CHITWAN, April 18: Altogether 30 rhinos have died in the Chitwan National Park (CNP) and adjoining area in the first nine months of the current fiscal year. Of them, 26 died of natural causes while four were killed by poachers.
Lately, a rhino was found dead on April 14, according to Lokendra Adhikari, information officer of the Park. Last fiscal year, 26 rhinos had died, and the number is likely to increase this year with three more months left.
Bardiya NP nursing new mother rhino with favorite grass
Meanwhile, the park management has set up a committee to look into the reasons behind the death of rhinos. Many rhinos also died due to fights among themselves, getting trapped after falling on a damp surface and due to attack by tigers.
Dense population of rhinos in the western region of the park is also believed to be a reason behind the rising death of the endangered animal due to unnatural causes. Complete data from the recent census will verify if there is a need for relocation of the rhinos, said chief protection officer of the park, Ananath Baral.
Poaching was nil last year, but increased this year. The park management is also working to check poaching of rhinos, with few poachers arrested.
The census held this year showed 694 rhinos live in the park, an increase from 605 in the previous census in 2015.
