Chitwan National Park has commenced its internal rhino relocation program from today. Due to the increasing population of rhinos in the western region of the park, four rhinos will be transferred to the eastern region to maintain ecological balance.
Although studies on internal rhino relocation were conducted several years ago, the process officially began last year, during which six rhinos were successfully relocated. According to Dr. Ganesh Pant, the park’s Chief Conservation Officer, all necessary preparations have been completed for the relocation. A technical team from the Amaltari sector in the western region has initiated the process. The relocation effort involves park elephants, technical personnel, security forces, and other staff members.
Dr. Pant stated, “We are relocating two male and two female rhinos this time.” The relocation is based on recommendations from a study team formed by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. Their report indicated that 60% of the rhino population is concentrated in the western region near Kasara, and relocation would help manage their habitat more effectively. Only adult rhinos will be transferred, and close monitoring of their movement is ongoing. The relocation process is expected to take around two weeks.
According to park spokesperson Avinash Thapa Magar, the relocation aims to facilitate genetic diversity and breeding between the western and eastern rhino populations. The relocated rhinos will be released in the Khagendramalli and Pyaaridhap areas of the eastern region. A team led by the department’s Director General, Dr. Ram Chandra Kandel, has arrived in Chitwan to oversee the operation.
Three years ago, the department formed a study team under the leadership of Deputy Director General Bed Kumar Dhakal to assess the feasibility of rhino relocation. The latest rhino census recorded 752 rhinos in Nepal, with 694 in Chitwan National Park, 38 in Bardia National Park, 17 in Shuklaphanta National Park, and three in Parsa National Park.
