CHITWAN: Chitwan National Park (CNP) reported a total of 22 rhino deaths during the last fiscal year.

Among them, two were attributed to poaching, while the remaining 20 succumbed to natural causes.

In a tragic incident, poachers killed a rhino and a calf at the Narayani river Bank in Madhyabindu Municipality-2 in early January, as confirmed by Ganesh Prasad Tiwari, the park’s information officer.

On a positive note, the number of rhino deaths due to natural causes has been declining over the years.

In the fiscal year 2075/76, a total of 43 rhinos died from natural causes, which decreased to 26 in 2076/77, 39 in 2077/78, and 35 in 2078/79.

As per the latest census, Chitwan National Park is currently home to 694 rhinos.

Efforts to conserve and protect these endangered creatures have been crucial in maintaining their population within the park’s boundaries.