Rising Rhino Deaths in CNP Spark Conservation Concerns

Chitwan National Park (CNP), a biodiversity hotspot in Nepal, is grappling with a critical conservation crisis, reporting the deaths of 21 rhinos in the last 10 months, according to park officials. This alarming trend underscores significant challenges in wildlife management and conservation efforts.

Ganesh Prasad Tiwari, the park’s Information Officer, detailed the loss of the rhinos, stating, “We lost seven males, seven females, and seven yet to be identified, each case a blow to our conservation efforts.” Among these, poachers killed two rhinos, while 19 died from various other causes including natural reasons, wildlife conflicts, human encroachment, and accidents involving electrified barriers.

Tiwari expressed concern over the range of threats these animals face, from entrapment in swamps and tiger attacks to conflicts stemming from shrinking habitats. “The complexity of threats shows that we need a comprehensive approach to manage the habitats more effectively,” he said.

CNP authorities are now intensifying their efforts to safeguard the rhino population. Initiatives underway include the expansion and renovation of wetlands, which are crucial for the rhinos’ survival, and improved management of the park’s grasslands. “Effective management of grasslands and wetlands is imperative for rhino conservation,” Tiwari emphasized.

Despite the troubling spike in rhino fatalities, CNP still remains home to 694 rhinos, a testament to the ongoing efforts and initiatives aimed at their preservation. The recent census in [Last Census Year] listed CNP’s rhino population at over 600, making it one of the largest refuges for the species.

The increase in rhino deaths from last year, where the park recorded 21 casualties compared to 13 males, seven females, and one unidentified rhino the previous year, signals a need for urgent and coordinated conservation strategies.

Conservationists, local communities, and international wildlife agencies continue to monitor the situation closely, advocating for enhanced measures to protect these iconic creatures from further decline.