Greater one-horned rhino numbers have climbed to 4,075 worldwide, according to the International Rhino Foundation's 2026 State of the Rhino report. That is up from 4,014 in 2022, according to IANS and the Borok Times.

India holds 3,323 rhinos and Nepal around 752 — the only two countries with wild populations. Assam alone holds about 3,260, roughly 80% of the global total, according to hiindia.com.

Assam recorded zero known rhino poaching cases in 2025 — only the second such year since the 1970s, the first being 2022. Nepal also reported zero poaching, according to the report. Kaziranga National Park holds more than 2,600 rhinos, the largest single population anywhere; Manas holds an estimated 40 to 50.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted the milestone on World Rhino Day, September 22, 2026, according to IANS.

Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said the recovery shows that 'determined protection, scientific management and community support can bring endangered wildlife back from the brink.' If poaching stays at zero, Assam's rhinos could keep growing under one of conservation's most watched success stories.