One Horned Rhino >> Protection Measures

Poaching Protection measures in Nepal

Establishment of protected areas and deployment of Park and Nepalese Army staff to protect national park itself shows the high priority of the Government and continuous effort to control poaching of wildlife. It is not possible to control poaching completely in park area and additional buffer zone area only by setting up different guard posts.

Different measures have been implemented along with regular patrolling.

1973: Initiation of anti-poaching program of "reward" system helped by then ‘Flora and Fauna Preservation Society (FFPS)’. Cash Reward of Rs. 2000 announced by Chief Warden for the person providing reliable information regarding poachers.

1991-1993: Anti-poaching program with "Informants" supported by ‘International Trust fund for Nature Conservation (ITNC)’. Paid informants were temporarily hired by the park to collect information.

1993-1996: Anti-poaching program with Anti-poaching Units (APUs) supported by ‘World Wildlife Fund for Nature Conservation’ (WWF) and ITNC. Government staffs ranger organized to form APU. The APUs were formed to monitor such activities in and outside the park. Their duty was primarily information collection, monitoring and performing operations. Normally the APU consisted: one Ranger and 4 game scout and one informer.

1996-2001: Anti poaching program with monthly staff incentive. Continuation of APUs formed as mentioned above with additional monthly incentive and a system of reward for good work. Reward included cash and Abraham Conservation Award.

2002: Anti-poaching program with additional support based on direct cost instead of additional incentive to particular staff, the direct cost of information collection, mobility, operation and moral boost up by declaring best individual of the year, best post of the years has been introduced.