While there were only 534 rhinos in 2011, their population has increased to 645 now.
However, experts are concerned over potential human-wildlife clashes following the rise in the rhino population.As per the final report published on Tuesday, 605 rhinos were counted in Chitwan National Park (CNP), 29 in Bardia National Park (BNP), eight in Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve (SWR) and remaining three in Parsa Wildlife Reserve (PWR), where the rhino counting was conducted for the first time.
Compared to the last count, the number has increased by four in BNP and by one in SWR. The rhino population has surged in CNP with the addition of 102 members, from 503 in the last count to 605 at present.
In 2000, there were 612 rhinos across the country, with 544 in CNP alone. Five years later, the total count declined to 412 rhinos, with 375 in CNP.
"Rhino count this year is impressive but we are concerned over the possible conflict with humans. Our priority now would be to minimize this risk," said Director General of CNP, Tikaram Adhikari.
Adhikari further asserted that there is a need to improve the park's natural habitation for the rhinos. "CNP can be the best place for the rhinos and we can make them stay here if we offer them better shelter and regular supply of food and water," said Adhikari.
"In order to manage rhino population at CNP, few of them can be transferred to BNP and SWR," he added.
While making the report public, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation, Bishwanath Oli highlighted recent development in mitigating human-wildlife conflict.
"The process of amending the compensation for victims of human-wildlife conflict is waiting the final affirmation from the cabinet. In the new directive, we have increased the previous compensation amount of Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000. As per the family of the deceased, we have proposed an amount of Rs 5,00,000," said Oli.
"Moreover, the injured victims who received treatment at Indian hospitals will be refunded if they produce proper bills," he added.
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