Posted on February, 19 2015

A fugitive Nepalese poacher has been extradited to Nepal from hiding in Malaysia, and faces a 15-year sentence for rhino poaching and trafficking in rhino horns. The capture of Rajkumar Praja in January, two years after fleeing Nepal, is a highlight in a country leading the fight against wildlife crime. His criminal gang is believed responsible for killing 19 rhino in the famed Chitwan National Park. The Nepalese Government works with local communities, and conservation partners such as WWF to dismantle criminal poaching networks. WWF applauds both governments and INTERPOL for their work in tracking down wildlife criminals. Twice since 2011, Nepal has registered 365 consecutive days of zero poaching – when not a single rhino, tiger or elephant was killed.

Original article posted on: 19.02.15      Updated on: 19.03.15