for the Indian GoH rhinoceros which can be used for population management plans (like translocation programmes) and scientific evidence in court prosecutions of alleged rhino poaching crimes. The study focuses on assessing the evolutionary history and genetic health of each rhino bearing areas in India to suggest conservation mitigation plans at the park level. Further, it also attempts to generate an allele frequency map of forensic standards for a large trade-targeted mammal. This thesis re-emphasizes the application of genetic data for making long term conservation plans and promotes its inclusion in future efforts as proven in many other cases. The study focuses on securing the genetic diversity of extant populations of Indian rhino by providing information for the targeted conservation efforts. This study was conducted across all the seven rhino bearing area of India distributed in three states of Assam (Kaziranga National Park (NP), Orang NP, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) and Mans NP), West Bengal (Gorumara NP and Jaldapara NP) and Uttar Pradesh (Dudhwa NP)