CHITWAN: An adult female rhino died in an apparent attack from a male rhino during his sexual overtures in near the Chitwan National Park, in Chitwan.

The six-year-old female rhino was found injured in the Setidevi Community Forest, outside the Chitwan National Park on Thursday. She succumbed to injuries on Saturday though wildlife veterinarians tried to save her life, according to Ram Chandra Kandel, the Chief Conservation Officer at Chitwan National Park.

The pachyderm was mature enough for reproduction, but it is believed that she was hurt by the male rhino that expected to copulate with her.

According to Kandel, she might have sustained spinal injuries after the male mounted over her.

Kandel informed that several female rhinos that were weaker have died during fights with male rhinos or their sexual advances.

Meanwhile, the dead rhino has been buried after removing her horn and hoofs in coordination with police, Kandel added.

According to a census  carried out this year, there are 650 rhinos in the Chitwan National park.

Last year, 12 rhinos had died due to natural causes.