KATHMANDU, JANUARY 7
Nine one-horned rhinos have died in Chitwan National Park and its surrounding areas over the past six months, park authorities said.
According to CNP Information Officer Avinas Thapa Magar, the deaths were recorded since mid-July in the core park area, adjoining community forests and nearby regions. Of the dead rhinos, five were male and three female, while the sex of one could not be identified.
Magar said one rhino died due to electrocution, while the remaining deaths were attributed to natural causes. The most recent case was reported on January 6, when a male rhino estimated to be around 35 years old was found dead in the Kumroj buffer zone community forest.
"It is believed the rhino died following a fight with another rhino. Its horn and hooves were intact," he said.
Park officials said rhino deaths occur annually due to natural causes, electrocution, fights among rhinos and accidents such as getting trapped in swamps. According to the latest census, Chitwan National Park is home to 694 rhinos.
(With inputs from RSS)
