KATHMANDU: Nepal’s Chitwan National Park (CNP) stands as a haven for the rare one-horned rhinoceros, boasting a population of 694 within its 952.63 square meter area.
Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation records show that since 1986, 102 rhinos have been relocated from CNP to Bardiya National Park, Shuklaphanta National Park, and Koshitappu Wildlife Reserve to establish new breeding groups.
Additionally, seven rhinos were internally translocated within CNP and to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in March this year.
Moreover, Nepal has generously gifted 26 rhinos to various countries, including the United States, Germany, Singapore, Bangladesh, UK, Japan, Austria, and China, with the first four rhinos gifted to India’s Dudhwa National Park in 1985.
Recent efforts have focused on translocating rhinos from CNP to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve to establish a ‘Rhino Century.’ This initiative saw the relocation of two female rhinos, Pushpa and Anjali, on September 27, 2023.
However, challenges persist in rhino conservation, including poaching, habitat destruction, and the impacts of climate change.
In the fiscal year 2079-80 BS alone, 26 rhinos died from various causes, including natural causes, poaching, and electrocution.
Despite these challenges, CNP remains a critical habitat for rare wildlife, including one-horned rhinos, Royal Bengal tigers, gaurs, wild elephants, and alligator crocodiles.
Established on September 20, 1973, CNP continues to play a pivotal role in Nepal’s conservation efforts.
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