CNP begins relocating rhinos from western part of the national park

KATHMANDU: Chitwan National Park Office has started the relocation of rhinos from the western part of the national park to the eastern area where the density of these pachyderms is comparatively lower.

On Friday, a 28-year-old rhino was captured from the Maharaja Community Forest in Devchuli Municipality-2 of Nawalparasi (East). According to CNP officials, this rhino had been frequently entering human settlements. The CNP Office plans to release the rhino in the eastern part of the national park near the park headquarters in Kasara.

A 60-member team comprising elephant mahouts, national park guards, veterinary doctors, and Nepal Army personnel has been deployed for the rhino relocation.

The CNP Office initiated the rhino relocation program to prevent casualties among rhinos due to fighting, given the high rhino density in the western part of the national park. A study commissioned by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation recommended that the CNP relocate rhinos from areas with high rhino density.

As per the latest census, Nepal is home to 752 greater one-horned rhinos rhinos. The CNP has 694 rhinos, while Bardiya National Park has 38 and Shuklaphanta National Park has 17. Rhinos in Bardiya and Shuklaphanta were also relocated from the CNP.