The single-horned rhino (also known as the Indian rhino) population has grown in Nepal by more than a hundred in the last six years, according to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation of Kathmandu, Nepal. This achievement is considered a true conservation milestone, especially for organizations fighting for its protection.
The population grew to 752 individuals in four national parks in the southern plains, up from 645 in 2015, according to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. However, while this is truly encouraging news, there is still much to do. “We have challenges ahead to expand the habitat areas of this animal and maintain its growth,” said Haribhadra Acharya, spokesman for the department.
Poaching, the rhino’s main enemy
In ancient times, one-horned rhinos roamed the southern plains. However, poaching and human action in its habitat caused the species to reduce its numbers by around 100 individuals in Nepal in the 1960s.
Since 1994, the Himalayan nation has conducted a rhino census once every five years. In addition, the authorities intensified their efforts to increase the population of species classified as ‘vulnerable’ by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (an international organization dedicated to the conservation of natural resources).
Censuses every five years
The census, delayed a year by the coronavirus crisis, was carried out with GPS equipment, binoculars and cameras. Thus, the rhinos were counted through a direct observation method, where the counting team reached a distance of up to 100 meters from the animals. In addition, around 250 people participated, including veterinarians, soldiers and enumerators.
The rhino population has increased in recent years thanks to conservation initiatives and the constant fight against poaching. However, the illegal trade in rhino horn remains a threat, especially in China and Southeast Asia for its alleged medicinal properties. Around 26 rhinos died in Nepal last year, four of them due to poaching according to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation.
