KATHMANDU, MAY 11
The national rhinoceros census has been postponed to next year due to budget constraints, marking the second consecutive delay in the periodic count.
The census, conducted every four years by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, was also halted last year for the same reason. Authorities have instead prioritised the tiger census for this year.
Officials said preparations are underway to introduce a genetic method for counting rhinos. A technical committee has begun drafting the required protocol, according to its coordinator and senior ecologist Haribhadra Acharya.
Under the method, enumerators will collect rhino dung samples, which will be analysed through DNA testing to determine individual numbers and sex. CCTV cameras will be used to monitor collection sites and ensure accuracy.
Acharya said the protocol will define procedures, including sampling strategies in large habitats such as Chitwan National Park, where the method will primarily be applied. In other parks-Bardiya, Shuklaphanta and Parsa-direct observation methods will continue.
Rhinos inhabit riverbanks, grasslands, swamps and riparian forests, and are found in four protected areas in Nepal.
The genetic approach is considered safer and more cost-effective than previous block-based direct counting methods, which were both expensive and labour-intensive. The 2021 census had cost around Rs 30 million.
According to the latest count in 2021, Nepal had 752 one-horned rhinos, with 694 in Chitwan National Park, 38 in Bardiya and 18 in Shuklaphanta. The population had dropped to around 100 in the 1960s before recovering steadily over the decades.
(With inputs from RSS)