Chitwan, Nepal – After three rigorous weeks of conducting the National Rhino Census in Nepal, new data on the population of Greater One Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros Unicornis) has been formally released.
According to the census, there are presently 534 rhinos in Nepal, representing nearly 25% of the global population of this species - marking an increase of 99 rhinos from the 435 recorded in the last census in 2008; 503 were recorded in Chitwan National Park (an increase of 95 from 2008 data), 24 in Bardia National Park (an increase of 2 from 2008 data) and 7 in Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve (an increase of 2 from 2008 data). These numbers reflect the success of conservation efforts for this species and are a result of improved rhino protection measures and management of habitat.
The Rhino counting was conducted simultaneously in Chitwan National Park, Bardia National Park and Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve of Nepal’s Terai Arc Landscape, and was a combined effort of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation of the Government of Nepal, WWF Nepal and the National Trust for Nature Conservation. WWF provided technical as well as financial support for the National Rhino Census.
This is a fine example of working together where all conservation partners and local communities are contributing to the conservation efforts of the Government of Nepal, says Krishna Prasad Acharya, Director General of Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. Support received from WWF Nepal is appreciable and we are hopeful that this support will continue in the coming years with more vigor, Mr, Acharya added.
The positive result of the National Rhino census 2011 is an indication of the successful conservation efforts of the Government of Nepal in partnership with conservation partners. WWF Nepal is very pleased to see our investment being paid off, says Mr. Anil Manandhar, Country Representative of WWF Nepal. Even though the current census shows the rise in rhino number we cannot be complacent and therefore continuous efforts from all sectors is essential to protect endangered species like Rhino and their habitat.
"We are much encouraged that increased WWF support to the anti-poaching efforts of Government of Nepal has actually resulted in an increase in the Rhino population within three years," says Dr. Christy Williams, WWF’s Asian Rhino and Elephant Action Strategy coordinator. Reducing high demand for rhino horn from neighbouring countries is however remains the critical long term goal . But meanwhile continuing anti-poaching efforts and the combatting of the trade of illegal wildlife products across national borders remains absolutely vital in ensuring that the Greater One Horned Rhinoceros populations can continue to recover .
"WWF Nepal acknowledges with gratitude the support received from the WWF US, WWF UK, WWF Finland, WWF Netherlands, WWF International, US Fish and Wildlife Service, National Trust for Nature Conservation and all other contributors, particularly local communities and private sector for this conservation endeavor," says Dr. Ghana S Gurung, Conservation Program Director, WWF Nepal. Based on this encouraging result now we need to come up with strategies to build a thriving population in the Terai Arc Landscape, Dr. Gurung added.
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