One Horned Rhino >> Anti Poaching Efforts

The Anti Poaching Units (APUs) were responsible to organize regular patrolling, patrol the park area on a regular basis, sweeping operations to be conducted in suspected areas. The sweeping team included park staff, Nepalese Army staff and elephants, if necessary. The number of staff in the sweeping team varies on the basis of the location and information. The team to be is supplied with transportation and dry foods.

Mobile team

A mobile team of Assistant Warden and Nepalese army officer was formed. Assistant Warden is responsible to contact informers and coordinates with staffs. The team is basically to supervise posts activity, collect information and conduct operations (including covert operation).

The informant network with a system of “reward” has proved effective in controlling poaching in Chitwan Valley. In 1973, the park announced a cash reward of up to Rs. 2,000 for the information that leads to the capture of poacher with evidence or weapon, or rhino horns or parts and derivatives of endangered species. The reward notice was put in public places. The reward became effective and 17 rhino poachers were caught within 3 months. Poaching drastically decreased till 1984.

In order to sustain funding mechanism, the park requested budget for Anti-poaching operation from Government. The budget was approved and released. But due to difficulties in Government procedure, the mechanism of reward could not be sustained and the budget remained as it is (Adhikari et.al.1999). This could be the major reason behind increased poaching again after 1986.

After the 90s, with the support of ITNC and WWF, the Anti-poaching efforts were revitalized again by strengthening cooperation between the park staff and District Forest Office and formation of APUs both in Park and DFO territory.