Latest rhino count in Nepal on March 2008 has suggested 435 one-horned rhinoceros in Nepal. During the Rhino Census held on March, 2008, 408 rhinos were counted in Chitwan National Park (CNP) and 22 in Bardia National Park (BNP). Though census was not conducted in Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve (SWR), authorities have estimated five rhinos there.

Unfortunately, six rhinos were killed by poachers after the rhino census, four in CNP and two in BNP. Out of them five were found with de-horned body. In latest, a female rhino was found dead in mysterious condition on August 1. Though horns and hooves were found intact, the circumstances seem beyond the natural death. District Forest Office Chitwan is undertaking investigation. Hence, till now, the real number of rhinos in Nepal can be predicted to be 429.

Rhino census was carried out in CNP from 8th to 23rd March 2008. Among 408 counted here, 100 are male, 130 female and sex status of 178 rhinos have not been identified. While distinguishing by the age, 277 are adult, 51 sub-adult and 80 are calves. In comparision to the previous count of 2005, 36 more rhinos were found in 2008.

Rhino census has been conducted in Bardia National Park from 1st March 2008. Due to the poaching and other natural causes, the number of rhinos plummeted to 22. Out of them, 15 are adult, 1 sub adult and 6 calves. Likewise, 5 male and 6 female are identified whereas sex status of 11 remain unknown. During rapid rhino monitoring of 2007, 31 rhinos were counted there in 2007.

The Rhino census 2008 had been initiated along with more advanced technical equipments and experienced observers comparing before. Observers were equipped with GPS, digital cameras and binoculars. The use of GPS has been made wide this time unlike earlier counts in Nepal which had played instrumental role to study rhinos location. Rhino census 2008 was the joint collaboration of DNPWC, NTNC, WWF Nepal and Zoological Society of London/Darwin Initiative.

Analyzing the age and sex wise distribution, number of breeding adults is increasing, many female rhinos are found in their prime and the female-male sex ratio is nearing which indicates promising future of rhinos.

Among three rhino habitat of Nepal, census was not executed in Shuklafanta Wildlife Reserve (SWR). On rhino count 2005, 8 rhinos were identified here. But according to the official of Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC), three rhinos were known dead after rhino count of 2005. Out of them 2 rhinos died from natural causes and one rhino was poached.

Bardia National Park is struggling with one of it's worst time ever. Cessation in poaching incident does not seem likely. In average, one rhino is being poached in a month. Poachers activities have surged up in Bardia. They are making hay from the security lapses in BNP. Poachers using modern SLR gun had even killed army security guard on April.  Poachers have also eyed on other wildlife like swamp deer, black buck, gaur and wild boar.

CNP and BNP are both afflicted with invasive grass species which is posing severe threat to rhino habitat. Myacanea macarantha has engulfed CNP while in BNP Lantana camara is pervasive. These species have not only cover the rhino habitat but have also restricted the growth of rhino preferred grasses. DNPWC and conservation organisations are in initial phases to tackle with this compelling threat.