Free report: April

Topic: Increase in number of one-horned rhinos in Nepal

Nepal is one of the few countries where greater one-horned rhinos are found. They are the giant wild animals second only to an elephant in size. It is pleasing news for all nature lovers and conservationist that the total population of Rhino in Nepal has been increased by 16.5% than the previous count. It is marked as significant achievement in Nepal’s conservation journey. The survey conducted by government of Nepal which was lead by Department of National Parks and Wildlife counted 752 individuals compared to 645 individuals in 2015. In Nepal, The rhino survey is conducted in every 5 years to monitor their status in wild. But due to COVID-19, the survey was shifter to 2021.

The count was done for 22 days (March 22, 2021 to April 10, 2021) using 57 elephants and 350 trained and technical personnel in Chitwan National Park, Shuklaphanta National Park and Bardiya National Park. Not only National parks, their buffer zones and vicinities outside the protected areas were also looked after. Data of individual rhino such as sex, skin folds, age, horn, ear shapes and other unique identifying features were noted. Moreover, the assessment was done on habitat conditions, invasive species in the area, and human activities in the region during the count.

The growth in number of Rhinos signifies the success of ongoing protection and management effort done by the concerned authorities. This has set an example for global conservation fraternity. It was not going to success without joint effort from Department of Forests and Soil Conservation, Nepal Army, Buffer Zone Users Committee, Community Forest Users Groups, NTNC, WWF Nepal, ZSL Nepal and other local organizations.

We must remember those all members in survey as this is not any easy task. There is risk of wild animals hunting them. This rise in rhino’s number was really good news for us.

Green Cheers!!