CHITWAN: In response to the increasing rhinoceros population in the western region of Chitwan National Park (CNP), three male rhinos have been relocated to the eastern part of the park.

The decision to translocate these animals internally was prompted by the rising number of rhinos in the CNP’s western sector.

Ganesh Prasad Tiwari, the CNP information officer, stated that two rhinos were captured from Dibyapuri in Nawalparasi (Bardghat-Susta East) and released within a community forest along the Kuchkuche buffer zone at Khairhani in eastern Chitwan.

These rhinos, aged approximately eight and 17 years, were among those relocated.

Additionally, on Friday, another rhinoceros was transported from the Kawasoti area of Nawalpur to the east. This 28-year-old male rhino was released in Kasara.

Due to the surge in rhino numbers in the park’s western region, several individuals are being internally transferred to the eastern region.

The relocation operation involved a team of 60 individuals, including elephant mahouts, technical personnel, staff, Nepali Army personnel, and elephants.

The park authorities are now preparing to relocate an additional six rhinos internally.

Tiwari mentioned that rhinos over eight years old would be eligible for relocation.

As per the latest census, Nepal is home to 752 rhinos, with 694 residing in Chitwan National Park, 38 in Bardiya National Park, 17 in Shuklaphanta National Park, and three in Parsa National Park.