Chitwan: The Chitwan National Park (CNP) and surrounding forest areas have seen a significant number of rhino deaths in the current fiscal year, with a total of 14 rhinos having died as of February 9, 2022, according to information provided by the CNP.
Of these deaths, 12 occurred within the CNP and two in the forest area. Three of the rhinos were killed by poachers, with two in the CNP and one in the forest area, as reported by CNP information officer Ganesh Prasad Tiwari.
One of the rhinos killed within the CNP was found with its horn removed, while the other was a calf.
Nepal is home to a total of 752 rhinos, according to the 2021 census, with 694 of them residing within the CNP alone.
In response to the recent spike in rhino poaching, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation has launched an investigation into these incidents, forming a probe team under the leadership of its Deputy Director General. Additionally, the CNP has implemented heightened security measures to help prevent further rhino deaths.
The previous fiscal year (2021/22) saw even more rhino deaths, with a total of 41 rhinos having died in the CNP and surrounding forest areas. Tiwari reported that two of these rhinos were killed by poachers, with 37 found dead within the CNP and the remaining four found in the forest area.
The recent surge in rhino deaths in the CNP and surrounding forest areas is a cause for concern, and steps are being taken to address the issue through investigations and enhanced security measures.
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