Summary:
Bardiya National Park (BNP) conservationists are concerned about the possible migration of one-horned rhinos to India due to a lack of water sources in their habitat. It is estimated that around 20 rhinos have crossed into the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in India. Bijaya Raj Subedi, chief of the Division Forest Office in Bardiya, noted that the rhinos moved towards India primarily because of water shortages in the Geruwa area, which is their main habitat.
The Geruwa River's declining water flow has forced wildlife, including rhinos, to seek drinking water elsewhere during the dry season. According to the 2021 national rhino census, Nepal is home to 752 one-horned rhinos, with 38 residing in Bardiya National Park. Conservationists emphasize the need for immediate action to manage the habitat of these rhinos, warning that without intervention, the species may face extinction in Bardiya.
Monitoring efforts have begun to track the rhinos that may have migrated, but officials stated they cannot comment on the situation as no radio collars are used for tracking. Local conservationists are urging national park authorities to improve conditions in Bardiya to retain the rhinos and mitigate displacement caused by factors like noise pollution from nearby highways.
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