Rhino Count 2005 in and around CNP

This third rhino count was conducted after 5 years in 2005 with the same supporting partners using all Nepali technicians. Technical observers from KMTNCs Biodiversity Conservation Centre/Rhino-Tiger conservation project, elephants from Parsa wildlife Reserve and other observers and elephants from Chitwan participated in this count.

Considering increase in anthropological pressure and external developments, DNPWC considered monitoring of rhino population as one of the major program since 1994. The objectives of the count were:

• To count rhinos so as to monitor their population trend in CNP.

• To prepare a database of rhinos to describe their distribution in the park.

• To assess the effect of poaching in CNP.

The count was carried out in CNP, Buffer zone, community and national forest outside Buffer zone.

Method

The methodology (direct count of rhinoceros) used was developed by Laurie (1982) and Diner stein and price (1991). The census was conducted from March 20 to April 12, 2005, after the grass cutting season. The advantage of the season is that it allows for greater visibility of rhinos in their habitat. This has been considered as the best season in comparison to shorter day light hours during winter and higher temperatures of April and May. For the census purpose, the area was divided into 5 broad blocks as in previous surveys (Yonzon 1994 and DNPWC 2000) as basic units. They were: Sauraha north-east, Narayani west, Bandarjhoola Island, Botesemira south and Tikauli (Bharatpur corridor).

Each block was further subdivided into patches for each working days based on natural boundaries (rivers, streams, forest and road). A total of 23-32 elephants were used for 22 field days. Topographic maps (scale 1: 125000) were marked. Elephants moved along parallel transects towards marked direction by sweeping the area with a minimum distance of 25 m. and a maximum distance of 200 m. between two observers according to the visibility of the sweeping habitat. The survey was carried out for a minimum of 5 hours and maximum of 12 hours based in the predetermined area for the day. A total of 3645 elephant hours were used for the count. The team of observers consisted of those who had participated in the earlier counts as well as new participants. All of the observers were trained on the survey method, observation and record keeping. 23-32 observers were used each day based on the number of elephants and total of 68 observers participated in 22 days. Similarly, altogether about 100 elephant's staffs were used for these 32 elephants with additional 8 management staff for logistics and 4 support staff for kitchen work. Additional elephants from hotels were also used from Machan, Gaida Island and Temple Tiger in the respective working areas.

Observed rhinos were recorded in prescribed data sheet with Adult, sub-adult, and calf age category and male, female and unidentified sex category in tall grassland, riverine, mixed hard wood, and other available habitat. The basis to identify individuals included shape and size of horn, folds in the neck and rump, special body marking (cuts, scars, and skin lobes) and other specials characteristics present on both flanks of the body were also recorded. Motorola radio sets were used to communicate among the staff. Global positioning systems (GPS) were also used during the survey. All the observers crosschecked their observations immediately after returning from each count day. Individual rhino with similar characteristics was compared thoroughly to avoid double count. The final list was then tabulated for each day and patch.

Collaborative Initiatives

The DNPWC coordinated the overall program. WWF Nepal program provided financial support and King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation (now National Trust for Nature Conservation) provided technical support. Staffs, elephants and other support from the collaborative partners were provided.

Advisory committee and Task force

At the center an advisory committee was formed under the leadership of Late Dr. Tirtha Man Maskey, Director General DNPWC, DDG-DNPWC, Ecologist and representative from KMTNC and WWF Nepal program as members. Ecologist Mr. Shyam Bajimaya facilitated both the advisory team and Task force formed for the field. The facilitation work was done in close consultation with Dr. Shanta Raj Jnawali of KMTNC and Dr. Sarala Khaling of WWF Nepal program.

Task force team

Under the coordination of Mr. Shiv Raj Bhatta, chief Warden CNP, a task force was formed which included members from KMTNC/BCC, TAL, DFO, BZMC and park. The team included wildlife biologist, technicians and Veterinary Doctor. The Task force formed technical and logistic team to carry out the rhino count.

Technical team

Under the leadership of Mr. Jhamak B. Karki (assistant ecologist), a technical team was formed including observers from CNP, KMTNC/BCC, TAL, DFO, and BZMC.

Orientation

Half day briefing was conducted before the count. Mr. Shyam Bajimaya and Dr. Shanta Raj Jnawali facilitated the program. Interaction with all the observers/recorders was done during the program.

Result of Rhino count 2005 in CNP

The count rhino 2005 counted a total of 372 rhinos in CNP and its periphery. Out of the total, 262were adults (113 male, 129 female and 20 unknown), 42 sub-adults (9 male, 25 female and 8 unknown sexes) and 68 calves (11 male, 19 female and 38 unknown sexes). 

Adult male- female ratio: Of the total adult rhinos of 262, 43%male, 49%female and 8% were unidentified giving a ratio of 1:1.14.

Adult calf ratio: The adult calf ratio was found to be 4:1 (80% and 20%).

Average annual rate of increase: There were 544 rhinos in 2000. This count resulted in 372 rhinos. 197 rhinos were lost due to poaching, natural death and translocation. Taking this into account, the total increase in number was 25 (569-544) from 2000 to 2005. This brought an annual increment of 0.91%. The rhino was found to be distributed higher in the park (340), and lower in Buffer zone (28) with only 4 outside protected area forest.

Habitat preference: About 45% of the sighting was recorded from tall grassland followed by 20% in mixed hardwood forest and 13.6 in riverine forest.

Discussion

Rhino Mortality

Rhino mortality in CNP was well documented by the park after count 2005. In total, rhino mortality in CNP was 160 (29.4%) within 5 years and 32 individuals each year. That was quite high in comparison to rhino count 1994 and 2000. The cause of mortality was poaching (94) and natural i.e. old age, flood, fighting and predation (66). Poaching of animals attributed 17.3% loss with annual loss of 18.2 individuals whereas mortality due to natural causes was 12.1% with annual loss of 13.2 animals

Translocation

Altogether 37 rhinos were translocated from CNP to BNP & SWR (35), to establish new viable populations and 2 animals were gifted to Japan.

Poaching

Poaching of rhino was also higher in 2002 and 2001 due to merging of posts of CNP due to insurgency (from 32 to seven posts), poor information collection, and a better situation for poachers to strengthen their network during insurgency. However, the situation improved after the implementation of new strategy by park and Nepalese Army.          

Population estimation of Greater one horned Rhinoceros in Nepal: