Poach-free year for Nepal's rhinos

By: wanderlust.co.uk
Source:http://www.wanderlust.co.uk
Category: Jungle Safari News
Posted By: www.gilttravels.com


 Nepal celebrates an entire year without a single poaching-related rhino death, marking a great achievement for rhino conservation...

Jungle Safari News

Not a single rhino was killed by poachers in the Himalayan nation last year, despite international poaching-related rhino deaths reaching a record level in 2011. Conservationists are suggesting there is still hope for the survival of this threatened species.

An estimated 534 greater one-horned rhinos remain in Nepal, the majority of which are found in the Chitwan National Park. The greater one-horned rhino is also found in India, with a global estimated population of 2,500, and is one of the few rhino species that is thought to be increasing in numbers.

This news provides a glimmer of hope for rhino conservation, which was dealt a blow last year with a record number of poaching-related deaths. South African rhinos suffered the worst, with Kruger National Park resorting to 'unconventional measures' to curb the rise.

Diane Walkington, Head of Species, at WWF-UK said: "2011 saw the dreadful situation of more than 400 rhinos being poached in South Africa. Thankfully, there was better news for rhino conservation elsewhere – due to the tremendous efforts of the Nepal government and organisations such as WWF, there wasn't a single case of rhino poaching detected in Nepal. This offers hope that, with the right measures put in place, the battle against rhino poaching can ultimately be won."

Rhinos are normally killed for their horns, which are sold as an ingredient for traditional Asian medicine; regardless of the fact that rhino horn has been proven to have no medicinal value.

Source:http://www.wanderlust.co.uk/magazine/news/poach-free-year-for-nepals-rhinos