Posted on marzo, 15 2002
The week-long operation is a joint initiation of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation and the King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation, with financial support from WWF, the Rufford Foundation-UK, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
The translocation is being carried out to reduce pressure on a habitat the size of the Royal Chitwan National Park. Lower rhino numbers in Chitwan reduce the possibility of potentially damaging human�rhino conflicts and poaching when foraging rhinos stray into farmland surrounding the park. Having two populations in geographically separate areas also protects the rhino population as a whole from disease or natural disasters that may affect one area.
WWF-Nepal Country Representative Dr. Chandra Gurung explained that the translocation went ahead as planned, with a few added precautions such as not transporting the rhinos at night.
�WWF is delighted to support such practical efforts to help safeguard the one-horned rhino�s future. By developing a population in a second habitat the rhinos are protected from natural or human-made disasters. Translocation is critical if we are to rebuild rhino populations and secure the peaceful co-existence of people and wildlife,� says Dr. Susan Lieberman, Director of WWF�s Species Programme.
Dr. Lieberman adds, "I was impressed by the incredible coordination of the entire translocation. In spite of everything going on in Nepal at the moment, the government and NGOs are working through a landmark partnership to preserve and conserve a highly endangered species. WWF has shown that community-based conservation works � for people and for species."
The greater one-horned rhinoceros is one of three rhino species occurring in Asia. Once found in Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar, it is now only found in the plains of India and Nepal. It is the second largest land mammal and an endangered species, thought to number around 2000 individuals. Of these, around 600 are found in Nepal. Sixty-three rhinos have previously been successfully translocated from Royal Chitwan National Park to Royal Bardia National Park. Also, in 2000 four rhinos were translocated to Royal Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve.
For further information:
Matthew Davis
WWF's Species Programme
E-mail: mdavis@wwf.org.uk
Kyla Evans
Head of Press, WWF International
E-mail: kevans@wwfint.org
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