RATNANAGAR: Work to construct a confined shelter to keep two pairs of one-horned rhinos meant to be trans-located in China has started in Chitwan National Park.

The translocation will take place as per a decision taken by the government in 2073 BS to gift two pairs of rhinos to China to conduct a study on rhino conservation there.

Earlier, officials of the government and Chinese government struck an agreement to trans-locate the pair within three months.

According to the Chief of the CNP's east sector and Assistant Conservation Officer Abhinaya Pathak, the 30 metre long and 20 metre wide shelter will be fenced by concrete walls in all the four directions and roofed with a mesh. The location for the construction is inside a forest in the CNP near Sauraha. A special ditch will be dug wherein fodder will be put for the rhinos to eat.

A rhino is required to be kept in confinement at least for a month before its translocation to help it to get adapted to a new environment, Pathak added.

Director General Man Bahadur Khadka at the CNP and Wildlife Department  informed that the translocation would take place within next three to four months. The pairs of rhinos will be kept in the Chimelong Safari Park and Shanghai Wild Animal Park after their translocation.

READ ALSO:

• Rhinos to be kept in 'boma' before gifting to China
• Report on China rhino habitat observation submitted
• Nepali team says China suitable for rhinos
• Four months on, process of gifting one-horned rhinos to China in limbo