Female Rhino Found Dead in Nawalparasi East; Fifth Death in Chitwan National Park Since Mid-July

NAWALPARASI EAST, Oct 26 

A 32-year-old female rhino that had been battling illness for several years was found dead in the Shishawar area of Devchuli Municipality on Saturday, according to officials from Chitwan National Park (CNP).

Abinash Thapa, the park’s information officer, said the rhino was discovered in a mango orchard, an area the animal had made its habitat for many years. “The rhino had been sick for quite some time, and veterinarians from the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) had treated it multiple times,” Thapa said.

Authorities have confirmed that the horn and hooves have been secured to prevent illegal trafficking.

With this incident, the total number of rhino deaths in Chitwan National Park has reached five since mid-July. During the last fiscal year, the park recorded 28 rhino deaths, a mix of natural causes and other factors.

According to the latest rhino census, Chitwan National Park currently hosts 694 rhinos, underscoring the park’s crucial role in Nepal’s rhino conservation efforts.