Two rhinos killed by poachers in CNP

KATHMANDU: Two female rhinos have been found dead in Chitwan National Park (CNP) with their horns missing.

The lifeless bodies of the rhinos were discovered in separate pits dug by the poachers. One rhino, approximately 18 years old, is believed to have died around 10 days ago, while the younger one, aged six, met a similar fate three days ago, according to CNP officials.

Officials knew about the rhino deaths only on Thursday.

According to RSS news agency, this marks the first case of rhino poaching in Chitwan National Park this year. Five rhino deaths have been reported so far this year due to natural causes. Last year, poachers killed two rhinos in the Amaltari area of the national park.

One-horned rhinos are listed as a vulnerable species in the IUCN Red List category and Appendix I of CITES. The National Red List of Mammals categorizes it as an endangered species. The legal status of this species in Nepal is Protected (Appendix I) under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973.

One-horned rhinos are targeted by poachers for their horns which fetch substantial prices in the international market. A kilogram of rhino horn can command as much as $17,000 in the international market, according to the Wildlife Justice Commission.

Nepal is home to 752 rhinos, with over 90% of the population residing in Chitwan National Park, as per the 2021 rhino count.