Abstract
The greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is one of the iconic natural heritage of Nepal’s rich biological diversity, backed by the commitment of the Government of Nepal to conserve this rare animal for now and future generations. It is not only important for conservationists due to its ecological value, but it also holds a universal appeal for ordinary people. Over the decades, the Government of Nepal, supported by national and international conservation partner organizations and the local communities, has significantly contributed to the conservation of this iconic species. Nepal’s rhino population has increased by 45% between the year 2005 and 2015. There are now 645 rhinos in Nepal, marking an increase of 111 rhinos from the 534 recorded in the last census in 2011. These numbers reflect the success of conservation efforts for this species and are a result of improved rhino protection measures, and management of habitat. Though the population of one-horned rhinos has increased significantly over past years in the country, the protection of the rare wildlife species has remained a challenging job. Habitat loss and fragmentation, increasing encroachment of forest areas, climate change, poaching, and increasing human-wildlife conflict are major challenges for protection of this rare species. This paper discusses the current status and distribution of greater one-horned rhinoceros, and potential challenges to conserve this flagship species in Nepal.
Highlights
The greater one-horned rhinoceros, known as the Indian rhinoceros, lives in floodplain grassland and adjacent riverine forests of North India and Southern Nepal
In the past few decades, various efforts have been implemented for the conservation of this endangered species by the Government of Nepal and other conservation partner organizations; yet we still have to guarantee the safety of its long-term survival (DNPWC, 2016, 2017)
This paper intends to present the current status and distribution of greater one-horned rhinoceros in Nepal and conservation efforts and potential challenges to conserve this iconic species in the national context
Summary
The greater one-horned rhinoceros, known as the Indian rhinoceros, lives in floodplain grassland and adjacent riverine forests of North India and Southern Nepal. While the population of one-horned rhinos has increased significantly over past few years in Nepal, the protection of the rare wildlife species has remained a challenging task. While encroachment of rhino habitat, climate change, decrease in grassland and food competition with livestock are a few enduring threats, a growing concern in recent years has been the poaching and increasing human-wildlife conflicts (DNPWC, 2016 and 2017; Sedhain and Adhikary, 2016; Pant et al, 2019). It is imperative, more than ever, for Nepal to put appropriate policies and strategies into action for the long-term conservation of rhinos. This paper intends to present the current status and distribution of greater one-horned rhinoceros in Nepal and conservation efforts and potential challenges to conserve this iconic species in the national context
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