CHITWAN: Wildlife conservation efforts are facing a severe setback in Chitwan National Park (CNP), with the loss of 21 rhinos within a mere span of 10 months.

Among these casualties, two fell victim to poachers, while 19 succumbed to various other causes, ranging from natural to human-induced.

Ganesh Prasad Tiwari, the park’s Information Officer, revealed a distressing breakdown: seven males, seven females, and seven unidentified rhinos met their demise.

The reasons behind these deaths paint a grim picture—entrapment in swamps, conflicts with other wildlife, advanced age, tiger attacks, poaching incidents, human encroachment, and fatal encounters with electrified barriers.

Tiwari emphasized the crucial role of habitat management in mitigating such losses, stating, “Effective management of grasslands and wetlands is imperative for rhino conservation.”

In response, the CNP authorities have initiated measures such as creating new wetlands, refurbishing existing ones, and enhancing grassland management strategies.

The statistics from the preceding financial year underscore the urgency of the situation, with 13 male, seven female, and one identified rhino meeting tragic ends.

Despite these losses, the CNP still shelters 694 rhinos.