CHITWAN: At least two rare one-horned rhinoceros have died within a week in Chitwan National Park (CPN), raising concerns about the sharp increase in deaths of rhinos.

A female rhino of estimated 20 years old was found dead in a swamp on January 11. The death was believed to be a natural one, and the rhino was pulled out by an excavator, according to the officials at CNP.

The park had recorded the first rhino death of this year on January 5, when a baby rhino of an estimated five to six years old was found dead in a mustard field in Nawalparasi district. The baby rhino was believed to have died due to an electric shock but a further investigation is required.

According to the officials, many rhinos die following a battle with other animals regarding territories, while some die due to diseases and infections.

The authorized record puts deaths into two categories – natural or unknown, and poaching. All deaths including territorial clash, diseases and infections, drowning, injuries, old age, and other non-poaching reasons are defined as natural.

The increased number of rhino deaths due to natural reasons in the last few years has raised concerns among the authorities and conservation partners.

The one-horned rhino is the largest rhino of the species.

Nepal homed 645 endangered rhinos in its different national parks as per the census of 2015, which includes 605 in Chitwan, 29 in Bardia National Park, eight in Shuklaphanta National Park, and three in Parsa National Park.

Nepal will be conducting another rhino census later this year.