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🇳🇵 Nepal /Environment & Climate

Bardiya’s rhinos cross into India for water and greener pastures amid habitat concerns

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Rhinos in Nepal's Bardiya National Park are crossing into India due to dwindling water sources, shrinking grasslands, and increased human pressure.
  • Conservation officials estimate around 20 rhinos have moved to India's Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in the past two years, with a recent census postponed due to funding shortages.
  • Experts are concerned about the declining rhino population, attributing the issue to environmental degradation and human activities impacting their natural habitat.

The number of one-horned rhinoceros in Nepal's Bardiya National Park (BNP) is declining, despite successful anti-poaching efforts. Conservation officials cite dwindling water sources, shrinking grasslands, and a shortage of wallowing ponds, all exacerbated by growing human pressure, as the primary reasons.

Even though the number of rhinos has declined, they are not on the verge of extinction.

— Mahesh NeupaneInformation officer at Bardiya National Park, commenting on the rhino population status.

The BNP, Nepal's largest national park, counted 38 rhinos in its 2021 census. The park administration reports that seven rhinos have died in the past five years, mainly due to intraspecies fighting. More significantly, an estimated 20 rhinos have crossed into India’s Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary through the Khata corridor over the last two years, primarily driven by water scarcity.

Rhinos naturally cross the border, and since they don’t stay in one place, those that reach India can return to Bardiya.

— Mahesh NeupaneInformation officer at Bardiya National Park, explaining rhino movement patterns.

Authorities have not conducted fresh surveys to monitor the endangered species. The census planned for 2025 was postponed due to a lack of funding, leaving the exact current population uncertain. While park officials like Mahesh Neupane, information officer at BNP, suggest rhinos naturally cross borders and may return, conservationists express less confidence.

Katarniaghat has sufficient water and grasslands, making it a more attractive habitat for rhinos that have crossed from Nepal.

— Bijaya Raj SubediChief of the Division Forest Office in Bardiya, explaining why rhinos cross into India.

Bijaya Raj Subedi, chief of the Division Forest Office in Bardiya, noted that Katarniaghat offers sufficient water and grasslands, making it a more appealing habitat. Indian authorities have reportedly enhanced grasslands, water sources, and wallowing facilities in the sanctuary for rhino conservation. The Geruwa river, a key offshoot of the Karnali and a primary rhino habitat in western Bardiya, has seen its flow decline due to course changes, floods, and sediment deposits, impacting the rhinos' natural environment. Conservationists emphasize the need for sustained management of safe habitats, adequate food, and year-round water, while also addressing the challenges posed by narrowing biological corridors and expanding human settlements.

Safe habitat, adequate food and water throughout the year need to be managed.

— Ramesh Kumar ThapaFormer chief conservation officer of the park, highlighting management needs.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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