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Over the course of 38 years, a total of 109 one-horned rhinos have been relocated, with 26 of them gifted to various countries. Chitwan National Park (CNP) is their primary habitat, covering 952.63 square kilometers and housing 694 rhinos. From 1986 to 2023, 102 rhinos were relocated from CNP to other parks and reserves to establish new breeding groups.
In March, seven additional rhinos were translocated internally within CNP and to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. The first international gift of four rhinos from Nepal was sent to India's Dudhwa National Park in 1985, followed by 22 more gifted to other countries until 2018.
Recently, six rhinos were shifted from the western to the eastern area of CNP based on a feasibility study to manage increasing rhino density. The goal is to establish a 'Rhino Century' at Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, with two female rhinos relocated there in September 2023.
Globally, there are approximately 4,000 one-horned rhinos, primarily inhabiting the Terai region of Nepal and protected areas of India. Nepal hosts 752 one-horned rhinos, with CNP being home to the majority. The species is classified as sensitive by AYUCN, Schedule 1 of CITES, and Schedule 1 (Protected Wildlife) of Nepal's National Parks and Wildlife Protection Act, 2029.
Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site established on September 20, 1973, is home to various rare wildlife, including one-horned rhinos, Royal Bengal tigers, gaurs, wild elephants, and Alligator crocodiles. The park spans four districts: Chitwan, Parsa, Makawanpur, and Nawalparasi (Bardghat Susta Purva).
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