The much-awaited rhino census, which takes place every five years in Nepal, will not be conducted this year due to financial shortages. The census, which has been carried out with the help of donor agencies in the past, has been halted this year because of a lack of support. Ramchandra Kandel, the Director General of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, explained that this year’s census could not proceed as there were no financial resources available from the donors, and the government has failed to allocate a sufficient budget for regular rhino record-keeping.
Despite this setback, Kandel assured that the department would still monitor the rhinos population using alternative methods. “Even though we won’t be able to carry out a full census, the condition of each rhino will be identified through signs and marks observed from posts in the national parks,” he said. He further clarified that all available manpower in the national parks would be utilized to monitor the population as best as possible, even without a formal census. “Although we won’t have the exact numbers as in a proper census, we can still gather data on each rhino through subtle markers,” Kandel added.
The census, in collaboration with various donor organizations, has been vital in tracking the population of the one-horned rhino across several national parks in Nepal, including Chitwan, Parsa, Bardiya, and Shukla Phanta. Chitwan National Park has always reported the highest population of rhinos. The last official census found 752 rhinos across Nepal, with Chitwan alone home to 694 one-horned rhinos. Bardiya had 38, Shukla Phanta recorded 18, and Parsa had only three rhinos.
The rhino population in Nepal has fluctuated over the decades, with significant ups and downs due to various conservation efforts. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation has shared historical data on rhino numbers in Nepal. In 1950, the rhino population was 800. By 1955, it dropped to 400, and in 1960, there were only 300 rhinos. The population continued to decline, reaching just 100 by 1965. However, the efforts to conserve rhinos began to take effect, and by 1975, the population had increased to 147. The number further grew to 310 by 1980, but the population remained at that level until 1985. By 1990, the population rose to 358, and in 1995, it increased to 466.
Significant recovery in the rhino population was observed after the year 2000. In 2000, the population reached 612, and by 2005, it had dropped slightly to 409. The population continued to rise again, with 435 rhinos recorded in 2010 and 645 in 2015. The last rhinos census was conducted in 2021, with 645 rhinos reported, a substantial recovery from the earlier years.
As of 2025, while the census has not been conducted this year, conservationists and experts continue to monitor the population. Despite the lack of formal data, the ongoing efforts of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation remain focused on tracking rhino numbers using available resources.
The rhino census has been an essential tool for understanding the health of the population, as rhinos are an important symbol of Nepal’s wildlife heritage and play a significant role in the country’s ecosystem. The recent financial challenges facing the census highlight the need for more consistent and reliable funding for wildlife conservation in Nepal. While the official census for 2025 will not be conducted due to financial constraints, the alternative monitoring methods will continue, and conservationists remain hopeful for future support. It is crucial for the government and international donors to prioritize wildlife conservation funding to ensure that the success of past efforts is not undone and that Nepal’s rhino population continues to thrive in the years ahead.
Written By: Pari Adhikari (Tourism Professional and Trekking Guide)
