November 4, 2024
CHITWAN – Ten rhinos have been found dead in Chitwan National Park and its buffer zone since July, with four of these deaths occurring since October 17, according to a recent press release from the Chitwan National Park Office.
Abinash Thapa Magar, the park’s information officer, confirmed that all rhinos discovered were found with their horns and hooves intact, indicating they were not victims of poaching. The endangered rhino population in Nepal is primarily concentrated in Chitwan, making the deaths a serious concern for conservationists.
A joint patrol team from the national park and the Nepali Army discovered a 25-year-old female rhino dead in a swamp near the Bhimle Post in the park’s western region on October 29. Magar reported that the rhino likely died after becoming trapped in the mud.
A week earlier, on October 22, another adult rhino and a calf were found dead in the Kalkatta area of the park. These rhinos were believed to have died after being swept away by floods.
The day before, on October 21, a 20-year-old female rhino was found dead on the western bank of the Arun Khola in Nawalparasi’s Madhya-Bindu Municipality. This marked the tenth rhino death since July.
Thapa Magar emphasised that with the horns and hooves of these rhinos intact, the recent deaths are likely due to natural causes or accidents. While poaching has decreased in recent years, it remains a challenge to protect endangered wildlife. Last year, two rhinos were killed during Nepal’s festive season, with their horns stolen.
In response to poaching threats during festivals, the park has intensified patrols and security. Killing a rhino or trading its horns, hooves, or hide can result in a fine of up to Rs1 million and a prison sentence of up to 15 years.
Chitwan National Park, home to 694 of Nepal’s total 752 rhinos, remains a critical sanctuary. Although poaching has been controlled, deaths from natural causes and accidents are on the rise.