22 Rhinos Die in Chitwan National Park and Buffer Zone

Twenty-two rhinos have died in Chitwan National Park and its buffer zone over the past year. According to park officials, 20 rhinos died in the park and two in the buffer zone between Ashar 29, 2082, and Ashar 29, 2083.

Two of the rhinos died from electrocution, while the others died from natural causes, said Avinash Thapamagar, information officer at the park. The electrocution incidents occurred in Madi and Nawalparasi, where rhinos came into contact with live wires.

Other causes of death included drowning in swamps, fighting, and being attacked by tigers. The park’s elderly rhinos also succumbed to old age.

In the previous fiscal year, 2081/82, 30 rhinos died from natural causes, including two in the buffer zone. According to the 2021 census, there were 694 adult rhinos in Chitwan National Park.