Wildlife translocation falls short of conservation goals

Nepal's long-standing practice of translocating wildlife to establish populations in new habitats is facing scrutiny as past efforts have largely failed to meet conservation objectives.

Since beginning wildlife translocations four decades ago, Nepal has moved animals from densely populated areas to similar habitats elsewhere. However, recent assessments reveal limited success. For instance, between 1986 and 2023, 104 rhinos were translocated from Chitwan National Park to Bardiya, Shuklaphanta, and Koshi Tappu. Despite moving 91 rhinos to Bardiya, the national rhino census in April 2021 recorded only 38 rhinos there, indicating minimal population growth.

Similar disappointment surrounds other species. Wild water buffaloes moved from Koshi Tappu to Chitwan failed to sustain their population within a large enclosure. The swamp deer project in Chitwan also met a similar fate. These initiatives, intended to bolster populations and biodiversity, have been hampered by factors including floods breaching enclosures and predation by tigers and pythons.

Conservationists previously protested the translocation of rhinos from Chitwan, citing declining numbers in the source park. Despite these concerns, the government proceeded. As preparations now focus on moving blackbucks from Bardiya to Chitwan, questions linger about whether lessons have been learned from previous unsuccessful translocations and if current efforts will achieve their intended conservation goals.

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We sent 83 rhinos, now only 29 remain. Why are we sending them again?