CHITWAN, Feb 1: The Chitwan National Park (CNP) is relocating rhinos within the park starting today. After the number of rhinos increased in the western region of the park, four rhinos are going to be relocated to the eastern region.
A study had been conducted a few years ago to see the need and possibility of internally relocating rhinos. However, the relocation of rhinos started only last year, with six rhinos already relocated.
According to the park's Chief Conservation Officer, Dr Ganesh Pant, all preparations for the internal relocation have been completed. A technical team has started preparations for the relocation of rhinos from the Amaltari sector. The rhinos will be relocated using the park's elephants, technical human resources, employees, and the army deployed for the security of the park.
Rescued rhino released into CNP
Two males and two females Rhinos are being relocated. A study team formed by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation had stated that 60 percent of the rhinos are in the western region and that their habitat would be easier if they were relocated. It is estimated that it will take two weeks to relocate the rhinos.
According to the park’s information officer, Abinash Thapa Magar, the rhino relocation is also expected to help in reproduction.
Three years ago, the department had formed a study team under the leadership of Deputy Director General Bed Kumar Dhakal to conduct a study on the rhino relocation.
According to the latest census, there are 752 rhinos in Nepal, of which 694 are in Chitwan National Park. There are 38 rhinos in Bardiya and 17 in Shuklaphanta National Park, and three in Parsa National Park.
